Social Worker (HUD-VASH)

Social Worker (HUD-VASH)

This Social Worker (HUD-VASH) position is within the Mental Health Service within VA White River Junction Healthcare System at the White River Junction, Vermont location. The incumbent is situated in the Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Service Line. The incumbent is responsible for serving as the primary contact with local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) and providing case management-based services (directly or through referral) necessary to ensure that Veteran care is coordinated with the VA medical center, community health or mental health providers, and agencies that serve homeless populations. The incumbent works closely with the WRJ VAMC, Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), homeless programs, residential and community care programs, state and local social service organizations to ensure that coordination between these entities is facilitated. The incumbent ensures that Veterans' direct care, referrals, and follow up is contiguous and based on a continuum of services. Veterans eligible for HUD/VASH come from a wide geographic area. Their health and mental health needs may be complex and require a high degree of clinical oversight and creative problem solving. Services are provided in healthcare settings and in the community. The HUD/VASH Program requires continuous coordination with the community's homeless providers and coalitions as well as with other local, state, and federal agencies. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Identifies behaviors or symptoms of abuse, neglect or exploitation; providing education on advance directives and advanced care planning.
• Provides social work case management; acting as an advocate with appropriate VA and community service providers/agencies when it serves the best interest of the Veteran and family members/caregiver.
• Assesses the psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and their family members identifying the Veteran's strengths, weaknesses, coping skills and psychosocial acuity, in collaboration with the Veteran, family, and interdisciplinary treatment teams.
• Maintains a current network of internal and external resources to educate the Veteran and/or family members/caregivers and assist with the appropriate referrals.
• Independently provides clinical psychosocial and case management services for eligible Veterans in the program. (GS-9 social workers provide psychosocial services in the assigned area under supervision)
• Provides direct services to Veterans in the Homeless Program with high quality case management, clinical treatment, advocacy, and to coordinate linkage with appropriate VA and community service providers/ agencies as needed by the client.
• Regularly conducts and participates in outreach activities including field interviews, assessments and referrals for homeless Veterans contacted in the community, shelters, and "on the streets," as well as those who are referred by VA residential programs, medical centers or outpatient clinics.
• Evaluates the Veteran's situation, abilities, and capabilities, and arrives at a reasoned conclusion including an assessment of vulnerability and prioritization for admission.
• Assesses at-risk factors and develops a preliminary plan, involving the Veteran and family or significant others, and performs an insightful assessment of serious and complicated cases involving psychiatric illness which may also include, catastrophic medical condition, dementia, traumatic brain injuries, and other high risks referral and screening procedures for potential HUD/VASH Veteran participants.
• Performs additional duties as required.

Work Schedule: Full-Time, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.

Telework: Ad-Hoc

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: F01168 at GS-09 and F01120 at GS-11.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Hannah Neilson at View email address on click.appcast.io, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure: Not Required

Notifications:

• This position is in the Excepted Service.
• This position is an AFGE Bargaining Unit position.
• This position is covered by locality-based comparability pay.
• Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
• Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.
• Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). SF-50s must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.