Health Program Manager Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• At least four years of experience as a VA clinical social worker, including at least one year equivalent to the GS-14 grade level.
• Evidence of progressively higher supervisory and management skills and advanced practice skills in administration.
• Knowledge of the VHA system and operations, with professional competency, skills, and judgment.
• 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 requirement.
• State licensure or certification to independently practice social work at the master’s degree level.
• Advanced-practice-level licensure or certification and ability to provide supervision for licensure.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Ability to manage and direct unusually large interdisciplinary programs and complex organizational units, and plan, implement, and evaluate programs across facility, healthcare system, VISN, or Central Office activities.
• Ability to oversee budget projections and work with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including elected officials, on VA-related matters.
• Knowledge of establishing policies, procedures, and quality monitors while balancing priorities, funding sources, and resources.
• Skill in assessing basic and complex service needs across multiple patient-care venues and coordinating program elements across a complex system.
• Knowledge of program evaluation and documentation requirements and applicable accreditation requirements, including TJC, CARF, and AAHRPP.
• Ability to orient, teach, and consult with medical-center staff and trainees regarding clinical social work practice and treatment expectations.
• Skill in balancing responsibilities, working autonomously, setting priorities, delegating tasks, meeting deadlines, analyzing organizational problems, and implementing solutions.
• Ability to promote and manage a workforce that embraces the values and needs of individuals through strategic planning, education, experience, and effective human-resource management.
• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Must meet applicable federal employment conditions, including background/security investigation, onboarding, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.

Nice To Haves

• Certification or a post-master’s degree in social work or a related field from an accredited university or nationally recognized professional organization.
• Three or more years of clinical leadership at a VA Medical Center at Section Chief level or above, or five or more years of service-line clinical leadership outside VA.
• Familiarity with healthcare laws, regulations, and accreditation standards, including Joint Commission and VA policies.
• Previous assignment as temporary ACOS Social Work or Deputy ACOS Social Work/Mental Health at a VA or medical facility.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex healthcare initiatives, build collaborative relationships within and outside the organization, and use quality-improvement processes effectively.
• Experience in clinical research, publication, or academic leadership roles.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and direct a large interdisciplinary social work program across specialty areas and treatment sites.
• Establish local policies, procedures, and clinical pathways consistent with national VHA social work requirements.
• Adapt staffing and service-delivery models to the needs of assigned care and product lines.
• Assess social work service needs across patient-care settings and coordinate inpatient, outpatient, specialty, and community-facing program elements.
• Manage the Social Work Service budget, including forecasting staffing and equipment needs, monitoring control points, and accounting for appropriated funds.
• Direct workforce planning and position management, including recruitment, retention, and succession planning.
• Exercise supervisory authority over work assignments, performance evaluations, selection, training, awards, and disciplinary actions.
• Direct quality assurance and performance improvement activities, program evaluations, and required documentation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accreditation and regulatory bodies, including TJC, CARF, and AAHRPP as applicable.
• Provide consultation and education to facility staff and trainees regarding social work practice, competency, and treatment expectations for Veterans, families, and caregivers.
• Establish and oversee orientation, in-service training, and continuing education for social work staff; support field placements, internships, or fellowships affiliated with the service.
• Represent Social Work Service on facility clinical governance and safety committees.
• Coordinate with VISN social work leadership, other service lines, community partners, and Veteran Service Organizations on care transitions, access initiatives, and population health efforts.
• Advise the DCOS and Chief of Staff on social work workforce and program matters.
• Prepare responses to controlled correspondence about social work services and Veteran care, including inquiries from VISN and VHA Central Office, elected officials, and the Office of Inspector General Hotline.
• Take on additional facility-wide program responsibilities as directed by the DCOS or Chief of Staff.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.
• 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 and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.