Social Worker Program Coordinator - Veteran Directed Care

Veterans Health Administration • Grand Junction, CO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Social Worker Program Coordinator develops, coordinates, and oversees the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program in the WCHCS catchment area. The role coordinates VDC agreements with the Office of Community Care, works with community provider agencies, and collaborates with healthcare team members and program stakeholders to ensure Veterans have equitable access to high-quality services and benefits. The coordinator monitors program operations and progress, assesses program performance and quality improvement needs, and prepares reports for VISN and VA Central Office. The position also provides technical assistance, consultation, training, outreach, and guidance to agencies and community groups.

The position includes direct contact with Veterans and caregivers to assess needs, caregiver stress and burden, and suitability for VDC enrollment; conduct psychosocial assessments and clinical interventions; and provide referrals to VA and community resources. The coordinator applies professional judgment in work with diverse individuals, maintains knowledge of relevant federal and state legislation and current clinical practice, ensures compliance with VDC policies and procedures, and consults supervisors and other VA resources on complex administrative or clinical issues.

The schedule is Monday through Friday, either 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Telework and virtual work are not authorized. The position involves significant community travel, using a government vehicle or other arrangements, to meet with Veterans, provider representatives, and other stakeholders. A valid, unrestricted state driver's license is required. The role is a permanent federal position and may require a one- or two-year trial period.

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.
• One year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 level, demonstrating advanced practice skills, judgment, and progressively greater professional competency.
• State licensure or certification to independently practice social work at the master's level; program coordinators must hold advanced-practice licensure or certification and be able to provide supervision for licensure.
• Knowledge of program coordination and administration, including consultation, negotiation, and monitoring.
• Knowledge and ability to write program policies, procedures, or practice guidelines.
• Ability to supervise multidisciplinary staff assigned to the program.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, meet multiple deadlines, and evaluate assigned program areas.
• Ability to provide clinical-practice training, orientation, and guidance.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Valid, unrestricted state-issued driver's license.
• U.S. citizenship, except where appointment of a non-citizen is permitted under VA policy.
• Must meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Must complete a background/security investigation, onboarding, and pre-employment physical evaluation; seasonal influenza vaccination is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must meet application requirements and serve a one- or two-year trial period.
• Must be able to perform primarily light and sedentary duties, with occasional moderate physical demands, and maintain patience and emotional control.
• Must be able to travel significantly in the community to provide care and meet with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Perform and oversee consultation and facilitation of VDC agreements in coordination with the Office of Community Care.
• Develop, coordinate, select, and evaluate the VDC program in the WCHCS catchment area.
• Collaborate with healthcare team members to provide comprehensive care, promote equitable access to services and benefits, and support high-quality care for Veterans.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with Veterans, caregivers, government agencies, and nongovernmental organizations involved in VDC.
• Prepare program reports for VISN and VA Central Office and seek guidance from the VACO program office as needed.
• Provide a range of services and technical assistance to state, local, and private agencies; interpret trends and recommend program enhancements.
• Review, monitor, analyze, plan, and assess assigned programs, including quality improvement activities.
• Contact Veterans and caregivers to assess needs, caregiver stress and burden, clinical appropriateness for program enrollment, and potential treatment interventions.
• Work with partner agencies to complete Readiness Reviews, provide consultation, and monitor program progress.
• Schedule, organize, and monitor community provider agencies to support proper program operations.
• Stay informed about federal and state legislation related to helping Veterans remain safely in their homes or communities.
• Provide VDC outreach presentations to community social service agencies, Guard and Reserve units, Veteran Service Organizations, and other groups.
• Promote VDC in coordination with the local VA Public Affairs Officer, including through local media interviews, and inform others about local VA medical center programs.
• Conduct independent psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Refer Veterans to VA medical and mental health care, VA benefits, community social services, and other non-VA entitlement programs.
• Ensure compliance with VDC policies and procedures.
• Consult supervisors and appropriate Medical Center, VISN, Fiscal Services, Office of Community Care, and Regional Counsel resources on unusual or complex administrative and clinical problems.
• Maintain current clinical knowledge through professional journals, conferences, seminars, teleconferences, and VA and private-sector materials.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): eligible participants may receive up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement, subject to program approval and individual eligibility.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees with qualifying family income may receive a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting, and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.

What This Job Offers

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