Social Worker (HUD-VASH)

Veterans Health Administration • Anchorage, AK

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Social Worker is part of the Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program and provides intensive case management and mental health services to Veterans experiencing housing instability and other economic challenges. HUD-VASH uses the Housing First evidence-based clinical practice, focused on rapid housing for people experiencing homelessness with high service needs, comprehensive case management, and supportive services to help Veterans sustain housing. The role serves a large catchment area and provides community-based services to Veterans facing housing and employment instability related to complex socioeconomic factors.

At the GS-11 level, the Social Worker provides direct care in community and home settings, intensive case management, and mental health services. The position applies evidence-based treatment consistent with Housing First and Critical Time Intervention models, engages Veterans in individualized treatment planning, monitors progress, and serves as a Mental Health Treatment Coordinator for an assigned caseload. The Social Worker works collaboratively on a multidisciplinary HUD-VASH team and provides outreach, housing-search and retention support, assessments, safety planning, follow-up, health-promotion education, and consultation to new social workers, graduate students, and other staff.

This is an open continuous announcement that will remain open until filled or September 30, 2027. Eligible applicants may be reviewed and referred at regular intervals or as vacancies arise. The full performance level is GS-11; selection may be at GS-9 through GS-11. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; compressed or flexible scheduling is available, and ad-hoc telework may be available. This is not a virtual position. A recruitment incentive may be authorized, and the position may be eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to program eligibility and approval.

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 this master's degree requirement.
• For GS-11, at least one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to GS-9 in health care or another social work-related setting, and state licensure or certification for independent practice at the master's level; alternatively, a doctoral degree in social work may substitute for the one year of professional experience, but licensure or certification is still required at GS-11.
• Maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent state license or certification for continued qualification.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• For GS-11, knowledge of community resources and ability to make appropriate referrals and coordinate services.
• 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, and treatment procedures to formulate treatment plans.
• 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 provide consultation to new social workers, social work graduate students, and other staff about psychosocial needs and their effects on health care and treatment compliance.
• U.S. citizenship is required, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• A valid driver's license and clearance to operate a government vehicle are required.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and background/security investigation.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must complete required application and onboarding requirements.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period.
• Physical capabilities include light lifting under 15 pounds, moderate carrying of 15–44 pounds, use of fingers, walking, standing, and operation of a motor vehicle; near and far vision, hearing, and emotional/mental stability requirements also apply.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with people experiencing homelessness.
• VA experience.
• Case management experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care in community and home settings.
• Provide intensive case management and mental health services to Veterans.
• Use evidence-based treatment practices consistent with Housing First and Critical Time Intervention models.
• Apply evidence-based treatment modalities effective with people experiencing homelessness.
• Engage Veterans in individualized treatment planning and monitor progress over time.
• Serve as Mental Health Treatment Coordinator for an assigned caseload and provide expert case management.
• Use knowledge of VA and community resources to coordinate services and make referrals.
• Collaborate as a member of the multidisciplinary HUD-VASH team.
• Provide outreach and assist Veterans with housing searches and housing retention.
• Complete comprehensive assessments and collaborative safety plans when clinically indicated.
• Follow up with Veterans who miss appointments and consult as needed to support their safety and welfare.
• Provide health-promotion education.
• Use the VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System (HOMES) database.
• Consult with 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment.
• Child care subsidy may be available to eligible full-time employees after 60 days of employment, subject to income and program limits.
• Federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
• Possible Education Debt Reduction Program reimbursement, subject to eligibility and approval.
• Recruitment incentive may be authorized.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service.

What This Job Offers

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