Social Worker - Caregiver Support Program

Veterans Health Administration • Marshfield, MO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Caregiver Support Program Social Worker provides clinical services and interventions, supports program development, educates caregivers, Veterans, and staff on caregiver issues, conducts community outreach, develops resources, participates in continuous quality improvement, and provides evaluation and consultation. The role serves Veterans and caregivers through in-home and remote assessments, clinical interventions, referrals, support groups, and education.

The position requires regular interaction with other clinical disciplines and community agencies to support treatment planning, discharge planning, and continuity of care. The incumbent operates a government-owned or leased vehicle for assigned duties and must maintain a valid, unrestricted state driver's license, a safe driving record, and medical qualification to operate the vehicle safely. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is unavailable, and the position is not virtual. The full performance level is GS-11; selection may be at GS-9 through GS-11. Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.

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 this basic requirement.
• State licensure or certification to independently practice social work at the master's degree level, subject to the stated GS-9 exception and licensure timelines.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• For GS-11 appointment, at least one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to GS-9 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 experience.
• Demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for the selected grade, including Veteran-centered interventions; psychosocial assessment and treatment planning; individual, family, and group treatment modalities; effective working relationships and communication; and knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, treatments, medications, and terminology.
• For GS-11, demonstrate knowledge of community resources and referral coordination; independent psychosocial assessment and treatment skills with diverse individuals; ability to formulate treatment plans; ability to independently use treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups; and ability to consult with new social workers, graduate students, and other staff.
• Valid, unrestricted state driver's license, safe driving record, and medical qualification to safely operate the appropriate motor vehicle.
• Meet applicable federal employment conditions, including U.S. citizenship, background/security investigation, required onboarding and application documentation, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Complete a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.

Nice To Haves

• One to two years of case management experience.
• One to two years of experience working with caregivers.
• One to two years of experience conducting home visits.
• Knowledge of VHA and VBA resources.
• Lean training (yellow belt).

Responsibilities

• Conduct required in-home wellness assessments, including initial and annual visits, and follow-up home visits for identified high-risk situations.
• Conduct assessments with Veterans and caregivers by telephone and other forums, including telehealth and VA Video Connect.
• Assess caregiver stress and burden through direct contacts with caregivers and Veterans, and develop and apply clinical treatment interventions.
• Refer individuals to VA medical and mental health treatment, other VA services and benefits, and community-based social services and non-VA entitlement programs.
• Assist Caregiver Support Coordinators with assigned program duties.
• Provide clinical interventions to caregivers and families to identify caregiver stress, psychiatric illness, emotional distress, and social needs as treatment issues.
• Develop and facilitate caregiver support groups and educational programs in person, by telephone, or through other virtual methods.
• Distribute educational materials from VA and local, state, and national caregiver organizations.
• Help coordinate annual National Family Caregiver Month activities, including announcements, advertising, participant mobilization, educational sessions, and caregiver recognition events.
• Use knowledge of community resources for Veterans and caregivers and communicate with other disciplines to facilitate treatment planning and implementation.
• Communicate and coordinate with community agencies to support treatment, discharge planning, and continuity of care; maintain regular contact with community agencies and resources.
• Operate a government-owned or leased vehicle to carry out assigned duties.
• Maintain courteous and cooperative relationships with supervisors, coworkers, patients, visitors, and the public.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for the employee and family; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior federal work or military service, subject to request and approval.
• Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.

What This Job Offers

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