Social Worker (Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program) - EDRP approved

Veterans Health Administration • Clovis, NM

9h • Onsite

About The Position

The Social Worker serves on the Amarillo VA Health Care System Behavioral Health Clinic’s multidisciplinary team, under the immediate supervision of the Chief, Behavioral Health Service or designee. The clinic provides outpatient care to Veterans with behavioral health conditions and/or substance use disorders. The Social Worker participates in the clinic’s behavioral health and substance use disorder programs and delivers treatment using a range of psychotherapy interventions and service assignments requiring specialized knowledge of the effects of these conditions on Veterans and their families.

The position includes comprehensive assessment, personalized treatment planning, individual and family clinical services, evidence-based and evidence-informed psychotherapy, measurement-based care, risk monitoring, case management, referral coordination, and follow-up. The Social Worker monitors treatment progress, discusses goals and barriers with clients, adjusts plans in response to treatment outcomes and changing circumstances, and maintains comprehensive case documentation. The position is full performance at GS-11, with selection at GS-9 through GS-11. It is not a virtual position; ad hoc telework is available. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The role requires a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited school and state licensure or certification to independently practice at the master’s level, subject to the stated GS-9 exception. GS-11 candidates generally need one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to GS-9 in health care or another social work-related setting and independent-practice licensure/certification, or a doctoral degree in social work as a substitute for the experience requirement.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• 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 degree requirement.
• State licensure or certification to independently practice social work at the master’s level; the stated waiver exception applies only at GS-9 while completing state prerequisites.
• 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 licensure/certification; alternatively, a doctoral degree in social work may substitute for the one year of experience.
• For GS-9: demonstrate the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities in counseling diverse Veterans and families, psychosocial assessment and treatment planning, treatment modalities, relationship-building and communication, and fundamental medical and mental health knowledge.
• For GS-11: demonstrate the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities in community resources and referrals, independent psychosocial assessment and interventions, medical and mental health diagnoses and treatment procedures, independent use of treatment modalities, and consultation to social workers, students, and staff.
• Experience is creditable only if obtained after the MSW and includes professional social work directly related to the position at the appropriate level.
• Complete required application documents and onboarding; selected applicants are subject to background/security investigation and a 1- or 2-year trial period.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Participation in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for Health Care Personnel.
• Submit transcripts when relying on education to qualify; foreign education requires the specified equivalency documentation.
• Meet physical requirements that may include movement between work areas, walking, standing, bending, pushing, pulling, and carrying or lifting light items under 15 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Experience providing services in community-based mental health or social work environments.
• Ability to integrate measurable goals and progress tracking into therapy and case management.
• Demonstrated use of evidence-based practices with individuals, groups, couples, and families.
• Skills managing cases with multiple, complex needs, often in outpatient general mental health clinics.

Responsibilities

• Complete comprehensive initial assessments and provide appropriate resources and referrals.
• Develop personalized treatment plans with measurable objectives in collaboration with Veterans and guided by VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guidelines.
• Refer Veterans to appropriate specialty care, domiciliary programs, intensive outpatient treatment, and other interventions.
• Provide individual and family clinical services using evidence-based and evidence-informed psychotherapy.
• Use measurement-based care to track progress and guide treatment decisions.
• Monitor and address suicide and homicide risk, with attention to client safety and stabilization.
• Use motivational and empathic engagement skills to support treatment participation, between-session practice, and recovery.
• Provide comprehensive case management to address psychosocial strengths, challenges, and barriers to care.
• Monitor and evaluate progress toward treatment goals, discuss progress with clients, and address barriers.
• Adjust treatment plans based on response, psychosocial stressors, life circumstances, and changes in suicide risk.
• Follow up after referrals and missed counseling sessions; maintain comprehensive case documentation and follow through on plans.
• Provide psychoeducation to Veterans and families about illness and treatment expectations.
• Coordinate care and advocate with VA and community service providers and agencies when appropriate.
• Assess psychosocial functioning and needs, identify strengths and challenges, and collaborate with Veterans, families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary treatment teams.
• Provide crisis assessment and interventions, including evaluating immediate needs and initiating safety plans as appropriate.
• Provide consultation and education to colleagues, students, Veterans, community agencies, and staff on psychosocial treatment and social work interventions.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) student loan payment reimbursement, subject to eligibility and approval; award may be up to $200,000 over one to five years.
• 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.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other limits.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting, and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many programs may be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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