Senior Social Worker - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP)

Veterans Health Administration • Fayetteville, AR

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Social Worker provides specialized, evidence-based mental health treatment to Veterans enrolled in the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) at VHSO and its community-based outpatient clinics. The position functions as a licensed independent provider and conducts comprehensive psychosocial diagnostic evaluations using the current edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. At an advanced practice level, the social worker manages screenings, assessments, treatment planning, care delivery, and discharge planning.

The social worker represents the social work perspective on a multidisciplinary BHIP team and maintains expertise in VA and community psychosocial resources for Veterans. The role includes participating in program development, community outreach when clinically appropriate, and monitoring Veterans’ care and progress. The position contributes to clinical program effectiveness and service modifications under the direction of BHIP Program Manager(s). It also coordinates care and referrals with internal and external services, supports Veterans with complex biopsychosocial needs, and maintains thorough encounter records in CPRS.

This is a permanent, full-time position with a Monday–Friday schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., subject to change based on facility needs. Telework is available, but the position is not virtual. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to individual eligibility and program approval; the award may be up to $200,000. The full performance level is GS-12.

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.
• State licensure or certification to independently practice social work at the master’s level; senior social workers must be licensed or certified at the advanced practice level, including an advanced generalist or clinical examination, unless covered by applicable state grandfathering provisions.
• At least two years of experience after advanced practice clinical licensure, in a specialized area of social work practice; one year must be equivalent to the GS-11 level.
• Demonstrated advanced practice skills and judgment, with expertise in a specialized area of practice.
• Ability to provide supervision for licensure.
• Skill in specialized interventions and treatment modalities, including individual, group, and/or family counseling or psychotherapy and advanced psychosocial or case management.
• Ability to incorporate complex multiple causation in differential diagnosis and treatment within approved clinical privileges or scope of practice.
• Knowledge of methods for measuring the effectiveness of social work practice and services, using outcome evaluations to improve treatment and design system changes.
• Ability to provide specialized consultation to colleagues and students and to model effective social work practice.
• Ability to expand clinical knowledge and write policies, procedures, or practice guidelines for the service delivery area.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• U.S. citizenship, except where VA policy permits appointment of non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Meet applicable background and security investigation, onboarding, identification, pre-employment physical evaluation, and application-document requirements.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to evaluation and written certification for continued employment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with evidence-based psychotherapy, such as CBT-D, ACT, IPT, CBT-I, CBT-CP, or DBT.
• Experience providing behavioral health services to adult populations.
• Experience providing behavioral health services through telehealth modalities.
• Experience working as a member of a collaborative multidisciplinary care team.
• Certification or post-master’s training from a nationally recognized professional organization or university in a specialty area, including a defined curriculum and internship or equivalent supervised professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized, evidence-based treatment to Veterans enrolled in BHIP at VHSO and its community-based outpatient clinics.
• Function as a licensed independent provider of mental health services.
• Conduct full psychosocial diagnostic evaluations using the current edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.
• Manage screenings, assessments, treatment planning, care provision, and discharge planning at an advanced practice level.
• Represent the social work profession and perspective on a multidisciplinary BHIP team.
• Maintain expertise regarding VA and community psychosocial resources for Veterans.
• Participate in program development, including community outreach when clinically appropriate.
• Monitor the care and progress of Veterans throughout treatment.
• Participate in clinical program development and support program effectiveness and modification of service patterns under BHIP Program Manager(s).
• Coordinate with the Veterans Justice Outreach Coordinator to ensure clinically indicated mental health services, timely documentation, and thorough treatment planning for Veterans enrolled in Veterans Treatment Court.
• Partner with other disciplines in caring for Veterans with complex biopsychosocial needs.
• Serve as a facility resource and point of contact for Veterans’ mental health needs.
• Arrange referrals for adjunctive diagnostic treatment and ancillary services within VHSO, VHA, and community agencies and organizations as needed.
• Develop a plan of care for each assigned patient, with measurable goals based on relevant psychological, medical, and psychiatric treatment information.
• Maintain thorough and complete records of encounters with Veterans in CPRS.

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; a higher step rate may be considered based on qualifications or VA needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off, including annual leave, 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.
• Potential child care subsidy after 60 days for eligible full-time employees and families meeting income and other eligibility criteria.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k), with VA contributions up to 5%.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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