Social Worker- Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program

Veterans Health Administration • White City, OR

2d

About The Position

The Social Worker provides clinical social work services to Veterans enrolled in the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). The role includes screening and assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and interventions, case management, care coordination, referrals, documentation, and follow-up. The Social Worker uses the current DSM, evidence-based practices, shared decision-making, and professional counseling approaches, and may serve as the Mental Health Treatment Coordinator for assigned Veterans. The position has no collateral research obligations or supervisory responsibilities. The incumbent is responsible for continuing professional growth through clinical supervision toward licensure and education appropriate to the assignment.

This is a permanent GS-11 position with a Monday-to-Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ad-hoc telework may be available at the supervisor's discretion; the position is not virtual. It is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to individual eligibility and program approval. The role requires a master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited school and state licensure or certification for independent master's-level social work practice. GS-11 qualification additionally requires 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 as a substitute for that experience.

Requirements

• Master's degree in social work from a school fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); a doctoral degree does not substitute for the master's degree requirement.
• State licensure or certification for independent social work practice at the master's degree level. For GS-11 and above, licensure or certification is required.
• For GS-11: 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 may substitute for the required year of professional clinical social work experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources and ability to make appropriate referrals and coordinate services.
• Ability to independently conduct psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions with 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 regarding patients' psychosocial needs and the effects of psychosocial problems on health care and treatment compliance.
• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Pass required background/security investigation, onboarding, and E-Verify checks; provide acceptable identification and complete the application requirements in the announcement.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Serve a 1- or 2-year trial period, subject to the stated evaluation and certification conditions.

Responsibilities

• Gather information, identify problems, assess and diagnose, plan and implement treatment, evaluate outcomes, and follow up.
• Use the current DSM to make diagnoses, formulate treatment goals, and apply appropriate clinical interventions using professional counseling practices.
• Make professional evaluations, decisions, and recommendations for treatment planning and implementation.
• Refer Veterans to appropriate individual, group, and family treatment services.
• Use individual, group, and family case-management interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, problem-solving therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing.
• Establish treatment goals collaboratively with Veterans using shared decision-making and evidence-based practices.
• Provide case management to Veterans enrolled in BHIP, including care coordination with other clinics, programs, and facilities; providing resources and education; completing clinical reminders; administering measurement-based care; and managing Veteran needs within the clinic.
• May serve as the Mental Health Treatment Coordinator for assigned Veterans and perform the duties of that role.
• Follow electronic medical record documentation procedures and timeliness standards, including proper Veteran checkout procedures and entry of diagnostic and procedure codes.
• Maintain appropriate records and follow-up data for assigned Veterans.
• Meet national and local performance measures, including timely health care screening and completion of clinical reminders.
• Perform collateral duties as assigned.
• Further professional growth through clinical supervision toward licensure and assignment-appropriate education.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), with potential reimbursement up to $200,000 subject to eligibility and approval.
• 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, comprising 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, in connection with birth, adoption, or foster-care placement.
• Potential childcare subsidy after 60 days for eligible full-time employees and families meeting the stated income and eligibility conditions.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k), with VA contributions up to 5%.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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