Social Worker-Acute Care and Intensive Care

Veterans Health Administration • Spokane, WA

7d

About The Position

The Social Worker provides acute care and intensive care social work services, with duties varying by grade. At the GS-11 level, the role includes comprehensive psychosocial assessment, individualized treatment planning, counseling and crisis intervention, care coordination, community referrals, consultation, clinical documentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and support for new social workers and trainees. The position serves Veterans and families from diverse backgrounds and follows professional ethics, licensing requirements, VHA policies, and evidence-based social work practices.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is not a virtual position; ad hoc telework is available. The full performance level is GS-11, and selection may be at GS-9 through GS-11. EDRP student loan repayment may be available to eligible applicants, with approval and award determined after application review. Recruitment/relocation incentives and permanent change of station assistance are not authorized.

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 requirement.
• State licensure or certification to independently practice social work at the master's degree level for appointment at GS-11 and above; the GS-9 exception may apply under stated VHA conditions.
• For GS-11, at least one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to GS-9 in healthcare or another social-work-related setting, plus independent-practice licensure or certification; alternatively, a qualifying doctoral degree in social work may substitute for the one year of professional experience.
• For GS-11, knowledge of community resources and appropriate referrals, and ability to coordinate services.
• For GS-11, skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions with people from diverse backgrounds.
• For GS-11, knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures sufficient to formulate treatment plans.
• For GS-11, skill in independently implementing treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups experiencing psychiatric, medical, and social problems.
• For GS-11, ability to consult with new social workers, social work graduate students, and other staff about patient psychosocial needs and the effects of psychosocial problems on healthcare and treatment compliance.
• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when recruiting qualified citizens is not possible under VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Valid, unrestricted state-issued driver's license consistent with VA policy for driving a government vehicle.
• Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and background/security investigation; complete required online onboarding and application documentation.
• For males born after December 31, 1959, Selective Service registration is required.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period and receive written certification to continue employment after its completion.
• Maintain full, valid, and unrestricted independent licensure or certification; failure to obtain or maintain it may result in removal from the series and may result in termination.
• Physical requirements include light lifting, walking, standing, and operation of a motor vehicle.

Nice To Haves

• One year of acute medicine inpatient social work experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments of patients and families, identifying strengths, barriers, functioning, and treatment needs.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment plans with patients, families, and interdisciplinary healthcare team members.
• Provide individual, family, and group counseling for psychiatric, medical, social, and behavioral health concerns.
• Use supportive counseling, crisis intervention, problem-solving, and other therapeutic techniques to help patients meet treatment goals.
• Provide psychosocial treatment to people from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, educational, and demographic backgrounds.
• Assess how environmental, social, cultural, and developmental factors affect health, functioning, and treatment outcomes.
• Coordinate care with healthcare providers, community agencies, and governmental organizations to support continuity of services.
• Identify and facilitate referrals to community programs, supportive resources, and benefit programs.
• Provide consultation and guidance to healthcare staff regarding psychosocial issues and their effects on treatment compliance and well-being.
• Apply knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, treatment modalities, medications, disabilities, and healthcare terminology to patient care planning.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation, case records, treatment plans, and patient data using approved electronic systems and software.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, advocate for patient needs, and contribute to coordinated care planning.
• Provide orientation, mentoring, and coaching to new social workers, trainees, and social work graduate students completing field placements.
• Evaluate professional practice through peer review, case consultation, continuing education, and quality improvement activities.
• Follow professional ethics, licensing requirements, VHA policies, and evidence-based social work practices.
• Operate a motor vehicle as required by the position.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) student loan repayment may be available to eligible applicants; award amounts may be up to $200,000, subject to program approval and eligibility.
• 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, in connection with birth, adoption, or foster-care placement.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility limits.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting.
• Federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs may be carried into retirement.
• Annual leave accrual may be credited for qualifying prior federal or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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