Social Worker (Part Time) (PACT)

Veterans Health Administration • San Diego, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Social Worker practices in the outpatient primary care program, Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT), within the outpatient primary care clinic at the Medical Center. The role provides outpatient support and social services to Veterans and collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to coordinate effective care. The position is part-time and is not eligible for telework or virtual work. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The full performance level is GS-11; selection may be at the GS-9 to GS-11 level.

Applicants must meet the basic education and licensure requirements for VA social worker positions. A master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited school is required, along with state licensure or certification for independent master's-level practice, subject to the stated GS-9 exception. GS-11 appointments require one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to GS-9 in health care or another social-work-related setting and independent-practice licensure or certification, or a doctoral degree in social work may substitute for the experience requirement. Candidates must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities specified for the applicable grade level.

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 basic master's degree requirement.
• State licensure or certification to independently practice social work at the master's degree level, subject to the stated exception for GS-9 appointments.
• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• For GS-11: 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 experience requirement.
• For GS-9: demonstrate a Veteran-centric approach; assess psychosocial functioning and needs and formulate and implement treatment plans; use treatment modalities and supportive, problem-solving, or crisis-intervention techniques; establish and maintain effective relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and community agencies; and demonstrate fundamental 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; independently conduct psychosocial assessments and interventions with people from varied backgrounds; apply knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures to formulate treatment plans; independently implement treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups; and provide consultation to new social workers, graduate students, and other staff.
• Maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification once licensed or certified; actively pursue applicable state licensure or certification prerequisites.
• Complete required application and onboarding steps, background/security investigation, and required seasonal influenza vaccination program participation.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide outpatient support and assistance to Veterans needing social services.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to provide effective services.
• Provide education about and implement Advance Directives for Healthcare.
• Coordinate community nursing home placements, including respite care placements.
• Connect Veterans with food resources and meal-delivery programs.
• Provide homeless resources, including shelters, meals, and HCHV.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments for Veterans eligible for VA programs.
• Conduct mental health assessments and suicide prevention activities for Veterans.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package; specific benefit eligibility depends on position type and the hiring agency should be contacted for details.

What This Job Offers

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