Outpatient SUD Therapist (Social Worker)

Veterans Health Administration • Johnson City, TN

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The SUD Outpatient Social Worker provides evidence-based substance use disorder treatment to Veterans with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. The role contributes to clinical program development and effectiveness, outcome measurement, and modification of service patterns. The position is based in a medical center and is sedentary, with movement throughout the facility required. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is available; this is not a virtual position.

The position requires a master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited school and state licensure or certification for independent practice at the master's level. For GS-11, candidates must have at least one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to GS-9 in health care or another social-work-related setting, or a doctoral degree in social work that can substitute for that experience. The role also requires specified clinical knowledge and skills, and the ability to perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to individual eligibility and program approval. The award may be up to $200,000, with an eligibility period of one to five years. The position is permanent; relocation assistance and recruitment or relocation incentives are not authorized.

Requirements

• Master's degree in social work from a school fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); a doctoral degree does not substitute for the master's degree requirement.
• State licensure or certification to independently practice social work at the master's degree level.
• For GS-11, at least one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to GS-9 in health care or another social-work-related setting, or a doctoral degree in social work that may substitute for that year of professional experience in a clinical setting.
• Knowledge of community resources and ability to make appropriate referrals and coordinate services.
• Ability to independently conduct psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions with people from varied backgrounds.
• Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, treatment procedures, common medications and their effects or side effects, and medical terminology to formulate treatment plans.
• Ability to independently implement treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups experiencing psychiatric, medical, and social problems.
• Ability to provide consultation to new social workers, social work graduate students, and other staff about patients' psychosocial needs and how psychosocial problems affect health care and treatment compliance.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• U.S. citizenship, subject to stated exceptions for non-citizens under VA policy.
• Must meet the position's physical and mental requirements and possess emotional and mental stability; reasonable accommodation may apply.
• Must complete required application and onboarding steps, background/security investigation, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide evidence-based treatment to Veterans with complex substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders.
• Incorporate complex, multiple causation in differential diagnosis and treatment, including making psychosocial and psychiatric diagnoses within approved clinical privileges or scope of practice.
• Complete clinical reminders across a broad range of mental health disorders, including PTSD, depression, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma.
• Assess the need for consultation or referral and help ensure Veterans receive needed mental health services.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments and collaborate with Veterans and families to develop treatment plans.
• Contribute to clinical program development and effectiveness, measure outcomes, and modify service patterns.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program eligibility, with an award of up to $200,000 subject to approval and eligibility requirements.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
• Potential childcare subsidy for eligible full-time employees after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility requirements.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting, and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level