Outpatient SUD Therapist (Social Worker)

Veterans Health Administration • Johnson City, TN

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Outpatient SUD Therapist (Social Worker) provides evidence-based substance use disorder treatment to Veterans with complex substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders. The position contributes to clinical program development and effectiveness, evaluates outcomes, and modifies service patterns. The role includes psychosocial assessment, treatment planning with Veterans and families, and coordination or referral to needed mental health services.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is available, but this is not a virtual position. The role is sedentary but requires movement throughout the medical center. An Education Debt Reduction Program may be available to eligible applicants, subject to program requirements and approval; the potential award is up to $200,000 for an eligibility period of one to five years.

Requirements

• Master's degree in social work from a school fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; a doctoral degree cannot substitute for the master's degree requirement.
• State licensure or certification to independently practice social work at the master's degree level.
• At least one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to GS-9 in health care or another social-work-related setting, plus independent-practice licensure or certification; alternatively, a doctoral degree in social work may substitute for the one year of professional clinical social work experience.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizen appointments when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Knowledge of community resources, referrals, and service coordination.
• Ability to independently conduct psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions with people from diverse 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 consult with new social workers, graduate students, and other staff about patients' psychosocial needs and the effects of psychosocial problems on health care and treatment compliance.
• Ability to meet the position's physical and mental requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation, and possess emotional and mental stability.
• Meet federal pre-employment requirements, including background/security investigation, onboarding, acceptable identification, and participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Responsibilities

• Provide evidence-based treatment to Veterans with complex substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders.
• Incorporate complex, multiple causation into differential diagnosis and treatment, including making psychosocial and psychiatric diagnoses within approved clinical privileges or scope of practice.
• Complete clinical reminders across mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, 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

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, 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 experience, 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.
• Potential Education Debt Reduction Program award of up to $200,000 for eligible applicants, subject to program approval and requirements.

What This Job Offers

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