The Social Worker is responsible for clinical care provided to Veterans that have presented to the mental health clinic, or the hospital, as a walk-in that are in need of immediate mental health care, at least 100% of the time designated to the clinical responsibilities as a Same Day Access Provider. The Social Worker works within a multidisciplinary treatment team and provides extensive liaison activities with other treatment teams as required to provide continuity of care to Veterans. 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. The basic requirements for employment as a VHA social worker are prescribed by statute in 38 USC 7402(b)(9), as amended by section 205 of Public Law 106-419, enacted November 1, 2000. To qualify for appointment as a social worker in VHA, all applicants must meet the following: a. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.) b. 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. 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 to verify that the social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a masters of social work. c. 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. Current state requirements may be found by going to d. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 USC 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). Grade 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 (Full Performance Level) a. Experience and Licensure. 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, b. 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. c. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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: Prefer Mental Health experience and experience in crisis intervention. ** This is a multi-disciplinary position and can be filled by a Social Worker or Licensed Professional Counselor. ** References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G39 (VHA Social Worker Qualification Standard). The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. ["Position Title: Social Worker (Same Day Access - SDA) Work Schedule: Rotating shifts. Work schedule will be discussed during the interview. Duties include, but are not limited to: Complete inpatient and ER evaluations when consulted by hospital services Provide consultative services as needed to medical center staff completing comprehensive risk assessments. When necessary, initiate involuntary hospitalization, as appropriate for car with the assistance from other VA staff. Documenting, when appropriate, the nature of follow-up plans for continuing treatment in the electronic medical record. Completion of Suicide Behavior and Overdose reports for all suicidal behaviors including suicide attempts and completions. Provide independent clinical assessment for risk of suicide, safety planning, and development of treatment plans in individual patients. Provide comprehensive, evidence-based interventions including individual psychotherapy and education. Provide a full range of psychological assessment services and diagnosis mental disorders, particularly complex patients. Provide social work case management services to include internal and external referrals, resources, education, advocacy, and supportive services. Provide independent clinical care as needed to Veterans who present to the Mental Health Clinic as a walk-in who are in need of immediate mental health treatment. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required."] Create a Job Alert for Similar Jobs About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. At VA Long Beach Healthcare System, our health care teams are deeply experienced and guided by the needs of Veterans, their families, and caregivers. Our medical center provides primary care and specialty health services, including cardiology, mental health care, treatment for spinal cord injuries and disorders, suicide prevention, women's health services, and more.
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