Social Worker (BHIP)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Chattanooga, TN, United States
Summary
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval – award amount (up to $200-000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
Eligibility Note
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements
Citizenship
Be a citizen of the United States
(Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g this part)
Education
Have a master's degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Graduates of schools of social work that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the School of Social Work is fully accredited
A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master's degree in social work
Verification of the degree can be made by going to http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation to verify that the social work degree meets the 4 accreditation standards for a masters of social work
Licensure
Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-0185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level
Current state requirements may be found by going to http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/T38Hybrid/
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
Grade Determinations: GS-11 Experience and Licensure
Appointment to the GS-11 grade level requires completion of a minimum of one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the field of health care or other social work-related settings - (VA or non-VA experience) and licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level
NOTE: For appointment licensure or certification at this level please refer to paragraph 3c
OR Education
In addition to meeting basic requirements - a doctoral degree in social work from a school of social work may be substituted for the required one year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting
Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
In addition to the experience above - candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of community resources – how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services – and ability to coordinate services
Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic – cultural – ethnic – educational and other diversified backgrounds
Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses – disabilities and treatment procedures (i.e acute – chronic and traumatic illnesses/injuries – common medications and their effects/side effects – and medical terminology) to formulate a treatment plan
Skill in independently implementing different treatment modalities in working with individuals – families – and groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric – 8 medical – and social problems to achieve treatment goals
Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers – social work graduate students – and other staff about the psychosocial needs of patients and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and compliance with treatment
{Full Performance Level] Assignments
This is the full performance level
Social workers at this level are licensed or certified to independently practice social work
Incumbents are assigned to all program areas – including but not limited to: inpatient or outpatient medicine – surgery – mental health – neurology – rehabilitation medicine – and geriatrics
Employees provide professional – independent social work services in the assigned area
Duties include but are not limited to: assessing and documenting identified behaviors or symptoms of abuse – neglect – exploitation and/or intimate partner violence
use of clinical social work skills and knowledge to maintain Veteran privacy and confidentiality per policies – handbooks or directives
and acts as an advocate with appropriate VA and community service providers and agencies when it serves the best interest of the Veteran and family members/caregiver
Incumbent independently assesses the psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and their family members – identifying the Veteran's strengths – weaknesses – coping skills – and psychosocial acuity
In collaboration with the Veteran – family/caregiver – and interdisciplinary treatment team – the social worker facilitates the delivery of health care services
The social worker identifies family/caregiver stressors – conducts assessment and provides specific interventions
The incumbent provides case management and care coordination to facilitate appropriate delivery of health care services – incorporates complex multiple causation in differential diagnosis and treatment of Veterans – including making psychosocial and psychiatric diagnoses within approved clinical privileges or scope of practice
The social worker links the Veteran with services – resources – and opportunities – in order to maximize the Veteran's independence – health – and well-being
The social worker conducts timely assessment of at-risk Veterans in crisis to identify immediate needs – evaluate risk – and initiate safety plan as appropriate
The social worker provides interventions independently with Veterans and their families/caregivers who are experiencing a wide range of complicated medical – behavioral health – financial – legal – and psychosocial problems
They provide a range of interventions and treatment modalities which may include individual – group – and/or family counseling or psychotherapy
They independently formulate and implement a treatment plan including measurable – achievable goals identifying the Veterans' needs – strengths – weaknesses – coping skills – and psychosocial acuity
Social workers serve on committees – work groups – and task forces at the facility and VISN level or in the community
They provide subject matter consultation to colleagues and students on the psychosocial treatment of Veterans offering professional opinions based on experience – expertise and role modeling effective social work practice skills
The social worker establishes and maintains ongoing education programs for Veterans – community agencies – students – and staff – to facilitate understanding of social work interventions specific to the Veteran/Military population
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
Physical Requirements: Physical demands of the work are generally minor and are generally sedentary in nature
Physical activity involves sitting – standing – walking – bending – stooping – climbing stairs – and carrying light items such as papers – books – or other supplies
The incumbent uses a computer and standard office equipment to complete tasks
The emotional demands can be stressful in working with the Veteran/Patient population and their families/caregivers
A level of self-awareness is essential.
