Social Worker (BHIP)

Social Worker

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Social Worker independently provides clinical psychosocial and case management services at an advanced practice level to eligible Veterans and their family members, to address biological, psychological, social, and environmental needs. Veterans treated are primarily from the John J. Pershing catchment area. Their health care and psychosocial needs are complex and require a high degree of clinical oversight and creative problem solving. Services are provided at the John J. Pershing VAMC and in the community. The incumbent interacts not only with patients, but also family members, significant others, community agencies, and other staff.

A. Interviews Clients and Conducts Psychosocial Assessments: Interviews Veterans and their family members/significant others to establish facts about the Veteran's situation, presenting problems and their causes, and the impact on functioning and health as part of a comprehensive psychosocial assessment. Interprets and explains VA treatment and benefit programs. Reviews and evaluates data, subjective and objective, to identify needs and strengths, using advanced clinical skill and insight.

B. Makes Psychosocial Diagnoses: Independently evaluates the client's situation and response to stressors, and arrives at reasoned conclusions. Uses professional judgment and advanced practice skills to make psychosocial diagnoses and assess at-risk factors, developing preliminary disposition plans with the Veteran and significant others. Performs insightful assessments of serious and complicated cases, including those involving psychiatric illness, catastrophic medical conditions, dementia, and other high-risk diagnoses. Makes independent professional recommendations for agency action, recognizing the serious consequences to the Veteran.

C. Plans Effective Treatment: Develops psychosocial treatment plans in coordination with interdisciplinary team members and sets clinical goals. Makes initial and continuing decisions regarding use of VA and non-VA resources and referrals, based on initial assessment and likelihood of acceptance. Provides independent consultation and makes recommendations to the interdisciplinary team regarding courses of treatment. Coordinates screening of patients for specific mental health programs and provides ongoing treatment per guidelines. Makes decisions that may have significant impact on the Veteran's life, such as long-term placement or separation from family, drawing on advanced practice skills and professional judgment.

D. Implements Treatment: Provides clinical services to Veterans and family members/significant others in support of treatment. Offers advice, guidance, emotional support, and counseling services, including psychotherapy when appropriate. Assists Veterans in problem-solving, evaluates situations realistically, explores alternatives, and utilizes resources for resolution. Organizes community services and develops/coordinates procedures for use by related staff. Maintains a productive network of referral resources and makes provisions for additional services. Applies professional judgment and advanced practice skills in daily interactions with Veterans, particularly those with complex situations and histories of noncompliance.

E. Evaluation, Education, Supervision, Coaching, and Mentoring Establishes ongoing relationships with Veterans, evaluates progress, and updates treatment plans. Documents psychosocial assessments, diagnostics, treatment, progress notes, follow-up, and referral in the medical record (paper/electronic). Explains treatment and progress to stakeholders as appropriate. Manages quality control and evaluates the effectiveness of services provided. Devises methods and evaluates data to determine treatment effectiveness. Directs and coordinates clinical and psychosocial services, ensuring overall effectiveness and modifying services to best meet Veterans' needs. Coordinates Social Work services with other treatment program offerings to ensure complementarity and comprehensiveness. Provides case management services to Veterans at high social or medical risk, serving as liaison to other programs.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm

Bargaining Unit: Yes

Telework: Adhoc Telework Only as Needed.