Social Worker - Program Coordinator

Veterans Health Administration • Eugene, OR

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Social Worker, Program Coordinator, manages the Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU) at the Roseburg, Oregon VA facility. The position carries broad program-management responsibilities and significant independent judgment, including strategic planning, development and implementation of short- and long-term goals, allocation of resources, and oversight of program operations. The coordinator develops programs, monitors outcomes through data-driven quality assurance, and implements improvements based on analysis. The role has line and staff authority for resource allocation and is responsible for efficient operation of the unit.

The coordinator oversees APU staff and clinical and administrative aspects of the program, serves as a liaison for individuals seeking treatment, and acts as a subject matter expert for the APU. The role provides leadership, consultation, and guidance to APU staff and other units; advises leadership on issues affecting the program; and collaborates with internal and external partners. The coordinator is responsible for program evaluations and required documentation, compliance with applicable accrediting and monitoring bodies, and participation in local, VISN, and national committees, task forces, and professional organizations. The position also represents the Medical Center in professional and community settings and consults with staff and trainees about patient characteristics and treatment expectations.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with occasional holiday work. Telework and virtual work are not available. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to individual eligibility and approval.

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.
• One year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level, demonstrating advanced practice skills, judgment, and progressively increasing professional competency.
• Advanced-practice-level licensure or certification, maintained as full, valid, and unrestricted; must be able to provide supervision for licensure.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Skill in coordinating and implementing one or more specialty programs across a facility.
• Skill in developing local program policies, practices, procedures, or practice guidelines consistent with program handbooks or national directives.
• Skill in organizing work, setting priorities, meeting multiple deadlines, and evaluating assigned program areas.
• Ability to collaborate with internal and external partners to advance program goals and patient-centered care.
• Ability to perform the full range of supervisory duties, including assigning work, conducting performance evaluations, selecting and training staff, recommending awards and advancements, and recommending disciplinary action when appropriate.
• Ability to oversee fiscal matters, including fund controls, contracts, equipment expenditures, forecasting resource and equipment needs, and administering the allocated budget.
• Knowledge of organizational structure and its effect on program operations.
• U.S. citizenship is required, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Must meet background and security investigation requirements, complete online onboarding, and provide acceptable employment identification.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must complete all application requirements detailed in the announcement’s Required Documents section.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period and receive written certification for continued employment after the trial period.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with Veterans in an inpatient psychiatric setting.
• Leadership or supervisory experience.
• Familiarity with psychiatric emergency services.

Responsibilities

• Provide broad program management for the Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU), including strategic planning and development and implementation of short- and long-term goals.
• Oversee administrative and clinical program resources and allocate them to support program needs.
• Develop and implement programs, monitor outcomes using data-driven quality assurance processes, and implement improvements based on data analysis.
• Supervise Acute Psychiatric Treatment program staff and ensure efficient operation of the organizational unit.
• Serve as liaison between the APU and individuals seeking treatment and as the APU subject matter expert.
• Consult with leadership on issues affecting APU staff and services.
• Establish program monitors and outcome measurements, and complete program evaluations and required documentation on time.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accrediting bodies and monitoring entities, including JCAHO and NEPEC as appropriate.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and consultation to staff within the APU and other assigned units.
• Serve on Medical Center, Healthcare System, VISN, and/or national VA committees or task forces.
• Participate in leadership roles in local, state, and national professional organizations.
• Represent the Medical Center or Healthcare System at professional and community events and committees.
• Consult with medical center staff and trainees regarding patients’ psychological characteristics and appropriate treatment expectations.
• Oversee program resource and fiscal management, including budget planning, monitoring control points, and accounting for appropriated funds.
• Develop program policies and procedures, prepare reports and statistics, and provide staff orientation, coaching, training, development, and continuing education.
• Initiate and conduct program or service audits, clinical practice audits, and productivity reporting.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program student loan reimbursement, subject to eligibility and approval, with an award of up to $200,000 and an eligibility period of one to five years.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered for higher or unique qualifications or VA special needs.
• 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.
• Eligible applicants may receive credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service experience.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment for birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility limits.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k), with VA contributions of up to 5%.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs may be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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