Senior Social Worker (Liaison)

Summary Senior Social Worker assigned to the VHA Liaison Program works closely with the MTF treatment team as an independent practitioner, providing advanced practice skills and expertise for ongoing consultation regarding complex discharge planning issues, VA health care benefits, resources, and facilities. Requires intimate knowledge of VHA programs nationwide and the ability to match Veteran needs with appropriate resources. Qualifications Basic Requirements: as prescribed by 38 U.S.C. 7402(b)(9) and 205 of Public Law 106‑419. Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States (non‑citizens may be considered only if no qualified citizens can be recruited). Education: Master’s degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; graduates of schools in candidacy status do not qualify until accreditation is complete. A doctoral degree may not substitute the master’s degree. Verification: Degree verification can be performed at Licensure: Must be licensed or certified by a state to practice social work at the master’s degree level for GS‑0185 series positions. Current state requirements are listed at vaww.va.gov/OHRM/T38Hybrid/. English Proficiency: Proficient in spoken and written English as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). GRADE DETERMINATIONS Senior Social Worker – GS‑12. Requires at least two years of post‑advanced practice licensure experience, with at least one year at an equivalent GS‑11 level. Experience/Education: Demonstrated advanced practice skills, judgment, and specialization in the area of practice. Certification or post‑master training from a recognized professional organization is preferred. Licensure/Certification: State advanced practice license or certification, allowing supervision of licensure if applicable. KSA Requirements: Advanced interventions, complex diagnosis, outcome evaluation methods, specialized consultation, policy writing, and continued professional development. Duties and Responsibilities Maintain an open continuous announcement until September 30, 2026; candidate review deadlines are as specified in the announcement. Develop relationships and collaborate with MTF social workers, nurses, case managers, managed care staff, and discharge planners to identify patients ready for VA discharge and obtain clear referral information and authorization. Meet with Service Members and/or families to provide education and an overview of VA benefits and resources. Use advanced clinical skills to assess patients and/or families to facilitate optimal psychosocial function. Collaborate with MTF clinical staff to identify the VA health care facility for transfer, transmit information via PDX or Network Health Exchange, and document activity in the electronic health record. Communicate transfer plans, ongoing patient needs, and unique family requirements to the receiving VA program manager. Identify and address gaps in the transition system, collaborating with MTF, DoD staff, and other departments to enhance the process. Interpret and apply VHA administrative guidelines, policies, directives, handbooks, and nationwide initiatives. Design, write, develop, coordinate, and implement plans, data collection, reporting, and evaluation of transition services. Provide expert guidance to facilitate seamless transitions and support the VA mission. Consistently communicate with customers—Veterans, representatives, visitors, and VA staff—in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Handle conflicts constructively and provide consistent information per established policies. Collaborate with other disciplines such as nursing and medicine to implement treatment plans. Collaborate with community stakeholders to foster positive community‑VA relations. Maintain professional conduct with supervisors, co‑workers, patients, visitors, and the public, contributing to effective program operation. Anticipate potential conflicts and promote coworker cooperation. Benefits Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Paid Time Off: 37–50 days of annual paid time, including 13–26 days of leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays. Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave after 12 months of employment. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment for eligible employees under $144 000; subsidy up to 25% of eligible costs up to $416.66 per month. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401 K with up to 5 % VA contributions. Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care; many federal insurance programs transferable into retirement. Telework: Not available; position is not virtual. Additional Information Functional Statement #: 000000. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) not authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr