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. ***This is an Open and Continuous announcement for this position and can be taken down at any time.***

Duties

Major Duties: Coordinates and/or conducts screening of Veterans for specific programs to determine the appropriate level of care needed for patients not in treatment and the ability to understand the variety of clinical options available through the medical center and local community. Has a working knowledge of medical terminology, diagnostic categories, and chart review. Develops an assessment of the Veteran in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team, the Veteran, family members and significant others. 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. Experienced in making rapid assessments and developing crisis management plans for admission to mental health inpatient programs. Independently formulates and implement a treatment plan including measurable, achievable goals identifying the Veterans' needs, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills, and psychosocial acuity. Provides 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 provides independent consultation and makes recommendations to interdisciplinary team. Can engage patient and family education, engage client advocacy, engage mandatory reporting (abuse, neglect, or exploitation), engage suicide assessment, crisis intervention, and safety planning. Provides ongoing intervention and documentation per VA Guidelines and facility policy. The incumbent must have a thorough working knowledge of VISTA/CPRS. The social worker has the ability to expand clinical knowledge in the profession, provide consultation and guidance to colleagues, role model effective social work practice skills, teach or provide orientation to less experienced social workers, develop innovations in practice interventions, and provide clinical supervision for social work licensure or certification. The social worker acts as an advocate when appropriate and feasible while encouraging the Veteran and family to advocate on their own behalf thus fostering a sense of independence and empowerment. This social worker evaluates his/her practice on an on-going basis through participation in professional peer review, case conferences, research studies, or other organized means. Provides psychoeducation and clinical feedback regarding symptoms of the mental health condition to patients served. Aids in furthering his/her professional development, program's development, & others in the area of mental health services. Will assist in the development & implementation of policies & procedures pertinent to the program, including quality assurance & program evaluation activities as required by MIRECC, VACO, CAVHCS, Joint Commission, others. Will be responsible for maintaining accurate record of relevant trainings and participate in continuing education in accordance with VA policies and state licensure. Will fulfill ethical responsibilities to Veterans, colleagues and VA in accordance with NASW Code of Ethics, VHA Code of Ethics, and local Ethics policies, which includes but is not limited to compliance with all laws and regulations related to confidentiality and release of information, and protecting Veterans' personal identifying information. Will function as a fully accountability party on the team and when appropriate accepts other assignments as delegated by the program manager The social worker will establish and maintain positive working relationships with employees, volunteers, consumers and stakeholders within the VA and outside community agencies. The social worker will attend all appropriate staff meetings (interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, Social Work Service staff meetings, Mental Health Service staff meetings, other committees as appropriate, etc.) and perform other duties as required. The social worker will collaborate in the performance improvement processes and comply with performance measures as required by the VA for their specific population and/or program. The social worker will participate in activities that obtain feedback from clients and work to enhance services as needed. The social worker completes required clinical and administrative documentation in a timely manner and in accord with governing regulations. Serves on Medical Center or Healthcare System, VISN, and/or National VA committees or task forces, as endorsed by supervisors. Participates in social work privileging, educational and peer review activities, in accord with medical center policies. Work Schedule: Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: EDRP Authorized: Contact , Lakita Bush the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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: Education: Must have a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) 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. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) Licensure: Must be licensed or certified by a state at the advanced practice level at the GS-12 grade level, and must be able to provide supervision for licensure. IN ADDITION TO THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING GRADE REQUIREMENTS:GS-12 Grade level: Experience: The candidate must have at least 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. Candidate may have certification or other post-master's degree training from a nationally recognized professional organization or university that includes a defined curriculum/course of study and internship, or equivalent supervised professional experience. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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. Preferred Experience: Mental Health References: VA Handbook 5005/120, PART II, APPENDIX G39, Social Worker Qualification Standard The full performance level of this vacancy is GS12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS12. Physical 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, and repetitive keyboarding, or carrying of light items.

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 Central Alabama VA Medical Center-Montgomery 215 Perry Hill Road Montgomery, AL 36109 US
• Name: Ashley Lafi
• Phone: 708-940-8495
• Email: [email protected]