Social Worker- (Health Care for Homeless Veterans)

Veterans Health Administration • Lansing, MI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Social Worker for Health Care for Homeless Veterans identifies homeless Veterans at the medical center and in the community and helps eligible Veterans enroll in VA Health Care services. The role provides psychosocial assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, discharge planning, and coordination with VA and community services. The incumbent works with Veterans and their families and collaborates with other disciplines, program staff, and community agencies to ensure appropriate care and support.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is available on an ad hoc basis only; this is not a virtual position. The role may require minimal travel to the medical center for events that cannot be accommodated virtually. EDRP student loan repayment may be available to eligible applicants, subject to program approval; former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

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.
• State license or certification to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. The licensure exception for candidates completing state prerequisites applies only at the GS-9 level; GS-11 candidates must be licensed or certified.
• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception under VA policy for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Clean driver's record, documented by a Department of Motor Vehicles report.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and background/security investigation, and participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• GS-9 candidates must demonstrate the listed KSAs, including Veteran-centered intervention and counseling; psychosocial assessment and treatment planning; use of individual, family, and group treatment modalities; effective working relationships and communication; and fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, treatments, medications, and terminology.
• GS-11 candidates must demonstrate the listed KSAs, including specialized interventions and treatment modalities; handling complex causation in diagnosis and treatment within scope of practice; measuring service effectiveness and using outcome evaluation; providing specialized consultation and role modeling; and developing clinical knowledge, policies, procedures, or practice guidelines.
• Physical ability to sit frequently and for long periods, spend long periods at a computer, and meet close visual acuity and repetitive wrist, hand, or finger activity demands; good hearing and eyesight; clean and neat appearance.

Responsibilities

• Identify homeless Veterans at the medical center and/or in the community and ensure eligible Veterans are enrolled for VA Health Care services.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments to determine the needs of Veterans and family members.
• Participate in treatment planning with other disciplines.
• Participate in discharge planning and ensure plans are carried out in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Provide individual, family, and group counseling as appropriate.
• Educate and consult with Veterans and families about community resources, advance directives, and VA benefits.
• Act as a consultant and liaison to team members and staff, including residential and inpatient mental health programs and/or HUD-VASH, to help ensure Veterans receive appropriate care and homeless support services.
• Provide consultation and education to medical center staff about social work practice and VA policies and procedures.
• Serve as a liaison between VA and community resources, including marketing and public relations duties as needed.
• Provide case management to Veterans and families as needed throughout the continuum of care.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) student loan reimbursement, subject to eligibility and program approval, with an award amount up to $200,000 and an eligibility period of one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package; the specific benefits offered depend on position eligibility.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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