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. 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. 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 – you must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Education – you must possess a master’s degree in social work from an accredited 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 of social work is fully accredited. A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master’s degree in social work. Verification of the degree can be made by going to the CSWE website to verify if that social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a Master of Social Work. Licensure: Must be 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 being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: Social Worker Qualifications – GS‑0185‑11 GS‑11 Licensure Requirement: you must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master’s degree level. GS‑11 Experience or Education Requirement: in addition to meeting the basic requirements – to qualify for the GS‑11 – you must possess a minimum of one year of post‑MSW experience equivalent to the GS‑9 grade level in the field of health care or other social work‑related settings (VA or non‑VA experience) and licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level. Examples of specialized experience include but are 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 an advocate with community service providers/agencies; assessing psychosocial functioning and needs of patients and their family members; collaborating with interdisciplinary treatment teams to identify strengths, weaknesses, coping skills, and psychosocial acuity; maintaining a current network of internal and external resources to educate and assist with referrals; or a doctoral degree in social work from a school of social work may be substituted for the required one year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting. Knowledge, skills, and abilities: knowledge of community resources, ability to coordinate services, skill in conducting psychosocial assessments, knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, and ability to implement treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups. Preferred Experience: experience within medical social work, discharge planning, care coordination, and spinal cord injuries/disorders. Reference: for more information on this qualification standard – please visit Physical Requirements: see Handbook 5019. Duties Duties include – but are not limited to: obtaining a complete social work assessment as a basis for the formulation of a biopsychosocial assessment and treatment goals, effectively using professional skills, objectivity, and insight, particularly in situations where significant others may be involved in the treatment process. Dealing constructively with both positive and negative reactions (such as antagonistic, indifferent, or evasive Veterans) – understanding conflicting values and reaching Veterans from different social backgrounds and ethnic groups. Interviewing Veterans and significant others – interpreting VA guidelines and eligibility requirements and completing a comprehensive psychosocial history and assessment. Evaluating the Veteran’s situation – including the Veteran's reaction to it and ability to cope. Overseeing and monitoring a written treatment plan in accordance with pragmatic standards and procedures. Using professional judgment and advanced practice skills to make a psychosocial diagnosis. Assessing risk factors, including the degree to self and others – and developing a preliminary action plan involving the Veteran and family or significant others. Performing insightful assessment of serious complicated cases. Interpreting and explaining VA treatment and benefit programs to Veterans and family members. Independently overseeing the development of psychosocial assessments and/or treatment plans – in coordination with interdisciplinary team members, using available resources. Completing the initial assessment of the Veteran's likelihood to accept different types of assistance. Benefits and compensation: insurance – federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care; telework – not available; virtual – this is not a virtual position. Recruitment incentive (sign‑on bonus): not authorized; permanent change of station (relocation assistance): not authorized; pay: annual salary will be prorated based on hours worked. Functional Statement #: 14098F. #J-18808-Ljbffr Direct Jobs