Social Worker - Primary Care

Summary The incumbent social worker will be assigned to provide 1.0 FTEE social work services to Veterans and their families receiving Primary Care (PC) within the Iowa City VA HCS. Qualifications Applicants who have not yet completed required educational or licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements United States Citizenship is required; non‑citizens may be considered only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited according to VA policy. Education Master's degree in social work from a school fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates of schools in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until full accreditation is achieved. A doctoral degree in social work may not substitute a master's degree. Degree verification can be done through the CSWE accreditation list. Licensure Applicants must be licensed or certified by a state to practice independently at the master's level. State requirements can be found at the VHA website. For GS‑9, the licensure requirement may be waived pending completion of state prerequisites. For GS‑11 and above, licensure or certification is required. Failure to obtain or maintain licensure within 3 years results in removal from the GS‑0185 series and potential termination. English Language Proficiency Proficiency in spoken and written English is required per 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Applicants may qualify under the Grandfathering Provision for current VHA employees meeting criteria. Grade Determinations Social Worker – GS‑9 requires experience, education, and licensure as specified above; no additional basic requirements. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to work with Veterans and family members from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and educational backgrounds using counseling skills. Ability to assess psychosocial functioning and needs, formulating and implementing treatment plans that identify problems, strengths, and resources. Ability to implement treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups, including crisis intervention techniques. Ability to establish effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and community agencies. Fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, treatment procedures, medications, and medical terminology. GS‑11 Experience and Licensure Appointment to GS‑11 requires at least one year of post‑MSW experience equivalent to GS‑9 grade in health care or related social work settings, plus licensure or certification. A doctoral degree in social work may substitute for one year of professional experience. Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge of community resources, referral coordination, psychosocial assessment, treatment planning, and consultation services. Physical Requirements Pre‑employment examination or evaluation is required. Questions about physical demands can be addressed at the time of assessment. Duties Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments for Veterans and family members. Engage in treatment planning with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring psychosocial needs are addressed. Implement counseling services (individual, family, group) for disability, terminal illness, or bereavement. Provide consultation and education on community resources, advance directives, and VA benefits. Serve as a liaison between VA and community agencies; may perform outreach responsibilities. Deliver case management services across the continuum of care and provide wellness/prevention education. Document interventions in clinical records and maintain data reports per JCAHO, VA, and Medical Center policies. Utilize computer software for documentation, data management, and tracking. Engage in professional development, peer review, and case conferences. Perform other related duties as assigned. Benefits Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday, 7:30 am‑4:00 pm or 8:00 am‑4:30 pm. Competitive salary with regular increases; step rate may be adjusted for higher qualifications. Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days annually (13‑26 days leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays). Leave accrual may be accelerated for prior military or work experience. Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks paid after 12 months of employment for birth, adoption, or foster placement. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, eligible full‑time employees may receive up to 25% subsidy for childcare costs, capped at $416.66 per month. Retirement: Traditional federal pension after 5 years vesting; federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution. Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care; some programs transferable into retirement. Telework: Not available; position is on‑site only. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs