Senior Social Worker - Outpatient Substance Use Disorders Program

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties of this position are, but not limited to: Independently conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments, aiming to understand the needs of both veterans, their families, and their caregivers. Active engagement in the treatment planning process alongside other disciplines is crucial, ensuring the patient and family's psychosocial needs are carefully considered. Possesses a comprehensive understanding of diverse human backgrounds, adept counseling skills, and the ability to independently implement treatment plans.

Independently provide a wide array of counseling services, including individual and family counseling, helping patients and their families cope with the experiences of disability, terminal illness, and death. Extend their support beyond direct counseling, offering consultation and education to veterans and families on community resources, advance directives, and VA benefits. Act as a consultant to their team members, providing valuable insights and guidance. Acts as a liaison between the VA and community resources, shouldering additional responsibilities such as marketing and public relation duties when needed.

Their commitment to comprehensive care is evident as they provide case management services throughout the continuum of care, ensuring that veterans and their families receive the necessary support at every stage. Their holistic approach to care is further exemplified through their efforts in providing wellness and prevention education. Proficiency in utilizing computer software applications for documentation, data management, and tracking is essential, particularly within the framework of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Maintains data and statistical reports to comply with JCAHO, VA, and Medical Center policies and procedures. The incumbent meticulously documents social work interventions and activities in patient clinical records, ensuring a smooth hand-off when transferring patient care. Exceptional interpersonal skills are vital for establishing and maintaining effective relationships with patients, families, and a spectrum of community agencies, communicating fluently in diverse cultural and professional settings.

In-depth knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures is indispensable, encompassing acute, chronic, and traumatic conditions, as well as an understanding of common medications and their associated effects and side effects. Continuous professional growth and self-evaluation are encouraged, and active participation in professional peer reviews and case conferences is expected. May provide clinical supervision to social work students or social workers pursuing advance practice licensure, sharing their knowledge and expertise.

Additionally, they will provide leadership, direction, orientation, coaching, in-service training, staff development, and/or continuing education programs for assigned social work staff. Serve on committees, work groups, and/or task forces at the facility, VISN and national level, or in the community as deemed appropriate by the Social Work Supervisor and/or Social Work Executive. Provide consultation and education to medical residents on social work practice and VA policy and procedure.

Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm or 8:00am-4:30pm EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHAVISN23EDRP@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.

Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000