Social Worker - HUD VASH Case Manager

Veterans Health Administration • Greenville, SC

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Social Worker serves as a case manager in the Columbia VAMC Housing and Urban Development/VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program. The program combines HUD Section 8 rental assistance vouchers with VA intensive case management services based on acuity. The position is supervised by the Supervisory Social Worker for the HUD/VASH Program and/or the Program Specialist for the HCHV/CWT/HUD-VASH Program. The full performance level is GS-11; selection may be at GS-09 through GS-11.

The incumbent is a primary medical center contact for the national HUD-VASH Program, the Office of Mental Health Services, and VACO. The role supports compliance with national directives and local program policy, monitors program and clinical performance, coordinates voucher applications and awards with the designated Public Housing Agency, and helps establish referral sites and screening procedures. The position also provides clinical social work and case management to Veterans, including assessment, treatment planning, interventions, referrals, outreach, and coordination with community and VA partners.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the schedule may change based on agency need. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to eligibility requirements and application within four months of appointment; award amounts and eligibility periods are determined by the program office, and 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 does not substitute for the master's degree.
• State licensure or certification to independently practice social work at the master's level for GS-11 and above. At GS-09, an otherwise qualified candidate may be appointed while completing state prerequisites, subject to applicable time limits and supervision requirements.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• For GS-11, at least one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to GS-09 in health care or another social-work-related setting, plus independent-practice state licensure or certification; alternatively, a doctoral degree in social work may substitute for the required year of professional clinical social work experience.
• Ability to use a Veteran-centric approach in interventions and counseling for Veterans, family members, caregivers, and survivors.
• Ability to assess psychosocial functioning and needs and formulate and implement treatment plans addressing problems, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills, and needed assistance.
• Ability to implement treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups, including supportive, problem-solving, or crisis-intervention techniques.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and community agency representatives.
• Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, treatment procedures, common medications and their effects or side effects, and medical terminology.
• For GS-11, knowledge of community resources and ability to make appropriate referrals and coordinate services.
• For GS-11, skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions with people from varied socioeconomic, educational, and other backgrounds.
• For GS-11, skill in independently implementing treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups experiencing psychiatric, medical, and social problems.
• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception under VA policy for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Successful completion of applicable background/security investigation, pre-employment drug screening for testing-designated positions, and pre-employment physical examination.
• Registration with Selective Service, if applicable to the candidate.
• Completion of online onboarding and required application documentation; acceptable identification must be provided.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Service of a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including prolonged standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching, lifting moderately heavy items, and assisting patients.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with homeless populations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary medical center contact for the national HUD-VASH Program, the Office of Mental Health Services, and VACO.
• Help ensure program operations comply with national HUD-VASH directives and develop local policies and procedures for the Columbia VAMC.
• Collect data, maintain records, and monitor clinical indicators, thresholds, and performance measures.
• Develop working relationships and agreements with other organizations and coordinate with the designated Public Housing Agency on Veterans' housing voucher applications and awards.
• Review agreements among Section 8 landlords, PHAs, and VA to establish appropriate referral sites for placements.
• Develop, implement, and maintain referral, screening, and admission procedures that align with national policy and local program needs.
• Participate in multidisciplinary screening and provide input on participant selection based on structured interviews and clinical assessments.
• Coordinate emergent and temporary housing opportunities and services under the guidance of the Supervisory Program Specialist for HCHV/CWT/HUD-VASH.
• Coordinate regularly with HUD-VASH staff and program supervisors on service delivery, program development, and job responsibilities.
• Coordinate services with colleagues at other VA facilities and local community providers, including shelters.
• Review and develop treatment plans and provide interventions for assigned Veterans addressing psychological, social, and environmental needs.
• Use social work knowledge, community resources, and treatment modalities to provide independent-level interventions and resources.
• Participate in clinical staff, treatment team, and program planning meetings.
• Conduct and participate in outreach, including field interviews, assessments, and referrals for homeless Veterans in the community, shelters, and on the streets, as well as Veterans referred by VA programs and facilities.
• Maintain and develop relationships with community-based homeless service providers and represent VA at community provider meetings when appropriate.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and program approval; awards may be up to $200,000 for an eligibility period of one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefit eligibility depends on position type and applicable rules.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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