Social Worker - Caregiver Support Program

Summary The Social Work Service Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is one of the Veterans Health Administration's (VHA) most rapidly growing service areas. The program’s goal is to not only support caregivers in their role but to also promote their health and well‑being through education, therapeutic engagement, and resource and service linkage. Qualifications 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: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education: Have a 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 in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the school is fully accredited. A doctoral degree is not substituted for the master’s degree. Verification of the degree: Confirmed via . Licensure: Persons hired in the GS‑0185 series must be licensed or certified by a state to practice social work independently at the master’s level. VHA may waive this for GS‑9 applicants pending state prerequisites; GS‑11 and above require licensure. State license deadlines: Licensed or certified applicants at GS‑9 must obtain licensure within three years of appointment. Grandfathering Provision: May qualify if covered by the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation. Grade Determinations Experience, Education, and Licensure (GS‑9): No additional requirements beyond the basic qualifications. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (GS‑9): Work with Veterans and family members from diverse backgrounds using counseling skills. Assess psychosocial functioning and develop treatment plans addressing strengths and needs. Implement treatment modalities for individuals, families, and groups. Create supportive, problem‑solving, or crisis intervention techniques. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff, and community agencies. Fundamental knowledge of medical/mental health diagnoses, disabilities, treatments, medications, and terminology. Experience, Licensure (GS‑11): Minimum one year of post‑MSW experience in a healthcare or related setting, or a doctoral degree in social work with one year of clinical experience. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (GS‑11): Knowledge of community resources and referral coordination. Independent psychosocial assessment and treatment interventions across diverse populations. Medical/mental health diagnostic knowledge for treatment planning. Independent implementation of treatment modalities for psychiatric, medical, and social problems. Provide consultation to new social workers, graduate students, and staff. Preferred Experience: One year in a Caregiver Support Program, organizational and prioritization skills, and program evaluation abilities. Responsibilities Assist in day‑to‑day operations of the Caregiver Support Program and ensure compliance with local and VA Central Office initiatives. Participate in direct caregiver and Veteran contacts to assess caregiver stress and develop clinical interventions. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on caregiver issues. Create educational tools, develop programs, and implement training focused on caregiver needs. Provide education and in‑service training to VAMC employees, Veterans, families, and caregivers. Offer ongoing consultation and support to colleagues regarding caregiver support. Develop and facilitate caregiver support groups (face‑to‑face or VANTS telephone line) and educational programs. Distribute educational materials from VA and partner organizations. Conduct caregiver and family clinical interventions to identify stress, psychiatric illness, emotional distress, and social needs. Apply professional judgment in interactions with caregivers and Veterans. Respond to calls from the National Caregiver Support Hotline and general inquiries related to the program. Physical Requirements Typical for the occupation: standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing. Work Environment Performs in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks, requiring normal safety precautions. Environment is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Requires ability to handle multiple tasks in sometimes stressful situations. Benefits Competitive salary with regular increases; higher step rate may be available for unique qualifications. Annual paid time off: 37–50 days (13–26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays). Credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service. Parental leave: Up to 12 weeks (after 12 months of employment) for birth, adoption, or foster care placement. Child care subsidy: Up to 25% of eligible childcare costs for full‑time employees with total family income below $144,000 (max $416.66/month). Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% VA contribution. Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care insurance (many programs carried into retirement). Telework: Not available; position is not virtual. #J-18808-Ljbffr