SENIOR SOCIAL WORKER

Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) , a student loan repayment reimbursement program. Applicants must meet specific individual eligibility requirements and submit their 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 a complete review of the application. Applicants pending completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy. Education: Have a master's degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates of schools of social work that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the school is fully accredited. A doctoral degree in social work may not substitute for the master's degree. Verification of the degree can be made at to verify that the social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a master's of social work. Licensure: Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-0185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. Current state requirements can be found at In addition, for assignments above the full performance level, the advanced practice level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity, and variety and be performed at least 25% of the time. Advanced practice level social workers provide independent and expert clinical psychosocial and case management services in specialized areas, mentor colleagues, develop intervention strategies, lead professional practice initiatives, and expand the conceptual knowledge of the profession. Grade Determinations – Senior Social Worker, GS‑12 Experience/Education: The candidate must have at least two years of experience post advanced practice clinical licensure and should have at least one year at the GS‑11 grade level. Senior social workers demonstrate possession of advanced practice skills and judgment and may hold certification or post‑master’s training from a nationally recognized professional organization. Licensure/Certification: Senior social workers must be licensed or certified by a state at the advanced practice level, including an advanced generalist or clinical examination, unless grandfathered by the state. They must also be able to provide supervision for licensure. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: (a) Skill in a range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities used in specialty treatment programs or with special patient populations. This includes individual, group, and/or family counseling or psychotherapy and advanced level psychosocial and/or case management. (b) Ability to incorporate complex multiple causation in differential diagnosis and treatment within approved clinical privileges or scope of practice. (c) Knowledge in developing and implementing methods for measuring effectiveness of social work practice and services in the specialty area, utilizing outcome evaluations to improve treatment services and to design system changes. (d) Ability to provide specialized consultation to colleagues and students on the psychosocial treatment of patients in the service delivery area, as well as role modeling effective social work practice skills. (e) Ability to expand clinical knowledge in the social work profession, and to write policies, procedures, and/or practice guidelines pertaining to the service delivery area. Preferred Experience Experience working with chronically homeless preferred. Reference For more information on this qualification standard, visit Physical Requirements Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre‑placement examination. Exceptions: A pre‑placement examination is required for any occupation or assignment that requires the operation of a government‑owned or‑leased motor vehicle in order to properly carry out assigned duties. Examinations may also be required for any occupation or assignment that requires a pre‑placement examination by virtue of another policy, regulation, or statute. #J-18808-Ljbffr