The Social Security Insurance / Social Security Disability Insurance Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) Social Worker will work with Veterans in the Healthcare for Homeless Veteran programs. This position requires excellent assessment skills and an ability to organize and synthesize the Veteran's health history. It is expected that the Social Worker is familiar with benefits, specifically the Social Security system to expedite Veteran benefits using the SOAR process. 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. 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 http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation to verify that the social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a masters of social work. 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 http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/T38Hybrid/. Exception. VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification examinations. This exception only applies at the GS-9 grade level. For the GS-11 grade level and above, the candidate must be licensed or certified. At the time of appointment, the supervisor, chief social work or social work executive will provide the unlicensed/uncertified social worker with the written requirements for licensure or certification, including the time by which the license or certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming licensed or certified by the deadline. For appointments at the GS-9 grade level, VHA social workers who are not licensed or certified at the time of appointment must become licensed or certified at the independent, master's level within three years of their appointment as a social worker. Most states require two years of post-MSW experience as a prerequisite to taking the licensure/certification exam, and VHA gives social workers one additional year to pass the licensure/certification exam. In states such as California, Washington, and others where the prerequisites for licensure exceed two years, social workers must become licensed at the independent, master's level within one year of meeting the full state prerequisites for licensure. A social worker who does not yet have a license that allows independent practice must be supervised by a licensed independent practitioner of the same discipline who is a VA staff member and who has access to the electronic health record. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 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). Grandfathering Provision: The following is the standard grandfathering policy for all title 38 hybrid qualification standards. Please carefully review the qualification standard to determine the specific education and/or licensure/certification/registration requirements that apply to this occupation. Grade Determinations: Social Worker, GS-9 Experience, Education, and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to work with Veterans and family members from various socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, educational, and other diversified backgrounds utilizing counseling skills. Ability to assess the psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and their family members, and to formulate and implement a treatment plan, identifying the Veterans problems, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills, and assistance needed. Ability to implement treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups to achieve treatment goals. This requires judgment and skill in utilizing supportive, problem solving, or crisis intervention techniques. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and representatives of community agencies. Fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures. This includes acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses/injuries; common medications and their effects/side effects; and medical terminology. Grade Determinations: Social Worker, 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. 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services. 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. 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. 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. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G39 Physical Requirements: The physical demands of this position involve primarily walking, sitting, talking, use of fingers, both hands required, Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, Hearing (aid permitted). The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-11. ["Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 00728F\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required The Social Security Insurance / Social Security Disability Insurance Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) Social Worker will work with Veterans in the Healthcare for Homeless Veteran programs. This position requires excellent assessment skills and an ability to organize and synthesize the Veteran's health history. It is expected that the Social Worker is familiar with benefits, specifically the Social Security system to expedite Veteran benefits using the SOAR process. This is a major focus of this position. Engaging with Veterans, knowledge of the VA and community resources, and collaborating with interdisciplinary providers ensures access, services, and benefits to this population. The Social Worker provides consultation and education to VA staff and community based service providers. The Social Worker documents social work activities and interventions in the Veteran's clinical record utilizing the computerized patient record system (CPRS). The Social Worker will collaborate and deliver case management services provided to Veterans in the programs serving Veterans experiencing homelessness. It is expected that the delivery of social work services is time limited. The Social Worker has general medical knowledge regarding health and mental health diagnoses. Maintaining time limited effective therapeutic relationships with Veterans experiencing health/mental health and social problems by utilizing clinical skills to facilitate referrals based upon the Veteran's needs and eligibility. The Social Worker may provide therapeutic interventions, participate in treatment planning, and initiate/monitor both VA and community referrals. Duties of the position include, but are not limited to: Complete the SOAR training program provided by the County - this training includes both classroom and online training. Screen and assess Veterans for their eligibility for disability benefits. Skill in assessment, and knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities and treatment procedures. This includes chronic and traumatic illness/injuries; common medications and their effects/side effects; and medical terminology. Synthesize and summarize the Veteran's history is an important element of this position, as well as the ability to document this information. Skills in developing rapport with Veterans, and work collaboratively with community providers and agencies, as well as the multidisciplinary team members. Provide consultation and case management to Veterans in homeless programs. This may include therapeutic treatment interventions and educational interventions. Coordinate referrals is necessary. Performs psychosocial assessments, and develops plans of care in collaboration with the Veteran and multidisciplinary team. Knowledge of VA resources and community resources is expected to provide assistance and referrals for VA benefits and services related to VA programs. Provide services both in the office, at community based program sites, and in home. When indicated, Veterans may be transported. Evaluate one's own practice through professional peer review, case conferences, and other organizational means. Maintains data and statistical compilations to comply with Joint Commission, CARF, VA and medical center policy and procedures. Document social work interventions and activities in the Veterans' clinical record utilizing CPRS, and ensure appropriate hand off of Veteran information. Follow HIPPA privacy act guidelines to protect Veteran privacy. Provide ongoing education to staff regarding cultural diversity, VA and community resources, and entitlements/benefits. Role in advocating for Veterans within the VA system when it serves the best interest of the Veteran. Work collaboratively with the Veteran, assisting the Veteran in meeting their goals. Work with Veterans to achieve and maintain housing, recovery and wellness. Meet the needs of customers while supporting the VA mission. Effective communication in a courteous and respectful manner and an ability to handle conflict constructively and appropriately is expected. Must have a valid, unrestricted driver's license. Other duties as assigned by management."]