If you are a current, permanent VA employee or Federal employee from another agency, you should apply under CBST-11799926-23-ER. The position is assigned to the Caregiver Support Program with primary responsibilities to provide clinical evidence-based services and interventions; provide caregiver, Veteran and staff education on caregiver issues; engage in community outreach and resource development; continuous quality-improvement activities, and evaluation/consultation. 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. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education: Applicant must 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. 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. Preferred Experience: LCSW Preferred 2 years of medical social work preferred Adaptability and Flexibility Planning and Organizational Skills Self-motivated Interpersonal Abilities Ability to Work in Fast Paced Environment Teamwork Skills Excellent Computer Skills Effective Communication 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. Examples of creditable experience include but not limited to identifying behaviors or symptoms of abuse, neglect or exploitation; providing education on advance directives and advanced care planning; providing social work case management; acting as an advocate with appropriate VA and community service providers/agencies when it serves the best interest of the Veteran and family members/caregiver; assessing the psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and their family members identifying the Veteran's strengths, weaknesses, coping skills and psychosocial acuity, in collaboration with the Veteran, family, and interdisciplinary treatment teams; maintaining a current network of internal and external resources to educate the Veteran and/or family members/caregivers and assist with the appropriate referrals. Resume must include hours per week for work experience credit. 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 or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services. (b) 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. (c) 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. (d) 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. (e) 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. (KSAs must be clearly reflected in resume under description of duties in order to be found qualified for this position/grade level). References: VA Handbook 5005/120, Part II Appendix G39, Social Worker Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: The work requires moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds), light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, Operation of motor vehicle, Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, depth perception, 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, both eyes required, Ability to distinguish basic and shades of colors, Mental and emotional stability, and hearing (aid permitted). Environmental factors include working closely with others, working alone, and Protracted or irregular hours. (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services). ["VA Careers - Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU The duties of the Social Worker - Caregiver Support Program include but not limited to: Assist in the day-to-day operations of the local Caregiver Support Program. Participates in direct caregiver and Veteran contacts to identify and assess caregiver stress/burden and provide clinical interventions. Advises and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams throughout the medical center on caregiver issues. Provides education and in-service training to VAMC employees, Veterans, caregivers, and families. Social Worker responds to National Caregiver Support Hotline calls and general inquiries regarding the Caregiver Support Program as well as to Caregiver Support Consults. Assists with multiple tasks related to the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers including (but not limited to) the Intake Assessment, Veteran and Caregiver Assessments, and Wellness Contacts which include home visits. The Social Worker serves as a consultant for navigating the complex processes caregivers, Veterans, and families encounter when interacting with government and community agencies. As a Caregiver Support Program Social Worker, the employee stays informed regarding current federal and state legislation directed at assisting caregivers to continue to provide caregiving in an environment that is safe for both themselves and the Veteran. The Social Worker will maintain a knowledge base of current theory and treatment modalities by reading professional journals, attending conferences, clinic seminars and teleconferences, and materials distributed through VA and private sector sources. The Social Worker serves as a liaison between the VA and community agencies. He/she participates in caregiver support activities in the local community and state to promote and recognize the role of the caregiver. Perform other related duties, as assigned by the Caregiver Support Program Manager or Social Work and Care Transitions Service Chief. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 564-00297-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.