Social Worker

Summary The Veterans Administration Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS) is a multi‑site medical system with an academic teaching mission that includes medical centers, rehabilitation facilities, and community‑based outpatient clinics. Services include primary health care, medicine, surgery, mental health and substance abuse treatment, home health care, geriatrics/long‑term care, respite, hospice, palliative care, and emergency care. Qualifications Applicants pending the 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). English language proficiency – spoken and written. Education: Master’s degree in social work from a school fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). A doctoral degree may not substitute for the master’s degree. Verification can be done via . Licensure: The candidate must be licensed or certified by a state to practice social work at the master’s degree level. State requirements can be found at . For GS‑9, the VA may waive licensure pending completion of state prerequisites; for GS‑11 and above, licensure is required. Grandfathering provision: Current VHA employees who meet the criteria are considered to have met all qualifications. Employees not meeting all basic requirements must receive appropriate training and may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory positions. Grade determinations: GS‑9 requires experience, education, and licensure; no additional requirements beyond the basic requirements. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to use a veteran‑centric approach when providing interventions and counseling for veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Ability to assess psychosocial functioning and needs, formulate and implement treatment plans, and provide crisis or problem‑solving interventions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communication with clients, staff, and community agencies. Fundamental medical knowledge of diagnoses, disabilities, treatment procedures, medications, and terminology. GS‑11: Requires a minimum of one year of post‑MSW experience in a health‑care or related setting (or a doctoral degree may substitute). Also requires licensure or certification at the independent practice level. Preferred Experience Initiative and resourcefulness in developing new methods and policies. Consultation of new social workers, graduate students, and staff on psychosocial needs. Duties Provide assessment and treatment of complex psychosocial problems of veterans in the Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT). Deliver short‑term, solution‑focused counseling to veterans and/or families during crisis. Make referrals originating from the interdisciplinary team, veterans, families, and community professionals. Coordinate veteran care in collaboration with PACT multidisciplinary members. Conduct biopsychosocial assessments via office, televideo, and telephone. Support veterans, caregivers, and family through education, wellness, and supportive services. Maintain professional relationships with veterans, caregivers, local, state, federal agencies, and NGOs. Abide by the NASW Code of Ethics, local policies, and maintain an unrestricted license. Participate in interdisciplinary treatment teams and collaborate on treatment goals and interventions. Attend staff meetings, supervision meetings, and committee meetings as required. Perform performance‑improvement activities and comply with VA performance measures. Gather and use patient feedback to enhance services. Report to the Acute and Ambulatory Care Supervisor, with the SWSL Chief or Assistant Chief as secondary supervisor. Provide a full range of social work services to veterans and families. Supervise and consult as required; GS‑9 workers are supervised, GS‑11 workers perform duties independently. Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday 8:00 am–4:30 pm. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 260377‑F – 260378‑F. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. PCS: Not authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr US Department of Veterans Affairs