Social Worker - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP)

Social Worker Duties

Social Worker duties include, but are not limited to:

• Screening/Assessment - In conjunction with the interdisciplinary medical team, the BHIP Social Worker screens and assesses the Veteran's psychosocial needs and barriers in order to facilitate his or her access to appropriate VA and community resources. Through collaborative relationships with the Veteran, his or her family/caregiver and other VA programs and VA staff, the BHIP Social Worker coordinates the gathering of information vital to the process of setting appropriate treatment goals and time frames for achieving those goals. Assessment information, comprising the Psychiatry Assessment Template.
• Treatment Planning/Goal Setting - From screening/assessment information, in coordination with the BHIP treatment team, the Veteran and his/her family, the BHIP Social Worker determines realistic goals with the Veteran, including such factors as a) problems, b) goals, c) objectives, c) specific concrete interventions. Treatment plans are written utilizing the MHTP software.
• Psychotherapy - The BHIP Social Worker will provide a full range of psychotherapeutic services to utilize the most appropriate evidence-based psychotherapy in order to provide quality care in the outpatient programs of the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program. The incumbent will participate in telemental health or similar activities in order to provide services for Veterans located away from the Medical Center. The incumbent provides ethical individual and group mental health services to eligible Veterans diagnosed with mental and behavioral health conditions.
• Referral to service providers - To facilitate the continuity of a Veteran's recovery, the BHIP Social Worker will arrange referrals to needed VA and/or community resources (e.g., services available through area agencies on aging, community support groups, etc.). The BHIP Social Worker will collaborate with other service providers in re-assessing the Veteran's needs during the eligibility determination process, coordinating access to information needed for the referral.
• Resource Usage/Development - As a subject matter expert on the services and resources available to Veterans through both VA and the community, the BHIP Social Worker will monitor patterns of resource availability, identifying unmet needs and the resultant impact on the Veteran's psychosocial functioning. The BHIP Social Worker will communicate with appropriate stakeholders (e.g., the Chief of Social Work, the Social Work Practice Council, other VA programs, community partners) to encourage the development of new and innovative resources.
• Advocacy - The BHIP Social Worker will advocate for Veterans to ensure that they have access to all needed care and resources within VA and in the community. By availing the Veteran of his or her choices in complex decisions and by guiding the veteran through complicated enrollment procedures and bureaucratic processes, the BHIP Social Worker facilitates the best possible outcome for the Veteran. When appropriate and feasible, the BHIP Social Worker will educate and encourage the Veteran and his or her family/caregiver to advocate on his/her own behalf, fostering independence and empowerment.
• Crisis Intervention - The BHIP Social Worker will assess and intervene in crises presented by the Veteran and participate in developing crisis management and safety plans to minimize the event of future crises.
• Education/Health promotion and prevention - The BHIP Social Worker will provide education about VA and community resources, entitlement programs, VA benefits and Advance Directives/Living, completing the advanced directive or living will as requested. The BHIP Social Worker will refer Veterans and their families/caregivers to the appropriate interdisciplinary team member for identified health education needs.
• Non-patient care responsibilities - The BHIP Social Worker will enter all Veteran/family contacts in the electronic medical record using appropriate formats and templates. This information will be entered in a complete, confidential, timely and professional manner to promote relevant and effective communication with other VA employees about the Veteran's care. The BHIP Social Worker will establish and maintain positive working relationships with employees, volunteers, patients/consumers and other stakeholders within the VA and in outside community agencies. Perform other duties as requested or assigned.

Work Schedule:

• Full Time
• 0730-1600 or 0800-1630

Telework: In accordance with VA Policy and Supervisor discretion

Virtual: This is not a virtual position

EDRP Authorized: Contact View email address on click.appcast.io, for assistance.

Permanent Change of Station: Not Authorized

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Functional Statements: 92042-0, 92043-0 Social Work: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Social-Worker-Career-Flyer.pdf