Social Worker (Program Coordinator)

Veterans Health Administration • Spokane, WA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Social Worker (Program Coordinator) coordinates the daily operations of Purchased Care Services (PCS) programs and provides clinical social work services to Veterans and their families. The role reviews consults and determines eligibility for PCS programs, assesses level of care and service needs, processes consults, initiates Standard Episodes of Care, coordinates authorizations, and completes reauthorizations and reassessments. The coordinator works with the Office of Veteran Community Care, community providers, VA staff, Veterans, caregivers, families, and community agencies to support timely service delivery and continuity of care.

The position monitors program performance, develops and tracks quality indicators, evaluates service delivery, and implements quality improvement initiatives. It also recruits community service providers and assists with establishing contracts for home health, home health aide, respite care, and related services; addresses billing and invoicing issues; and educates staff about eligibility criteria, program requirements, and policy updates.

Clinical duties include comprehensive psychosocial assessments, individualized treatment planning with the interdisciplinary care team, monitoring progress and adjusting care plans, supportive counseling, and helping Veterans and families access appropriate resources. The coordinator documents interventions in the medical record, coordinates transitions and handoffs, reports suspected abuse as required, and may provide supervision, training, orientation, or mentorship to interns and less experienced social workers. The position participates in committees and service initiatives and may take part in urgent care on-call rotations, including weekend coverage.

The role requires regular travel within the Mann-Grandstaff catchment area to VA sites, community partners, and other care locations, including occasional assignments requiring up to three hours of travel each way. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The position is not virtual; ad hoc telework is available. The position is a permanent GS-12 federal role. EDRP may be available to eligible applicants, subject to program approval and application requirements.

Requirements

• Master's degree in social work from a school fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; 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; program coordinators must hold advanced practice licensure or certification and be able to provide supervision for licensure.
• One year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, demonstrating advanced practice skills, judgment, and progressively greater professional competency.
• Knowledge of program coordination and administration, including consultation, negotiation, and monitoring.
• Knowledge and ability to write program policies, procedures, or practice guidelines.
• Ability to supervise multidisciplinary staff assigned to the program.
• Skill in organizing work, setting priorities, meeting multiple deadlines, and evaluating assigned program areas.
• Ability to provide clinical practice training, orientation, and guidance.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Current, valid driver's license and clearance to drive.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and background/security investigation; seasonal influenza vaccination is required for VA health care personnel.
• Must meet application and onboarding requirements, including any applicable trial period.

Nice To Haves

• Specialized experience in geriatrics and program coordination.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily operations of Purchased Care Services programs and ensure compliance with VA policies and procedures.
• Review consults to determine Veteran eligibility for PCS programs and services.
• Assess level of care and service needs; process consults, initiate Standard Episodes of Care, and coordinate authorizations.
• Collaborate with the Office of Veteran Community Care, community providers, and VA staff to support timely service delivery.
• Complete reauthorizations and reassessments to maintain appropriate care and support.
• Monitor program performance, develop and track quality indicators, and implement and evaluate quality improvement initiatives.
• Recruit community service providers and assist with contracts for home health, home health aide, respite care, and related services.
• Educate staff about PCS eligibility criteria, program requirements, and policy updates.
• Coordinate with VCC to address billing and invoicing issues and maintain community partnerships.
• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments of Veterans and their families, evaluating clinical, social, and environmental factors.
• Develop individualized treatment plans with the interdisciplinary care team, monitor progress, and modify plans as needed.
• Provide supportive counseling to Veterans and caregivers coping with chronic illness, disability, catastrophic illness, end-of-life issues, grief, and loss.
• Assist patients and families in accessing appropriate resources and services.
• Document social work interventions, assessments, and activities in patient medical records.
• Coordinate care and appropriate handoffs during patient transitions.
• Report suspected child, adult, or elder abuse in accordance with applicable law, policy, and state requirements.
• Participate in committees, discipline-specific meetings, and service initiatives.
• Provide supervision, training, orientation, or mentorship to social work interns and less experienced social workers.
• Participate in urgent care on-call rotations, including weekend coverage, as assigned.
• Travel regularly within the Mann-Grandstaff catchment area and drive a personal or government vehicle to VA sites, community partners, and other care locations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility, application, and program approval; award amount may be up to $200,000.
• 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, subject to the stated conditions.
• Child care subsidy for eligible full-time employees, subject to income and other eligibility conditions.
• Traditional federal pension and federal 401(k), with VA contributions of 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: Senior