Duties
VA Careers – Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU VA Careers – Licensed Clinical Social Worker: https://youtube.com/embed/U_xC25QsN0w Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Responsible for patient outreach and support and facilitating engagement in treatment
Patient contact is frequently initiated via telephone – video telehealth – or written correspondence – but face-to-face contact is also within the scope of this position
Responsible for completing an initial care management assessment of the Veteran's status and needs that may include the following: Administration of validated patient-reported outcome measures
Review of assessments and documentation completed by others
Obtaining missing – pertinent information from providers – patients – and medical records
Providing information about the wide variety of clinical and other services available to veterans throughout the medical system and local community
Serve as BHIP Treatment Coordinator for all veterans assigned to the individual BHIP clinic
Responsibilities may include contacting veterans whose care has lapsed – addressing veteran or caregiver questions – working with veterans' existing providers – and completing warm handoffs to clinicians or other staff within BHIP – to other TVHS programs both inside and outside of MHCL – and to programs in the community
Actively participates in weekly caseload consultation with the BHIP team lead and will actively seek additional consultation as clinically indicated
Assists the BHIP team lead in tracking and monitoring veterans with High-Risk Flags for suicide or who are otherwise at risk
Responsible for monitoring of Veteran progress – using validated patient reported outcome measures – and ongoing review of patient status and recommendations for changes in treatment
Responsible for providing education and brief interventions using evidence‑based techniques such as behavioral activation – motivational interviewing – and other focused treatment strategies
Participates in relapse prevention planning throughout care – including transition from active treatment to maintenance as goals are achieved
The incumbent may be asked – occasionally or regularly – to complete BHIP intake assessments – lead – or co‑lead BHIP groups – or provide coverage within Mental Health Acute Care Clinic (MAC) or otherwise respond to requests for walk‑in or same day care
Responsible for timely and thorough documentation of all patient interactions
The incumbent will be a Subject Matter Expert on clinical and other support services available within BHIP – in other MHCL programs – and throughout TVHS
The CoCM will use a systems approach in relation to work with veterans – considering both clinical needs as well as psychosocial deficits that may be treatment‑interfering and that could be addressed by engagement with additional services
Functions effectively within interdisciplinary teams – fostering open communication – mutual respect – and shared decision‑making to achieve high quality patient care
Collaborates with BHIP leadership/team members to develop/enhance educational materials and use marketing strategies to promote BHIP CoCM services
Effectively communicates with patients – families – caregivers – VA leadership – and members of the interdisciplinary team
Work Schedule: 7:30am – 4:00pm – Monday – Friday
Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
Contact – the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay – a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
Paid Time Off: 37–50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13–26 days of annual leave – 13 days of sick leave – 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual – based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment – up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth – adoption – or foster care placement of a child
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment – full time employees with a total family income below $144–000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 70972F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval – award amount (up to $200-000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
Eligibility Note
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements
Citizenship
Be a citizen of the United States
(Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g this part)
Education
Have a master's degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Graduates of schools of social work that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the School of Social Work is fully accredited
A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master's degree in social work
Verification of the degree can be made by going to http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation to verify that the social work degree meets the 4 accreditation standards for a masters of social work
Licensure
Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-0185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level
Current state requirements may be found by going to http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/T38Hybrid/
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
Grade Determinations: GS-11 Experience and Licensure
Appointment to the GS-11 grade level requires completion of a minimum of one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the field of health care or other social work-related settings - (VA or non-VA experience) and licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level
NOTE: For appointment licensure or certification at this level please refer to paragraph 3c
OR Education
In addition to meeting basic requirements - a doctoral degree in social work from a school of social work may be substituted for the required one year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting
Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
In addition to the experience above - candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of community resources – how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services – and ability to coordinate services
Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic – cultural – ethnic – educational and other diversified backgrounds
Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses – disabilities and treatment procedures (i.e acute – chronic and traumatic illnesses/injuries – common medications and their effects/side effects – and medical terminology) to formulate a treatment plan
Skill in independently implementing different treatment modalities in working with individuals – families – and groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric – 8 medical – and social problems to achieve treatment goals
Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers – social work graduate students – and other staff about the psychosocial needs of patients and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and compliance with treatment
{Full Performance Level] Assignments
This is the full performance level
Social workers at this level are licensed or certified to independently practice social work
Incumbents are assigned to all program areas – including but not limited to: inpatient or outpatient medicine – surgery – mental health – neurology – rehabilitation medicine – and geriatrics
Employees provide professional – independent social work services in the assigned area
