Social Worker - Homeless Outreach

Veterans Health Administration • Coatesville, PA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Social Worker at the Coatesville VA Medical Center provides outreach and case management throughout Delaware, Montgomery, and Chester Counties. The position identifies and engages Veterans who are experiencing homelessness or are marginally housed, assesses program eligibility through referral and outreach, and provides social work services including assessments, referrals, individualized clinical treatment, case management, advocacy, service coordination, and linkage to VA and community services in coordination with the HCHV team.

The Social Worker maintains a caseload, conducts outreach, verifies Veteran status and eligibility for VA health care, and screens referrals for admission to HCHV programs. The role includes comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, standardized screenings, the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale Screen (C-SSRS) when indicated, crisis intervention and stabilization, and required documentation in the Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System (HOMES). The incumbent participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and discharge planning and maintains a field presence more than 75% of the time. The incumbent may transport Veterans to scheduled appointments when alternative transportation cannot be arranged.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to program eligibility and application requirements; awards may be up to $200,000, with the award amount and eligibility period determined by the VA program office.

Requirements

• Master's degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); a doctoral degree cannot substitute for this master's degree requirement.
• State licensure or certification to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. A limited exception may apply at GS-9 while state licensure or certification prerequisites are being completed; GS-11 requires licensure or certification.
• 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, plus independent-practice-level state licensure or certification; alternatively, a doctoral degree in social work may substitute for the one year of professional clinical social work experience.
• Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the applicable grade, including Veteran-centered interventions; psychosocial assessment and treatment planning; treatment modalities for individuals, families, and groups; effective working relationships and communication; and knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, treatment procedures, medications, and medical terminology.
• For GS-11, demonstrate knowledge of community resources and referral coordination; independent psychosocial assessment and treatment intervention across diverse populations; treatment planning informed by medical and mental health knowledge; independent use of treatment modalities; and ability to consult with new social workers, graduate students, and other staff.
• U.S. citizenship is required, except that non-citizens may be appointed when recruiting qualified citizens is not possible under VA policy.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Possess a valid, unrestricted state driver's license.
• Meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Submit to required background and security investigation, pre-employment urinalysis if selected for a testing-designated position, and pre-employment physical examination.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Complete the online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification and required application documents.
• May be required to serve a one- or two-year trial period.

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience working with homeless populations.
• Understanding of shelter utilization and housing rules.
• Experience conducting active outreach in community settings.
• Experience with short-term, solution-focused counseling, community referrals, and discharge planning.
• Experience handling mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach and case management to Veterans throughout Delaware, Montgomery, and Chester Counties.
• Identify and engage Veterans experiencing homelessness or marginal housing and assess program eligibility through referrals and outreach.
• Provide assessment, referrals, individualized clinical treatment, clinical case management, advocacy, service coordination, and linkage to VA and community services.
• Maintain a caseload and provide outreach services.
• Verify Veteran status and eligibility for VA health care and screen referrals for admission to HCHV programs.
• Assess appropriateness of placement into HCHV programs.
• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and complete the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale Screen at admission, reassessment, or when clinically indicated.
• Complete standardized tools, screenings, and reminders.
• Provide crisis intervention and stabilization.
• Document required HCHV case management and social work activities in HOMES.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and discharge planning for Veterans and families leaving homeless programs.
• Maintain a field presence more than 75% of the time.
• Transport Veterans to scheduled appointments when alternative transportation options cannot be arranged.
• Work with Veterans and family members from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, educational, and other backgrounds using counseling skills.
• Formulate and implement treatment plans based on psychosocial functioning, needs, problems, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills, and needed assistance.
• Use supportive, problem-solving, and crisis-intervention techniques with individuals, families, and groups to achieve treatment goals.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and community agency representatives.

Benefits

• Eligibility to apply for the Education Debt Reduction Program, with a possible award of up to $200,000, subject to eligibility and program approval.
• Federal employee benefits package available to eligible employees; specific benefits depend on position type.

What This Job Offers

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