Social Worker (Program Coordinator)- Inpatient Mental Health

Veterans Health Administration • Battle Creek, MI

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Social Worker serves as Program Coordinator for the Inpatient Mental Health (IMH) program. The position oversees program compliance with VHA, JCAHO, and other regulatory and accreditation standards, with particular attention to IMH unit safety. The coordinator develops and monitors evidence-based treatment content, sets and implements short- and long-range program goals, establishes quality assurance monitors and outcome measures, and manages admissions, discharges, patient flow, and transitions between care levels. Responsibilities also include resource and financial management, budget formulation and monitoring, staffing assessments, space planning, and evaluation of equipment and technology needs.

The coordinator provides direct or indirect administrative and professional supervision to program staff. The IMH multidisciplinary team includes approximately 19 full-time equivalents, including psychiatrists, psychologists, physician assistants, social workers, recreational therapists, and peer support specialists, as well as matrixed nursing staff and fractional chaplain, pharmacist, and dietician support. The role requires collaboration across disciplines, conflict mediation, staff qualification assessment, work planning, and authority for resource allocation. The position is under the direct supervision of the Associate Chief of Staff for Mental Health and Chief of Staff; clinical practice and privileges are supervised by the Chief, Social Work Service.

Clinical duties include using and guiding staff in evidence-based practices and clinical guidelines; providing mental health services and appropriate psychotherapy; conducting consultations and evaluations for Veterans referred to IMH; and providing individual, couples/family, and group therapy. The coordinator also oversees or participates in training social work and other health-profession trainees as appropriate.

The scheduled work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nights or weekends may be required in emergent situations. The work is predominantly on a nursing unit and may involve escorting patients to clinics or other hospital areas, minimal community travel, and regular exposure to infection and contagious diseases. The role involves working with acutely and chronically physically and mentally ill patients, and may include discomfort from negative verbal or physical patient behavior. Physical qualifications include standing, walking, bending, moving freely, and using proper body mechanics when lifting or restraining patients.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• 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.
• State licensure or certification to independently practice social work at the master's degree level, at the advanced practice level, with ability to provide supervision for licensure.
• One year of experience equivalent to GS-12, demonstrating advanced practice skills, judgment, and progressively greater professional competency.
• Skill coordinating and implementing one or more specialty programs across a facility.
• Skill in local policy and practice development, procedures, and practice guidelines for the program.
• Skill 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 supervisory duties, including assigning work, evaluating performance, selecting and training staff, and recommending awards, advancement, or disciplinary action.
• Ability to oversee fiscal matters, including fund controls, contracts, and equipment expenditures; forecast resource and equipment needs; and administer an allocated budget.
• Knowledge of organizational structure and its impact on program operations.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move freely; use good body mechanics when lifting or restraining patients; and maintain good hearing, eyesight, and physical dexterity.
• Ability to work with acute and chronically physically and mentally ill patients and comply with infection-control precautions.
• Must complete a background/security investigation, online onboarding, and required application documentation.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period.

Nice To Haves

• Long-term care experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee compliance with VHA, JCAHO, and other regulatory and accrediting standards, including safety standards for inpatient mental health units.
• Develop and monitor evidence-based treatment program content and set short- and long-range program goals and plans.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to support program goals.
• Establish and monitor program measures and outcomes through data-driven quality assurance processes.
• Manage admissions, discharges, patient flow, and coordinated transitions between levels of care.
• Manage program resources and finances, including budget formulation and monitoring, staffing needs, space planning, and equipment and technology requirements.
• Provide direct or indirect administrative and professional supervision of program staff.
• Assess the qualifications and abilities of current and prospective employees and coordinate interdisciplinary teamwork and communication.
• Organize work, set priorities, delegate tasks, meet deadlines, and monitor production and performance standards.
• Analyze organizational and operational problems and develop and implement solutions.
• Provide mental health services using appropriate evidence-based practices, guidelines, and psychotherapeutic techniques.
• Conduct consultations and evaluations for Veterans referred to inpatient mental health.
• Provide individual, couples/family, and group therapy.
• Oversee or participate in training social work trainees and trainees from other health professions, as appropriate.

Benefits

• Eligible applicants may qualify for the Education Debt Reduction Program, with student loan reimbursement of up to $200,000, subject to eligibility, approval, and program terms.
• Federal employee benefits package.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for prior federal or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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