Intermittent Social Worker - Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders

Summary The Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders (SCI/D) GS‑11 Social Worker is clinically responsible for delivery of care for treatment services and case management services for Veterans in the Spinal Cord Injury Service. The Social Worker provides inpatient and outpatient care to SCI/D Veterans who are admitted to the Spinal Cord Unit as well as those in rural and urban areas. Responsibilities Obtain a complete social work assessment as the basis for the formulation of a biopsychosocial assessment and treatment goals. Deal constructively with both positive and negative reactions from Veterans and significant others, understanding conflicting values and reaching Veterans from different social backgrounds and ethnic groups. Interview Veterans and significant others, interpret VA guidelines and eligibility requirements, and complete a comprehensive psychosocial history and assessment. Evaluate the Veteran’s situation, including the Veteran’s reaction and ability to cope. Oversee and monitor a written treatment plan in accordance with pragmatic standards and procedures. Use professional judgment and advanced practice skills to make a psychosocial diagnosis. Assess risk factors and develop a preliminary action plan involving the Veteran and family or significant others. Perform insightful assessment of serious complicated cases. Interpret and explain VA treatment and benefit programs to Veterans and family members. Independently oversee the development of psychosocial assessments and/or treatment plans in coordination with interdisciplinary team members. Complete the initial assessment of the Veteran’s likelihood to accept different types of assistance. Qualifications United States Citizenship: Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy. Proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Master’s degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates of schools of social work that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the school is fully accredited. A doctoral degree in social work may not substitute for the master’s degree. Verification of the degree can be made by referring to the CSWE website to verify accreditation standards for a Master of Social Work. Licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master’s degree level. Exception: VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification examinations (applies only at the GS‑9 grade level). May qualify based on the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (applicable to current VHA employees who meet the criteria). Two years of post‑MSW experience equivalent to the GS‑9 grade level in health care or other social work–related settings (VA or non‑VA) and licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level. Specialized experience may include, but is not limited to: Working under close supervision in program areas that do not require specialized knowledge or experience. Identifying behaviors or symptoms of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Providing education on advance directives and advanced care planning. Providing social work case management. Acting as a patient/family member/caregiver advocate with community service providers/agencies. Assessing the psychosocial functioning and needs of patients and their family members. Collaborating with the patient, family, and interdisciplinary treatment teams to identify strengths, weaknesses, coping skills, and psychosocial acuity. Maintaining a current network of internal and external resources to educate the patient and/or family members/caregivers and assist with appropriate referrals. Substituting a doctoral degree in social work for one year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting. Knowledge, skills, and abilities: Knowledge of community resources and the ability to coordinate services. Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions for a wide variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures to formulate a treatment plan. Skill in independently implementing different treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups experiencing psychiatric, medical, and social problems. Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers, social work graduate students, and other staff about psychosocial needs of patients and the impact on health care and compliance with treatment. Preferred experience: Medical social work, discharge planning, care coordination, and spinal cord injuries/disorders. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑11. Benefits Work schedule: Intermittent – tour to be discussed during the interview. Recruitment Incentive: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. Pay: Annual salary will be prorated based on hours worked; a higher step rate may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA. Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement). Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 14098F. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs