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. 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. Learn more 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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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. 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. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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: Social Worker 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. 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. In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services. (b) 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. (c) 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. (d) Skill in independently implementing different treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical, and social problems to achieve treatment goals. (e) 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. Preferred Experience: 1.) Must have an MSW from an Accredited Graduate School Institution. For Entry Level positions, this is mandatory for consideration at the lowest performance level for GS9. Employment and/or Assignment is conditioned for the Candidate to complete licensure or certification at the independent level (master's level) within 3 years of her/his appointment as a Social Worker. 2.) Ability to engage and perform in basic level of General Direct Case Management and Crisis Intervention. 3.) Psychosocial assessment or Biopsychosocial assessment completion. Treatment Plan and/or Plan of Action Development. 4.) Ability to Engage, Advocate, Collaborate, Practice and Coordinate with Interdisciplinary teams and other services and disciplines within the VHA or in the Community and assist with discharges of Veterans from community inpatient facilities to close the gap of services for Veterans. 5.) Ability to discuss and complete Advance Directives and engage in further discussions with Veterans and families around Patient Care Priorities, Advanced Care Planning, End of Life Discussions, etc. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/120 PART II Appendix G39 dated September 10, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: The position will require moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), moderate carrying (15-44 pounds), reaching above shoulder, walking (4 hours), and standing (4 hours). ["The Social Worker assess for psychosocial problems, often at a time when the veteran is experiencing crisis and include the provision of short-term, solution-focused counseling with veterans and/or their family members/significant others. Referrals typically originate from members of the interdisciplinary team, from veterans and/or their family members/significant others coming as walk-ins to seek assistance, and from community professionals. The Social Worker is responsible for the monitoring of, and discharge planning for, Veterans assigned to the PACT Team while Veterans are hospitalized in any number of local medical facilities. The incumbent must complete thorough assessments to determine the presenting problem to determine in-home factors impacting the problem and to determine obstacles to treatment and/or follow through with recommended treatments. Consultation with members of the outpatient interdisciplinary team is provided in order to coordinate a collaborative effort to meet the agreed upon goals for the Veteran's treatment needs and include liaison with community professionals regarding needed services for veterans and/or their families. Works with various patient populations include, but are not limited to, homeless Veterans, Hospice Services, Community Living Center, Home Health services, financial resources, VA benefits, and transportation services. Screening/Assessment:\nThe PACT Social Worker will complete an assessment of the Veteran in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team, the Veteran, family members and significant others. The goal of the assessment is to identify needs and formulate a plan to meet those needs. The incumbent demonstrates an understanding of the range of treatment and skills needed for all adult patients (including geriatric patients) related to their physical limitations, psychological needs and age associated illnesses and conditions. Referral to service providers:\nThroughout the course of treatment, the Social Worker is the subject matter expert on VA and/or community resources. The Social Worker will collaborate with other service providers in reassessing the Veteran's needs. The Social Worker is responsible for educating the Veteran and family members/caregivers of the available services and assisting them in establishing the appropriate referrals based on the Veteran's preference or that of his surrogate decision-maker. Treatment Planning/Goal Setting:\nThe Social Worker is responsible for contributing to the development of the treatment plan and setting achievable treatment goals with the Veteran and family members/caregiver. Resource Usage/Development:\nThe incumbent is responsible for using the current Social Work resource file of VA and community social service programs and enhancing the content to the benefit of Veterans. The Social Worker will refer the Veteran to needed services. Advocacy:The incumbent understands the difficulty of bureaucracy and will act as an advocate when it serves the best interest of the Veteran and family members/caregiver. When appropriate and feasible, the Social Worker will educate and encourage the Veteran to advocate on his/her own behalf, thus fostering a sense of independence and empowerment. Crisis Intervention:\nThe Social Worker is experienced in making rapid assessments and developing crisis management plans. Education/Health promotion and prevention:\nThe Social Worker provides education related to VA and community resources, entitlements, Advance Directives/Living Will and will refer Veterans and family members/caregiver to the appropriate interdisciplinary team member for identified health education needs. Coordination of non-institutional and institutional services:\nThe Social Worker will review the progress notes from the other providers to accurately determine the strengths and limitations of each Veteran. Supportive counseling:\nThe Social Worker will provide the Veterans and their family members/caregiver with ongoing supportive counseling. Administrative responsibilities:\nThe Social Worker will enter all Veteran/family contacts in the electronic record using appropriate formats and templates. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual.\nEDRP Authorized: Contact VISN17EDRP2@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required\nNote: This is a Bargaining Unit Position."]