Senior Social Worker - Residential Program

Veterans Health Administration • Albuquerque, NM

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Social Worker works in the Residential Division of the New Mexico VA Healthcare System, coordinating screening and admissions for Veterans seeking residential treatment for substance use disorders and/or mental health needs. The position manages admissions, coordinates with the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MHRRTP) Centralized Screening hub, communicates screening dispositions to Veterans and referrers, provides coverage for the centralized screening team when needed, maintains clinical contact and referral services for Veterans awaiting admission, and maintains nationally mandated admissions databases.

The incumbent also carries a residential caseload and serves as a case manager and therapist on one of three Residential Units. Veterans served have been assessed as needing residential care for psychosocial concerns and are working toward independent community living and employment or meaningful community engagement. Residents have one or more psychiatric diagnoses and are in recovery. The social worker contributes to clinical and administrative work for Domiciliary clients and collaborates on treatment programming across all Residential Units. The role requires independent practice as part of a multidisciplinary team and is directly supervised by the Residential Division Chief. Social work practice is overseen by the Social Work Executive through the Associate Chief of Behavioral Health Care Line Social Work.

The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; an alternate schedule may be available to accommodate patient-care needs. Telework and virtual work are not available. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized. The position requires travel around the medical center and community, including visits and interviews with Veterans and others; the incumbent may drive a government vehicle for professional duties.

Requirements

• Master's degree in social work (MSW) from a school fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; a doctoral degree does not substitute for the master's degree.
• State licensure or certification at the advanced practice level, including an advanced generalist or clinical examination, subject to the stated grandfathering provisions.
• Ability to provide supervision for licensure.
• 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 GS-11.
• 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 into differential diagnosis and treatment within approved clinical privileges or scope of practice.
• Knowledge of methods to measure social work practice and service effectiveness, use outcome evaluations to improve treatment, and design system changes.
• Ability to provide specialized consultation to colleagues and students and model effective social work practice.
• Ability to expand clinical knowledge and write policies, procedures, and/or practice guidelines for the service delivery area.
• Valid state driver's license and safe driving record.
• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Pass a pre-employment physical examination and participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Complete required onboarding and application requirements and undergo a background/security investigation.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.
• Meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.

Nice To Haves

• Substantial evidence-based psychotherapy experience for PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders.
• Familiarity with Veteran culture.
• Strong clinical skills and solid administrative and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage admissions for Veterans seeking residential treatment for substance use disorders and/or mental health needs.
• Coordinate with the MHRRTP Centralized Screening hub and communicate screening dispositions to Veterans and referrers.
• Provide coverage and assistance to MHRRTP Centralized Screening hub staff when the NMVAHCS centralized screening team member is absent.
• Maintain clinical contact and referral services for Veterans waiting for admission.
• Maintain nationally mandated databases regarding admissions.
• Carry a residential caseload and serve as case manager and therapist on one of the three Residential Units.
• Provide clinical and administrative services for Domiciliary clients.
• Contribute to collaborative treatment programming across all Residential Units.
• Travel within the medical center and community to conduct professional duties and interviews with Veterans and relevant parties.
• Drive a government vehicle when necessary to carry out professional duties.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families, with specific benefits dependent on position type.
• Annual leave accrual may be credited for qualifying prior federal work or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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