Senior Social Worker (HCHV Outreach)

Veterans Health Administration•San Diego, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Social Worker practices in the Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program, serving Veterans with highly complex health and mental health problems. Although the program is based at a Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), services are provided primarily in the community. The role functions as an outreach specialist and case manager, coordinating mental health and community care to help Veterans transition to independent community living. The social worker collaborates with the HCHV team, Grant and Per Diem programs, VA Supportive Housing (VASH), professional specialty clinics, and community organizations to provide comprehensive care and connect Veterans with available services and benefits. The position provides assessment, psychosocial treatment planning, counseling, crisis management, and community-based support, including home and community visits. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Telework and virtual work are not available. Recruitment or relocation incentives and permanent change of station assistance 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 cannot substitute for the master’s degree.
State licensure or certification to independently practice social work at the master’s degree level, unless eligible under the stated grandfathering provision.
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 grade level.
Advanced practice-level state licensure or certification, including an advanced generalist or clinical examination, unless covered by the stated grandfathering provisions; must be able to provide supervision for licensure.
Skill in specialized interventions and treatment modalities, including individual, group, and/or family counseling or psychotherapy and advanced psychosocial treatment or case management.
Ability to incorporate complex multiple causation into differential diagnosis and treatment within approved clinical privileges or scope of practice.
Knowledge of developing and implementing methods to measure 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 on psychosocial treatment and model effective social work practice.
Ability to expand clinical knowledge in social work and write policies, procedures, and/or practice guidelines for the service delivery area.
U.S. citizenship, except where appointment of a non-citizen is permitted under VA policy.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Compliance with Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
Successful completion of background and security investigation and required online onboarding.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Service of a two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.

Nice To Haves

Certification or other post-master’s training from a nationally recognized professional organization or university, including a defined curriculum or course of study and internship or equivalent supervised professional experience in a specialty.

Responsibilities

Serve as an outreach specialist and case manager for Veterans in the HCHV program, coordinating mental health and community care to facilitate transition to independent community living.
Collaborate with the HCHV team, Grant and Per Diem programs, VASH, and professional specialty clinics to provide comprehensive care.
Screen and assess Veterans with multiple high-risk factors, identify treatment needs affecting adjustment to their environment, and establish treatment goals.
Provide outreach at the CBOC, community agencies where homeless people congregate, and inpatient units at the VA Medical Center.
Interview Veterans and their family members or significant others to assess risk factors, understand the Veteran’s situation and problems, and evaluate effects on functioning and health.
Develop psychosocial treatment plans with Veterans and their family members or significant others, coordinating with other team members and setting clinical treatment goals.
Refer Veterans to appropriate VA, government, and community services, including shelters, food banks, employment services, and Veteran benefits.
Coordinate with community agencies, organizations, and groups to identify resources for homeless Veterans and share current information about VA services and benefits.
Provide advice, guidance, emotional support, individual and group counseling, and crisis management to help Veterans remain safely in the community.
Conduct home and community-based visits to maintain and encourage community integration.
Perform other related duties as assigned.