Social Worker

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit their EDRP application within four months of appointment. The program approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after a complete review of the EDRP application. Applicants pending completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States. Non‑citizens may be appointed when recruiting qualified citizens is not possible per relevant regulations. Education: Must hold a master’s degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited school of social work. Graduates of schools in candidacy status do not meet the requirement until full accreditation is achieved. A doctoral degree cannot substitute for the master’s degree. Licensure: Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS‑0185 series must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work. A waiver may apply for GS‑9 level pending completion of state licensure prerequisites; for GS‑11 level and above, licensure or certification is mandatory. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Licensure Exception (GS‑9): VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for applicants who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure examinations. This exception applies only at the GS‑9 grade level. For the GS‑11 grade level and above, the candidate must be licensed or certified, and the supervisor will provide written requirements and deadlines. Failure to become licensed or certified within the prescribed time results in removal or termination. Once licensed or certified, social workers must maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification to remain qualified. Loss of licensure or certification results in removal or termination. Physical Requirements The work is primarily sedentary but also requires standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services for detailed requirements. Grade Determinations Social Worker, GS‑9 Experience, Education, and Licensure: None beyond the basic requirements. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to work with Veterans and families from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and educational backgrounds using counseling skills. Ability to assess psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and their families, and to formulate and implement a treatment plan. Ability to implement treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups to achieve treatment goals, utilizing supportive, problem‑solving, or crisis intervention techniques. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and community agencies. Fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures, including acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses, medication effects, and medical terminology. Social Worker, GS‑11 Experience and Licensure: Minimum of one year of post‑MSW experience at the GS‑9 level in health care or related social work settings, plus state licensure or certification at the independent practice level. Education (Optional): A doctoral degree in social work may substitute for one year of professional experience in a clinical setting. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of community resources and ability to make appropriate referrals and coordinate services. Skill in conducting psychosocial assessments and interventions for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures for formulating a treatment plan. Skill in implementing treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups to achieve treatment goals. Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers, graduate students, and other staff about psychosocial needs and their impact on health care compliance. Full Performance Level Assignments Full performance level requires that social workers be licensed or certified to independently practice. Incumbents may be assigned to any program area, including inpatient or outpatient medicine, surgery, mental health, neurology, rehabilitation medicine, and geriatrics. Employees provide professional, independent social work services in the assigned area. Reference For more information on the qualification standard, visit #J-18808-Ljbffr Veterans Health Administration