Social Worker (Program Coordinator)

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.

01Basic Requirements

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: Social workers must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j.

02Education

Must 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.

03Licensure

You must be licensed or certified at the advanced practice level, and must be able to provide supervision for licensure. Driver's License: Must have a valid driver's license with the ability to transport Veterans. 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).

04Grade Determinations

GS-12 Level: Experience Requirement: You must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. Experience must demonstrate possession of advanced practice skills and judgment, demonstrating progressively more professional competency.

Examples of specialized experience at the GS-11 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; maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality per policies, handbooks or directives; acting as an advocate with appropriate community service providers and agencies when it serves the best interest of the patient and family members/caregiver; independently assessing the psychosocial functioning and needs of patients and their family members, identifying the patient's strengths, weaknesses, coping skills, and psychosocial acuity.

In addition to the experience above, you must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of program coordination and administration which includes consultation, negotiation, and monitoring. Knowledge and ability to write policies, procedures, and/or practice guidelines for the program. Ability to supervise multidisciplinary staff assigned to the program. Skill in organizing work, setting priorities, meeting multiple deadlines, and evaluating assigned program area(s).

Ability to provide training, orientation, and guidance within clinical practice.

05Preferred Experience

Previous experience with home visits, mental health and substance use populations. 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-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-12.

06Physical Requirements

The work is primarily sedentary. Physical demands do not exceed those of a typical office setting. There may be some walking, standing, twisting, turning, sitting, pushing, bending, repetitive keyboarding, or carrying of light items.

The incumbent is responsible for program oversight, monitoring and administration, serving as primary contact with the local Public Housing Authority (PHA's) and direct patient care (directly or through referral) necessary to ensure that VA Medical Centers, community health or mental health providers and agencies that serve homeless populations. Prepares reports and statistics for facility, VISN, and national use.

Manages and controls the use of data related to this program regarding day to day functioning and program evaluation and, in conjunction with the Program Manager, plans and organizes patient care activities. The Social Worker Program Coordinator exercises mature professional judgment and is licensed to practice at the independent clinical level, has specialized knowledge of practice typically related to specific diagnoses and the population of homeless veterans.

07DUTIES

Administrative: Administers information and analytical systems to evaluate and enhance the quality of service provided to patients .Develops and implements information systems to track service activities including visits, referrals, inpatient days, patient demographics, equipment utilization and patient satisfaction. Develops, implements and evaluates clinical guidelines and protocols to establish appropriate utilization of services.

• Performs a wide range of services and provides technical assistance to the medical center, State, local, and private agencies, and universities.
• Provides Technical assistance based on monitoring activities and program reviews, and the development and analysis of information.
• Uses sound judgment in the interpretation of trends and patterns; the application of guidelines; and the recommendation of program enhancements.

Performs work related to the review, monitoring, analysis, planning and assessment of the HUD/VASH program. Responsible for key project activities related to the planning, development, and implementation of the project component. Patient Care: Independently performs case finding functions and outreach, identifying and screening patients for psychosocial needs.

Independently diagnoses mental and substance use disorders, implement treatment modalities, provide counseling or psychotherapy for individuals, families and groups. Performs clinical social work functions and specialized clinical social work functions. Performs case finding functions and outreach independently, identifying and screening patients for psychosocial needs. Independently conducts psychosocial assessments.

Develops treatment plans in collaboration with the veteran/family and with the interdisciplinary treatment team. Independently identifies high-risk patients and provides clinical care and services. Establishes and maintains effective therapeutic relationships with veterans and their families. Incumbent is able to independently work with patients and families who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical and social problems utilizing individual, group and family counseling and therapy skills.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Will be discussed during interview process. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:08603F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized VA Careers - Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program.

You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.