Clinical Assessor Jobs

About The Position

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 this basic requirement.
• At the GS-11 level, licensure or certification by a state for independent practice at the master's degree level.
• At least one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 level in healthcare or another social-work-related setting, or a doctoral degree in social work that may substitute for the required year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting.
• Post-MSW active professional social work practice directly related to the position and comparable to the next lower level.
• 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 varied socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and educational backgrounds.
• Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, treatment procedures, illnesses and injuries, common medications and their effects or side effects, and medical terminology to formulate treatment plans.
• Ability to independently implement treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups experiencing psychiatric, medical, and social problems.
• Ability to provide consultation to new social workers, graduate students, and other staff regarding patients' psychosocial needs and the effect of psychosocial problems on healthcare and treatment compliance.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Current, valid state-issued driver's license and a safe driving record.
• Ability to meet applicable background and security investigation requirements and complete online onboarding and required application documentation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to the stated evaluation and written certification requirements.
• Must be in overall good health and able to perform the stated physical activities, including sitting at a desk and computer, walking, bending, and carrying supplies.
• Education used to qualify must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and from an accredited institution; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency and transcript.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive functional assessments and reassessments of Veterans, evaluating activities of daily living, supervision needs, mobility, safety, and overall functional capability.
• Perform in-home, virtual, and face-to-face assessments of Veterans and caregivers for caregiver support program applications and reassessments.
• Use standardized assessment tools and clinical judgment to recommend eligibility determinations and care plans.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, including primary care, mental health, rehabilitation, and specialty care providers, to evaluate needs and coordinate services.
• Provide consultation, education, and guidance to Veterans, caregivers, families, and staff about caregiver resources, community supports, VA programs, and benefits.
• Identify psychosocial challenges affecting Veterans and caregivers, including caregiver stress, emotional distress, family dynamics, and barriers to care, and recommend interventions.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community agencies and service organizations to improve access to resources and care coordination.
• Facilitate referrals to VA and community-based services, including respite care, home-based services, long-term care, mental health programs, telehealth, and hospice care.
• Assist with program monitoring, data collection, reporting, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Develop and deliver educational presentations, training programs, support groups, and outreach activities for Veterans, caregivers, staff, and community stakeholders.
• Consult with and advocate for caregivers as they navigate healthcare, community, and government systems.
• Stay current on caregiver-related legislation, policies, best practices, and evidence-based approaches.
• Travel within the service area to conduct home visits and assessments and collaborate with community partners and stakeholders.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and approval, with an award of up to $200,000 and an eligibility period of one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for qualifying prior federal work or military service, subject to request and approval.