Social Worker - Mental Health

Veterans Health Administration • Wilkes Barre, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Social Worker provides intensive case management to assigned Veterans and significant others through the Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM) program. Services include assertive outreach, individualized treatment planning, multidimensional orientation, and intensive service delivery in accordance with program goals and VA policies. The position coordinates care with inpatient teams, other clinical programs, Medical Center personnel, community organizations, and professional partners to promote treatment, rehabilitation, continuity of care, and appropriate discharge and aftercare.

The incumbent participates in team staffing, patient selection, treatment planning, progress evaluation, discharge planning, readmission decisions, and service-delivery evaluation. The role includes clinical documentation and required MHICM records, identifying program implementation issues and suggesting solutions, and representing the program in screening and developmental activities. The incumbent may supervise or train social workers, associates, volunteers, and students, and is responsible for personal professional development. The position is based at the Wilkes-Barre VAMC and includes travel throughout its catchment area to meet with Veterans, families, and community partners.

This is a permanent, full-time position with a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework and virtual work are not available. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to VHA eligibility and approval; approved reimbursement may be up to $200,000 over one to five years. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station benefits are not authorized.

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 the master's degree requirement.
• State licensure or certification to independently practice social work at the master's degree level.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• 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 or certification; alternatively, a doctoral degree in social work may substitute for the required year of professional clinical social work experience.
• Knowledge of community resources and ability to make appropriate referrals and coordinate services.
• Ability to independently conduct psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, treatment procedures, medications and their effects, and medical terminology sufficient to formulate treatment plans.
• Ability to independently implement treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups experiencing psychiatric, medical, and social problems.
• Ability to consult with new social workers, graduate students, and other staff about patients’ psychosocial needs and the effects of psychosocial problems on health care and treatment compliance.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet requirements for use of a government vehicle.
• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Must meet applicable security investigation, pre-employment physical, onboarding, identification, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
• A 1- or 2-year trial period is required.
• Internal applicants must submit a recent SF-50.

Nice To Haves

• Mental health experience.
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Community work experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide intensive, assertive case management and outreach to assigned Veterans and significant others in accordance with MHICM goals and policies.
• Participate in team staffing concerning patient selection, treatment plans and goals, progress evaluation, discharge planning, and aftercare.
• Coordinate with inpatient teams to promote continuity of care, consult on clinical needs and treatment plans, and provide case management services.
• Promote appropriate treatment, rehabilitation, and timely discharge consistent with program goals and individual treatment plans.
• Participate in readmission decisions using established procedures.
• Complete clinical documentation and required MHICM forms, including progress notes, clinical progress reports, treatment planning reviews, and rehospitalization reviews.
• Work with other clinical programs and product lines involved in the care of assigned MHICM patients, including Rehabilitation Care Program.
• Maintain effective working relationships with Medical Center personnel, community partners, and professional and administrative organizations.
• Document patient care and program implementation issues, and suggest solutions consistent with MHICM and Medical Center policies.
• Meet with VA, community, and professional organizations and individuals as needed to carry out program development and implementation, including screening Veterans for program participation.
• May supervise or participate in training social workers, social work associates, volunteers, and students; participate in orientation, training, and staff development programs.
• Take initiative for personal learning and professional development.
• Travel throughout the Wilkes-Barre VAMC catchment area to conduct interviews with Veterans, family members, and community health, welfare, and law enforcement representatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (subject to eligibility and approval; award up to $200,000 for a one-to-five-year eligibility period).
• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for qualifying prior federal or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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