Social Worker (Clinical Assessor) Care Giver Support Program

Veterans Health Administration • Grand Rapids, MI

4d

About The Position

The Social Worker (Clinical Assessor) is a key member of the Caregiver Support Program (CSP), supporting Veterans and caregivers through comprehensive assessments that help determine eligibility for caregiver assistance programs and services. Working independently as a licensed clinical social worker, the incumbent evaluates Veterans’ functional needs, identifies barriers to care, and connects Veterans and caregivers with appropriate resources and services. The role includes serving as a subject matter expert on caregiver support, conducting home and community-based assessments, and contributing to program development, education, and quality improvement initiatives to improve Veteran and caregiver outcomes.

The position involves regular interaction with Veterans and caregivers in clinical, virtual, home, and community settings. Travel within the service area is required for home visits, assessments, and collaboration with community partners and stakeholders. The regular tour is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the schedule may change to meet Veterans’ and the Medical Center’s needs, and evening or weekend coverage may be required.

The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to VHA eligibility requirements and approval. The potential award is up to $200,000, with an eligibility period of one to five years. Applicants must submit an EDRP application within four months of appointment; former EDRP participants are ineligible.

The full performance level is GS-11, and selection may be at GS-09 through GS-11. Applicants must meet the applicable education, licensure, experience, and qualification requirements for the grade. The position requires a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited school and, for GS-11, independent-practice state licensure or certification plus qualifying experience, unless the stated doctoral-degree substitution applies.

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 this basic master’s degree requirement.
• State license or certification to independently practice social work at the master’s degree level. The stated pending-licensure exception applies only at GS-9; GS-11 candidates must be licensed or certified at the independent-practice level.
• For GS-11, at least one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to GS-9 in healthcare or another social-work-related setting, or a doctoral degree in social work that may substitute for the required year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting.
• Post-MSW active professional social work practice related to the position, at a level comparable to the next lower grade, for experience to be creditable.
• Demonstrated ability to counsel Veterans and family members from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and educational backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to assess psychosocial functioning and needs, formulate and implement treatment plans, and identify problems, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills, and needed assistance.
• Demonstrated ability to use supportive, problem-solving, or crisis-intervention techniques with individuals, families, and groups.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and community agency representatives.
• Fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, treatment procedures, common medications and their effects or side effects, and medical terminology.
• For GS-11, knowledge of community resources and the ability to make appropriate referrals and coordinate services.
• For GS-11, skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions with people from diverse backgrounds.
• For GS-11, skill in independently implementing treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups experiencing psychiatric, medical, or social problems.
• For GS-11, ability to provide consultation to new social workers, social work graduate students, and other staff regarding patients’ psychosocial needs and the effects of psychosocial problems on healthcare and treatment compliance.
• Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Must have a current, valid state-issued driver’s license and a safe driving record.
• Must meet applicable security/background investigation, onboarding, identification, and application-document requirements.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to the stated evaluation and certification requirements.
• Must be in overall good health and able to sit at a desk and computer and perform light to moderate activity, including sitting, walking, bending, and carrying supplies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive functional assessments and reassessments of Veterans, including evaluation of activities of daily living, supervision requirements, mobility, safety, and overall functional capability.
• Perform in-home, virtual, and face-to-face assessments of Veterans and caregivers for caregiver support program applications and reassessments.
• Use standardized assessment tools and clinical judgment to make recommendations supporting eligibility determinations and care planning.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, including primary care, mental health, rehabilitation, and specialty care providers, to evaluate needs and coordinate services.
• Provide consultation, education, and guidance to Veterans, caregivers, families, and staff about caregiver resources, community supports, VA programs, and benefits.
• Identify psychosocial challenges affecting Veterans and caregivers, including caregiver stress, emotional distress, family dynamics, and barriers to care, and recommend appropriate interventions.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community agencies and service organizations to improve access to resources and care coordination.
• Facilitate referrals to VA and community-based programs and services, including respite care, home-based services, long-term care, mental health programs, telehealth, and hospice care.
• Assist with program monitoring, data collection, reporting, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Develop and deliver educational presentations, training programs, support groups, and outreach activities for Veterans, caregivers, staff, and community stakeholders.
• Consult with and advocate for caregivers as they navigate healthcare, community, and government systems.
• Stay current on caregiver-related legislation, policies, best practices, and evidence-based approaches.
• Travel within the service area to conduct home visits and assessments and collaborate with community partners and stakeholders.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), with an award of up to $200,000 for eligible and approved participants.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior federal employment or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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