Social Worker (MHRRTP)

Veterans Health Administration • Anchorage, AK

10d

About The Position

The Social Worker provides primarily mental health services to homeless veterans enrolled in Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs (MHRRTP), including the Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans, Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (SARRTP), and Compensated Work Therapy Transitional Resident Program. Services include case management, clinical treatment, advocacy, and coordination of referrals and connections to VA and community providers.

At the GS-11 level, the social worker interviews potential residents, conducts screenings and assessments, interprets VHA guidelines and eligibility requirements, and completes psychosocial histories and assessments. The social worker develops individualized treatment plans, determines appropriate services and referrals, provides individual and group treatment, and documents assessments and treatment in accordance with Mental Health Services policies and accrediting-body requirements.

The position uses a cognitive behavioral treatment orientation within a therapeutic community milieu, supporting veterans in taking responsibility for their recovery, behavior, and treatment. The social worker maintains therapeutic relationships, monitors progress toward goals, follows up on referrals, adjusts treatment plans when needed, and maintains comprehensive case documentation, including NEPEC and HOMES documentation. The role also contributes to policies and procedures and may supervise student trainees. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; compressed or flexible scheduling is available. Ad hoc telework is available, but this is not a virtual position. Residents may sometimes need to be transported by car or van.

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 basic requirement.
• For GS-11 appointment, state licensure or certification to independently practice social work at the master's degree level is required and must be maintained as full, valid, and unrestricted.
• For GS-11 appointment, at least one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to GS-9 in health care or another social work-related setting, or a doctoral degree in social work that may substitute for that experience.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of community resources and ability to make appropriate referrals and coordinate services.
• Ability to independently conduct psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions for people from varied socioeconomic, educational, and other backgrounds.
• Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, treatment procedures, common medications and their effects or side effects, and medical terminology.
• Ability to independently implement treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups experiencing psychiatric, medical, and social problems.
• Ability to provide consultation to new social workers, social work graduate students, and other staff about patients’ psychosocial needs and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and treatment compliance.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Must meet applicable pre-employment screening and onboarding conditions, including background/security investigation, physical evaluation, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with populations affected by substance use disorders, homelessness, and vocational challenges.
• Experience working in a mental health residential treatment setting.
• Residential experience.
• Substance use disorder or addiction education.

Responsibilities

• Interview potential residents and conduct screenings, assessments, and psychosocial histories.
• Interpret VHA guidelines and eligibility requirements.
• Develop individualized treatment plans and determine appropriate services and referrals based on assessments and available resources.
• Provide case management services to residents enrolled in the assigned MHRRTP.
• Provide individual and group clinical treatment and make referrals within VA and to community providers.
• Use treatment methods to motivate residents and support their ability to manage independent living after the program.
• Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships that help residents address their problems and work toward treatment goals.
• Evaluate progress, follow up after referrals, monitor residents, and adjust treatment plans as needed.
• Document assessments, treatment plans, and casework in accordance with MHS policy and accrediting requirements, including NEPEC and HOMES documentation.
• Apply knowledge of adult and geriatric patients’ physical limitations, psychological needs, and age-associated illnesses and conditions.
• Contribute to policy formulation and establish procedures within the assigned service area.
• Provide leadership and supervision to one or more student trainees.
• Transport residents by car or van when required.

Benefits

• 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.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment.
• Child care subsidy may be available to eligible full-time employees after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility limits.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k), with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
• Recruitment incentive (sign-on bonus) is authorized.

What This Job Offers

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