Supervisory Social Worker (Mental Health Special Programs)

Supervisory Social Worker

The Supervisory Social Worker is responsible for the professional and administrative management of the Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program, the Suicide Prevention Program, and the Mental Health Occupational Therapy Program. The incumbent coordinates VA programs with services available in the community.

Clinical Functions

A. Conducting behavioral health and mental health biopsychosocial assessments.

B. Making sound professional judgments regarding clinical impressions, treatment approaches, and treatment planning.

C. Coordinating with internal and external professionals to ensure appropriate transitions of care and appropriate/necessary treatment is provided/offered to Veterans.

D. Establishing and maintaining knowledge of VA and Veteran's benefits and services, community resources, and process for making appropriate referrals to community and other governmental programs or agencies.

E. Providing advocacy to overcome potential barriers to access care/services and when it is in the best interests of the Veteran.

F. Provides goals of care discussions, as well as education and assist in the completion of Advance Directives; release of information forms; and Guardianship documentation.

G. Assesses for signs and symptoms of abuse, neglect and exploitation.

H. Conducts practice in accordance with the VA and discipline specific ethical requirements and practices within the limits of current licensure or certification.

I. Completing on-call duties, as assigned and per policy, which may include transportation of a Veteran.

J. Conducts Virtual Visits in modalities preferred by patients and utilizes Consult Toolbox functions.

Administrative Functions

A. Possesses and demonstrates ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with people from varied backgrounds.

B. Possesses skills in using computer systems and the internet for Veterans who choose this modality to communicate.

C. Serves on supervisor approved committees, work groups, and task forces at the local facility, VISN or national level. Collaborates in performance improvement processes and complies with performance measures as required by the VA for specific population/program.

D. Attends and participates in all required administrative and clinical meetings.

E. Maintains accurate, timely, and complete clinical records in accordance with professional practice and VA administration guidelines.

F. Maintains data and statistical compilations to comply with accreditation bodies such as Joint Commission and VA health care systems policies and procedures.

Role Specific Tasks

A. The Supervisory SW ensures that high quality outpatient-based treatment programs/services remain consistent with the evolving health care needs of the total veteran patient population utilizing an evidence-based, best-practice approach. The incumbent is directly responsible for the success of all direct patient care programs and support activities provided by the above programs.

B. In fulfillment of assigned clinical responsibilities, the incumbent must have the ability to accomplish the following: Independently plan work to be accomplished, set priorities and establish schedules or accomplishments of work assigned, and meet multiple deadlines. Knowledge of supervisory duties which include clinical supervision, consultation, negotiation with other departments and quality improvement. Delegate authority, manage priorities, coordinate work and follow up on pending issues to complete duties in an accurate and timely fashion. Develop or as in the case of some professional level team members, participate in the development of performance standards.

C. The incumbent provides personnel with authoritative advice, guidance and direction regarding current and future year therapeutic programming, program structure, resources, necessary to the efficient and effective satisfaction of current and projected demands for service.

D. The incumbent provides direction, advice, counsel and instruction in the provision of comprehensive bio­psychosocial rehabilitation, long term health maintenance services and outpatient substance use services.

E. The incumbent must coordinate the day-to-day functioning of staff from a wide range of professional disciplines that includes social workers, psychologists, psychiatry, vocational rehabilitation specialists, nurses, peer supports and program support assistants.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm evening and weekends maybe required