The Inpatient Social Services Assistant (SSA) is an active member of the Acute Care Coordination team and provides support services to Veterans who are admitted to medicine wards. The primary function of the Social Services Assistant is to provide case management and linkage to community resources collaboratively with the multidisciplinary teams to support Veterans in a safe and timely manner as they transition out of an inpatient setting.

Duties

Major duties include: Use word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files, activating printers, inserting and deleting text, and formatting letters, reports, and memoranda. Utilize the Electronic Health Record system and other Veterans Health Administration (VHA) approved reporting data systems to include the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) to documents and capture required data and information. Adhere to national and local policies on clinical documentation practices and documents activity in medical record comprehensively, timely, promptly, accurately, and concisely. Report any patient and/or safety concerns immediately to their supervisor and/or care coordination team and document these concerns in the appropriate VHA reporting systems. Document in appropriate reporting systems all clinical, quality and patient safety needs/concerns. File a Disruptive Behavior Report when a patient or employee engages in behavior that is disruptive while at SAVAHCS, including Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) or the community. Provide assistance as a liaison and advocate for Veterans' needs and communicate these concerns to the care team. Meet with Veterans typically by oneself at bedside. Respond to phone calls in a courteous and timely manner, determine the nature of requests, and provide the information desired using privacy rules and established clinic processes to both the Veteran, Veteran's family, VA staff and the public. Screen and report any patient safety concerns in a timely manner to the care team and appropriate entities to include suicide safety planning and abuse/neglect reporting. Participate in multidisciplinary team discharge planning and treatment team meetings with the Veteran and/or internal and community stakeholders involved in Veteran's care to ensure that discharge plans are executed in a manner that is timely and appropriate. Ensure warm handoffs, communication and collaboration during transitions in care for the Veteran. Maintain effective professional working relationships with medical center staff, subject matter experts, Veteran's support systems, leadership, and community agencies in the provision of safe, appropriate, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable care and services. Facilitate the patient's self-determination and self-management through tenants of advocacy, shared and informed decision making, and health education. Engage other VHA and community services as needed and ensures that adequate follow-up care has been brokered. Provide education related to coping with health conditions, VA and community resources, entitlements, Advance Directives and Life Sustaining Treatment options, guardianship, insurance, and co-pay(s) information, etc. Provide assistance as a liaison and support for veterans needs on multiple teams and communicate these concerns to the care team. Complete referral packets for community placement such as sub-acute rehabilitation facilities, acute rehabilitation facilities, assisted living, skilled nursing home, adult care home and other care settings. Identify community-based and VA resources to support safe discharge planning and meet the ongoing treatment needs of Veterans as they transition to an outpatient setting. This may include resources and referral to community agencies and services that will encourage safe living in the Veteran's home. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Social Services Assistant/PD145780 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 04/19/2024. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-6 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-5. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. Selective placement factor: is applied in the same manner as minimum qualification requirements. Relevant selective placement factor experience must be well documented in your resume. Failure to meet a selective placement factor will result in you not receiving further consideration. In addition to the minimum qualifications described below, you must meet the following selective placement factor: Must have a valid state driver's license. You may qualify based on your experience as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-5 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Group leader in community or residential recreation or training programs. Counselor in a youth summer camp. Instructor in a training program for the development of job skills. Work that demonstrated the ability to be responsible for and to lead and train members of a job crew. Group activities leader in the Armed Services. Unit leader-monitor-proctor for a dormitory group in a boarding school or other residential facility. Aid or assistant to professional or specialist staff in such fields as personnel (private or government), employment guidance in a vocational or academic institution, social service, or manpower development. Aid or assistant to professional or associate staff engaged in work of a social services nature in private, public welfare, government program, or community organizations, or in voluntary activities. Aid or assistant to professional or specialist staff working with individuals who are addicted to or abuse alcohol and/or drugs. Experience in social services or health care. Must demonstrate great communication skills and the ability to get along with patients and staff. The applicant will be able to complete basic power points and excel data spreadsheets. The applicant will be able to demonstrate the ability to remain calm in moments of stress and be willing to reach out to supervisors when necessary. Must have the ability to write and speak in standard English. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Computer SkillsHuman FactorsPlanning and Evaluating Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: The work is primarily in the office and on the inpatient medicine wards. Typically, the employee meets with patients and their families and bedside and document notes on laptop. There will be walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items such as books, papers, etc.; accessing transportation; and driving a government vehicle. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Contacts

• Address Tucson VA Medical Center 3601 South Sixth Avenue Tucson, AZ 85723 US
• Name: Cherie Mennel
• Phone: 520-792-1450 X6213
• Email: [email protected]