Social Worker (Clinical Assessor) Care Giver Support Program

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.

02Education

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 accreditation standards for a masters of social work.

03Licensure

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/. Exception. VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification examinations.

This exception only applies at the GS-9 grade level. For the GS-11 grade level and above, the candidate must be licensed or certified. At the time of appointment, the supervisor, chief social work or social work executive will provide the unlicensed/uncertified social worker with the written requirements for licensure or certification, including the time by which the license or certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming licensed or certified by the deadline.

Loss of Licensure or Certification. Once licensed or certified, social workers must maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification to remain qualified for employment. Loss of licensure or certification will result in removal from the GS-0185 social worker series and may result in termination of employment. 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). Creditable Experience. The candidate must have knowledge of current professional social work practices. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics associated with current professional social work practice.

The experience or education must be post-Masters of Social Work (MSW) degree. Experience and education satisfying this requirement must be active professional practice, which is paid/non-paid employment as a professional social worker, as defined by the appropriate state licensing board. Quality of Experience.

Experience is only creditable if it is obtained following graduation with a master's degree in social work and if it includes work as a professional social worker directly related to the position to be filled. Qualifying experience must also be at a level comparable to social work experience at the next lower level.

04Grade Determinations

In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

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.

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.

05Physical Requirements

Must be in overall good health, able to sit at a desk working at a computer, engage in light to moderate physical activity including sitting, walking, bending, and carrying supplies.

The Social Worker (Clinical Assessor) serves as a key member of the Caregiver Support Program (CSP), supporting Veterans and their caregivers by conducting comprehensive assessments that help determine eligibility for caregiver assistance programs and services. This position plays a critical role in promoting the health, well-being, and independence of Veterans while supporting the caregivers who provide essential daily care.

Working independently as a licensed clinical social worker, the incumbent collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, community partners, and VA healthcare providers to evaluate Veterans' functional needs, identify barriers to care, and connect Veterans and caregivers with appropriate resources and services.

The Clinical Assessor serves as a subject matter expert on caregiver support, conducts home and community-based assessments, and contributes to program development, education, and quality improvement initiatives that enhance Veteran and caregiver outcomes.

Major Duties As a Social Worker (Clinical Assessor), you will: Conduct comprehensive functional assessments and reassessments of Veterans to evaluate the need for personal care services, focusing on activities of daily living (ADLs), supervision requirements, mobility, safety, and overall functional capability. Perform in-home, virtual, and face-to-face assessments with Veterans and caregivers as part of the application and reassessment process for caregiver support programs.

• Utilize standardized assessment tools and clinical judgment to provide recommendations that support eligibility determinations and care planning.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, including primary care, mental health, rehabilitation, and specialty care providers, to evaluate Veteran needs and coordinate services.
• Provide consultation, education, and guidance to Veterans, caregivers, families, and staff regarding caregiver resources, community supports, VA programs, and available benefits.

Identify psychosocial challenges affecting Veterans and caregivers, including caregiver stress, emotional distress, family dynamics, and barriers to care, and recommend appropriate interventions. Develop and maintain partnerships with community agencies and service organizations to improve access to resources and enhance care coordination.

Facilitate referrals to VA and community-based programs and services, including respite care, home-based services, long-term care, mental health programs, telehealth, hospice care, and other support resources. Assist with program monitoring, data collection, reporting, and quality improvement initiatives to evaluate program effectiveness and enhance service delivery.

Develop and deliver educational presentations, training programs, support groups, and outreach activities for Veterans, caregivers, staff, and community stakeholders. Serve as a consultant and advocate for caregivers by helping them navigate complex healthcare, community, and government systems. Remain current on caregiver-related legislation, policies, best practices, and evidence-based approaches to support Veterans and caregiver populations.

Work Schedule & Travel This position requires regular interaction with Veterans and caregivers in clinical, virtual, home, and community settings. Travel within the service area is required to conduct home visits, complete assessments, and collaborate with community partners and stakeholders. Work Schedule: Tour of duty is Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Schedule may be changed to meet the needs of the Veterans and the Medical Center. Evenings and weekend coverage may be required.

Impact of the Position The Social Worker (Clinical Assessor) directly influences the quality of life of Veterans and their caregivers by ensuring accurate assessment of care needs, improving access to critical support services, strengthening caregiver resilience, and advancing the VA's mission to provide comprehensive, Veteran-centered care. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more