Duties include but are not limited to: assessing and documenting identified behaviors or symptoms of abuse – neglect – exploitation and/or intimate partner violence
use of clinical social work skills and knowledge to maintain Veteran privacy and confidentiality per policies – handbooks or directives
and acts as an advocate with appropriate VA and community service providers and agencies when it serves the best interest of the Veteran and family members/caregiver
Incumbent independently assesses the psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and their family members – identifying the Veteran's strengths – weaknesses – coping skills – and psychosocial acuity
In collaboration with the Veteran – family/caregiver – and interdisciplinary treatment team – the social worker facilitates the delivery of health care services
The social worker identifies family/caregiver stressors – conducts assessment and provides specific interventions
The incumbent provides case management and care coordination to facilitate appropriate delivery of health care services – incorporates complex multiple causation in differential diagnosis and treatment of Veterans – including making psychosocial and psychiatric diagnoses within approved clinical privileges or scope of practice
The social worker links the Veteran with services – resources – and opportunities – in order to maximize the Veteran's independence – health – and well-being
The social worker conducts timely assessment of at-risk Veterans in crisis to identify immediate needs – evaluate risk – and initiate safety plan as appropriate
The social worker provides interventions independently with Veterans and their families/caregivers who are experiencing a wide range of complicated medical – behavioral health – financial – legal – and psychosocial problems
They provide a range of interventions and treatment modalities which may include individual – group – and/or family counseling or psychotherapy
They independently formulate and implement a treatment plan including measurable – achievable goals identifying the Veterans' needs – strengths – weaknesses – coping skills – and psychosocial acuity
Social workers serve on committees – work groups – and task forces at the facility and VISN level or in the community
They provide subject matter consultation to colleagues and students on the psychosocial treatment of Veterans offering professional opinions based on experience – expertise and role modeling effective social work practice skills
The social worker establishes and maintains ongoing education programs for Veterans – community agencies – students – and staff – to facilitate understanding of social work interventions specific to the Veteran/Military population
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
Physical Requirements: Physical demands of the work are generally minor and are generally sedentary in nature
Physical activity involves sitting – standing – walking – bending – stooping – climbing stairs – and carrying light items such as papers – books – or other supplies
The incumbent uses a computer and standard office equipment to complete tasks
The emotional demands can be stressful in working with the Veteran/Patient population and their families/caregivers
A level of self-awareness is essential.
Duties
VA Careers – Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU VA Careers – Licensed Clinical Social Worker: https://youtube.com/embed/U_xC25QsN0w Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Responsible for patient outreach and support and facilitating engagement in treatment
Patient contact is frequently initiated via telephone – video telehealth – or written correspondence – but face-to-face contact is also within the scope of this position
Responsible for completing an initial care management assessment of the Veteran's status and needs that may include the following: Administration of validated patient-reported outcome measures
Review of assessments and documentation completed by others
Obtaining missing – pertinent information from providers – patients – and medical records
Providing information about the wide variety of clinical and other services available to veterans throughout the medical system and local community
Serve as BHIP Treatment Coordinator for all veterans assigned to the individual BHIP clinic
Responsibilities may include contacting veterans whose care has lapsed – addressing veteran or caregiver questions – working with veterans' existing providers – and completing warm handoffs to clinicians or other staff within BHIP – to other TVHS programs both inside and outside of MHCL – and to programs in the community
Actively participates in weekly caseload consultation with the BHIP team lead and will actively seek additional consultation as clinically indicated
Assists the BHIP team lead in tracking and monitoring veterans with High-Risk Flags for suicide or who are otherwise at risk
Responsible for monitoring of Veteran progress – using validated patient reported outcome measures – and ongoing review of patient status and recommendations for changes in treatment
Responsible for providing education and brief interventions using evidence‑based techniques such as behavioral activation – motivational interviewing – and other focused treatment strategies
Participates in relapse prevention planning throughout care – including transition from active treatment to maintenance as goals are achieved
The incumbent may be asked – occasionally or regularly – to complete BHIP intake assessments – lead – or co‑lead BHIP groups – or provide coverage within Mental Health Acute Care Clinic (MAC) or otherwise respond to requests for walk‑in or same day care
Responsible for timely and thorough documentation of all patient interactions
The incumbent will be a Subject Matter Expert on clinical and other support services available within BHIP – in other MHCL programs – and throughout TVHS
The CoCM will use a systems approach in relation to work with veterans – considering both clinical needs as well as psychosocial deficits that may be treatment‑interfering and that could be addressed by engagement with additional services
Functions effectively within interdisciplinary teams – fostering open communication – mutual respect – and shared decision‑making to achieve high quality patient care
Collaborates with BHIP leadership/team members to develop/enhance educational materials and use marketing strategies to promote BHIP CoCM services
Effectively communicates with patients – families – caregivers – VA leadership – and members of the interdisciplinary team
Work Schedule: 7:30am – 4:00pm – Monday – Friday
Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
Contact – the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay – a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
Paid Time Off: 37–50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13–26 days of annual leave – 13 days of sick leave – 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual – based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment – up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth – adoption – or foster care placement of a child
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment – full time employees with a total family income below $144–000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 70972F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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