Senior Social Worker (CLC) - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive & EDRP Authorized

Senior Social Worker

The Senior Social Worker is a professional whose duties and responsibilities center on the care management of Veterans in the CLC. The incumbent must use a high level of skill in assessing and treating the complicated psychosocial problems of Veterans as they adjust to their stay at the CLC or transition to appropriate placement alternatives. Care management responsibilities include the management, coordination, and provision of social work and supportive services to Veterans and/or their families. The Social Worker is a member of the referral screening team and participates in the evaluation and decision-making process of accepting and/or denying CLC referrals. A significant portion of admissions are from within the WTV AHCS; therefore, this role also serves as a liaison between the CLC and WTV AHCS regarding their referrals and screening process. The Senior Social Worker will provide consultation and guidance to colleagues, role model effective social work practice skills, teach or provide orientation to less experienced social workers, and develop innovations in practice interventions. The CLC Social Worker will manage and coordinate both the CLC resident and family/caregiver councils. Treatment Planning/Goal Setting- The Senior Social Worker is responsible for contributing to the development of the treatment plan and setting achievable treatment goals with the Veteran and family members/caregiver. The psychosocial assessment and minimum data set (MDS) assessment will be completed as specified by the policy for the assigned work area. When a Veteran is admitted under hospice, the CLC Social Worker will ensure documentation of what the Veteran's/Family desires are for their funeral and burial arrangements. The incumbent will participate in weekly Interdisciplinary Treatment Team Meeting for treatment planning and provide updates related to psychosocial functioning and discharge. Referral to service providers - Throughout the course of treatment, the Senior Social Worker/incumbent is the subject matter expert on VA and/or community resources. The Senior Social Worker will collaborate with other service providers in assessing the Veteran's needs and educate the Veteran and family members on the available services and assist them in establishing the appropriate referrals based on the Veteran's preference or that of his surrogate decision-maker. Advocacy - The Senior Social Worker understands the intimidation of bureaucracy and will act as an advocate when it serves the best interest of the Veteran and family members/caregiver. When appropriate, the incumbent will educate and encourage the Veteran to advocate on his/her own behalf, thus fostering a sense of independence and empowerment. Crisis Intervention - The Senior Social Worker will perform risk assessments and develop crisis intervention planning as clinically indicated.