Social Worker (BHIP) Mental Health Treatment Coordinator

Veterans Health Administration • Johnson City, TN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Social Worker is assigned to the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP), providing mental health care coordination for Veterans enrolled in the BHIP Clinic and crisis intervention through the Same Day Access (SDA) Clinic. The role addresses mental illness and complex psychosocial problems. Clinical interventions in the SDA Clinic include individual and family counseling and case management for Veterans and their family members to address biological, psychological, social, and environmental needs.

The Social Worker works independently in accordance with professional training, clinical experience, VA policies, and JCAHO standards. In collaboration with Veterans, families or caregivers, and the interdisciplinary treatment team, the Social Worker assesses needs and strengths, coordinates health care, provides interventions, and supports recovery-oriented care aimed at helping Veterans live independently in the community at their highest possible level of functioning and quality of life. The position also supports education for Veterans, community agencies, students, and staff, and addresses advance directives and organ donation according to work-area standards.

The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is available on an ad hoc basis; this is not a virtual position. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to program requirements and approval. The full performance level is GS-11.

Requirements

• Master's degree in social work from a program fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); a doctoral degree cannot substitute for this master's degree.
• State licensure or certification to independently practice social work at the master's degree level.
• 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 this experience.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of community resources and the ability to make appropriate referrals and coordinate services.
• Ability to independently conduct psychosocial assessments and interventions with people from varied socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and educational backgrounds.
• Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, treatment procedures, common medications and their effects or side effects, and medical terminology sufficient to formulate treatment plans.
• 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, graduate students, and other staff about patients' psychosocial needs and the effects of psychosocial problems on health care and treatment compliance.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, except that non-citizens may be appointed when recruiting qualified citizens is not possible under VA policy.
• Must meet physical and mental requirements to perform essential duties safely and efficiently, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must complete required background/security investigation, onboarding, and application documentation; males born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Responsibilities

• Provide mental health care coordination for Veterans enrolled in the BHIP Clinic and crisis intervention services through the SDA Clinic.
• Provide individual and family counseling and case management for Veterans and family members.
• Conduct intake and needs assessments of Veterans and significant others.
• Identify symptoms that may lead to clinical diagnoses of serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders.
• Conduct interviews and psychosocial histories, complete assessments, and make referrals to support treatment planning.
• Assess psychosocial functioning and needs, including strengths, weaknesses, coping skills, and psychosocial acuity.
• Identify family and caregiver stressors, conduct assessments, and provide specific interventions.
• Coordinate and facilitate delivery of health care services with Veterans, families or caregivers, and the interdisciplinary treatment team.
• Incorporate complex multiple causation into differential diagnosis and treatment, including psychosocial and psychiatric diagnoses within approved clinical privileges or scope of practice.
• Provide recovery-oriented treatment to support Veterans' independence, functioning, and quality of life in the community.
• Establish and maintain education programs for Veterans, community agencies, students, and staff concerning social work interventions for the Veteran and military population.
• Address advance directives and organ donation in accordance with work-area standards.
• Participate in committee assignments, work groups, and task forces as directed by the Social Worker Supervisor and ACOS Mental Health Service.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), with approved awards up to $200,000 and an eligibility period of one to five years, subject to program requirements and approval.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for prior federal work or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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