The Licensed Social Worker is located within VA Western New York Healthcare System (VAWNYHS). This is a complexity level 1b facility with two (2) medical campuses and six (6) rural Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC). The position is located in the Behavioral Health Care Line, assigned to the Residential Substance Use Disorder Clinic, also known as the Substance Use Disorders Domiciliary (SUD DOM).

Duties

VA Careers - Licensed Clinical Social Worker: https://youtube.com/embed/U_xC25QsN0w Social Work: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Social-Worker-Career-Flyer.pdf Duties include, but are not limited to the duties below: Uses a high level of skill in assessing and treating the complicated psychosocial problems of Veterans referred to the Behavioral Health Clinic. The incumbent completes thorough psychosocial assessments as part of the consult process when the Veteran is initially referred to the SUD DOM. Other clinical services include group and individual counseling, participation in interdisciplinary team meetings, and case consultation. Utilizes a high level of skill and expertise to establish and maintain effective therapeutic relationships with Veterans in the SUD DOM. The incumbent works independently with Veterans who are experiencing a wide range of concerns related to substance use disorders, which can be complicated by medical, psychiatric, emotional, behavioral, and psychosocial problems. Completes treatment planning in collaboration with the Veteran and collaterals to assure a patient-centered plan with achievable goals. Must possess a working knowledge and experience in Substance Use Disorders, medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures. Must possess knowledge and ability to independently implement treatment modalities, provide counseling and/or supportive groups for Veterans and families within the scope of their licensure. Maintains general knowledge of Veteran's benefits and services, community resources, and process for making appropriate referrals to community and other governmental programs or agencies. 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 Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:30PM Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, 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: Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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. 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. Grade Determinations: GS-11 (Full Performance Level) In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following experience criteria must be met to be found eligible at the 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. (Experience should be clearly demonstrated in your resume)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 requirement of the grade requirements, applicants must also demonstrate all of the below Knowledge, Skills, and abilities (KSAs) in their resume: (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: Substance abuse counseling experience. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G43 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address VA Western New York Healthcare System 3495 Bailey Avenue Buffalo, NY 14215 US
• Name: Karl McPherson
• Phone: 518-466-6400
• Email: [email protected]