The incumbent in this position is organizationally under the Chief of Mental Health Service (MHS) and has direct responsibility for all functions regarding Mental Health Social Work services provided at VA Illiana Health Care System (VAIHCS). It is noted that these duties are a combination of clinical, administrative and supervisory duties that involve complex clinical and programmatic issues and encompass management of social workers assigned to cover many Mental Health programs.

Duties

Assists the Chief, MHS in business plans for the service, human resource management, strategic planning, program management and evaluation to assure that the clinical and administrative functions of all MH social workers are integrated to provide optimum use of resources. Participates in MHS management discussions, decisions and policy making and provides program direction to other MH managers and Social Work staff assigned to MHS. Actively participates in the development of overall Mental Health management objectives and philosophies needed to attain optimum efficiency in providing mental health care to the Veterans served by the VAIHCS. Provides input & advice to the Chief, MHS for planning, programming and general administration. Manages a large group of Social Work FTEE who provide mental health services central to the mission of VAIHCS. Helps the Chief, MHS establish objectives congruent with and reflective of the Medical Center mission. Assists the Chief, MHS in developing long-range and short-term goals and programs required to meet stated objectives and directs staff to fulfill the planning & operations of the MHS to complement attainment of the established goals and objectives. Formulates policies and operating procedures that directly affect MH Social Work staff, ensuring compliance with VHA regulations, statutes and the requirements of internal and external reviews & accrediting bodies. Ensures information from Social Work Service that impacts MH Social workers is disseminated in a timely manner. Develops program evaluation methodology and processes, which will assist in meeting process improvement or other reporting requirements affecting programs or personnel where MH social workers are involved. Responsible for the supervision of the MH Social Work staff and will report directly to the Chief, MHS. On occasion, the incumbent may be required to assist with programmatic and administrative coverage needs, in the absence of the Chief, MHS. Effectively communicate needs and solicit assistance from varying levels of individuals. Performs analytical and evaluative work associated with line and/or program activities. Develops, analyzes, evaluates, advises on, or improves the effectiveness of work methods and procedures, organizations, labor utilization, distribution of work assignments, delegations of authority, management controls, information and documentation systems, and similar functions of management and provides this information to the Chief, MHS. Performs analytical and evaluative work associated with line and/or program activities. Develops, analyzes, evaluates, advises on or improves the effectiveness of work methods and procedures, organizations, labor utilization, distribution of work assignments, delegation of authority, management controls, information and documentation systems, and similar functions of management and provides this information to the Chief, MHS as needed. Serves as a clinical social worker providing direct patient care within a Mental Health Service program. Provides clinical supervision to MH Social Workers and trainees. All other duties as assigned. ***Occasional travel will be required between CBOC facilities*** Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Compressed/Flexible:Not authorized. Telework: Authorized. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Financial Disclosure: 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. Language: Must be proficient in written and spoken English as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education: Must have a a master's degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) Licensure: Must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. Current VHA Social Workers may qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation. GS-13 Grade Determinations: Licensure/Certification: Must be licensed or certified at the advanced practice level, and must be able to provide supervision for licensure. AND Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. This experience must demonstrate possession of advanced practice skills and judgment, demonstrating progressively more professional competency. Experience includes: knowledge of Headquarters (HQ), medical center and service level regulations, policies, and procedures, and knowledge of, and ability to appropriately utilize, evidence based practices and clinical practice guidelines and ability to guide staff in using these tools. AND In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: (a) Knowledge of administrative and supervisory duties which includes personnel actions, clinical supervision, consultation, negotiation with other departments, and quality improvement. (b) Knowledge of legal, ethical, and professional standards applicable to social work practice. (c) Ability to develop, maintain, and oversee social work programs in all settings. (d) Knowledge of social work practice, policy, and accreditation standards across the continuum of health care. (e) Skill in providing consultation to facility leadership, managers, and other staff on social work qualification standards, practice, competency, productivity, and continuing education requirements. Physical Demands: The work is primarily sedentary although some slight physical effort may be required such as walking, stooping, or lifting no more than 15Ibs. Work Environment: The work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate-controlled office. Use of a computer and telephone are required, and some travel by automobile within a 125-mile radius is likely. The employee is required to have a valid, unrestricted driver's license. References: A Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-39 Social Worker Qualification Standard.

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 Danville VA Medical Center 1900 East Main Street Danville, IL 61832 US
• Name: Lyndsay Thomas
• Phone: 217-510-8036
• Email: Lyndsay.Thomas@va.gov