Social Worker (MHRRTP)

Veterans Health Administration • Anchorage, AK

9d • Onsite

About The Position

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, and Compensated Work Therapy Transitional Resident Program. Services include case management, clinical treatment, advocacy, and coordination of referrals and linkages to VA and community providers. At the GS-11 level, the social worker interviews and screens potential residents, conducts psychosocial assessments, develops individualized treatment plans, and determines appropriate services and referrals based on available resources and professional judgment. The role provides individual and group treatment using a cognitive behavioral approach within a therapeutic community, and supports veterans in taking responsibility for their recovery and preparing for independent living. The social worker monitors residents’ progress, maintains comprehensive case records, evaluates and adjusts treatment plans, and follows up on referrals. The position also contributes to service-area policies and procedures and supervises one or more student trainees. Occasional transportation of residents by car or van may be required. The full performance level is GS-11; selection may be at GS-9 to GS-11. Work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with compressed or flexible scheduling available. This is not a virtual position; ad-hoc telework is available.

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, current state licensure or certification to independently practice social work at the master’s degree level.
• 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 may substitute for that year of experience.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• For GS-11, knowledge of community resources and ability to make and coordinate referrals to community and governmental agencies.
• For GS-11, ability to independently conduct psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions with people from varied socioeconomic, educational, and other backgrounds.
• For GS-11, knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, treatment procedures, common medications and their effects or side effects, and medical terminology.
• For GS-11, ability to independently implement treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups experiencing psychiatric, medical, and social problems.
• For GS-11, ability to consult with new social workers, social work graduate students, and other staff about patients’ psychosocial needs and the effects of psychosocial problems on health care and treatment compliance.
• U.S. citizenship is required, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Must meet applicable background and security investigation requirements and pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must complete required onboarding and application documentation.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.

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, conduct screenings and assessments, interpret VHA guidelines and eligibility requirements, and complete psychosocial histories and assessments.
• Develop individualized treatment plans for assigned veterans.
• Determine available services and appropriate referrals based on assessments, resources, rehabilitative potential, and professional judgment.
• Document patient assessments and treatment plans in accordance with Mental Health Services policies and accrediting requirements.
• Provide case management services to residents enrolled in assigned MHRRTP programs.
• Provide clinical services, individual and group treatment, and referrals within VA and the broader community.
• Use professional skills to motivate residents to manage their lives and prepare for independent living after the program.
• Employ individual and group treatment methods to maintain therapeutic relationships and help residents address problems.
• Support a cognitive behavioral treatment approach within a therapeutic community, encouraging veterans to take responsibility for recovery, behavior, and treatment in partnership with staff.
• Maintain ongoing relationships with residents, evaluate progress toward goals, follow up after referrals, and adjust treatment plans as needed.
• Monitor resident progress and maintain comprehensive case documentation, including NEPEC and HOMES documentation.
• Use appropriate discretion when making decisions about treatment adjustments.
• Address the treatment needs of adult and geriatric patients, including 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 in a car or van when required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy 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 VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
• A relocation incentive or sign-on bonus may be authorized.

What This Job Offers

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