Social Worker

Summary
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $ and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Qualifications
Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• 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 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 to verify that the social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a masters of social work
• Licensure
• Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-0185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level
• Current state requirements may be found by going to
• Exception
• VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified - pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification examinations
• This exception only applies at the GS-9 grade level
• For the GS-11 grade level and above - the candidate must be licensed or certified
• At the time of appointment - the supervisor - chief social work or social work executive will provide the unlicensed/uncertified social worker with the written requirements for licensure or certification - including the time by which the license or certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming licensed or certified by the deadline
• Failure to Obtain License or Certification
• In all cases - social workers must actively pursue meeting state prerequisites for licensure or certification starting from the date of their appointment
• Failure to become licensed or certified within the prescribed amount of time (3 years) will result in removal from the GS-0185 social worker series and may result in termination of employment
• Loss of Licensure or Certification
• Once licensed or certified - social workers must maintain a full - valid - and unrestricted independent license or certification to remain qualified for employment
• Loss of licensure or certification will result in removal from the GS-0185 social worker series and may result in termination of employment
• Driver's License: A current - valid state-issued Driver's License is required for this position
• NOTE: We cannot accept photographs - therefore
• please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package
• If an interview is requested - you will be required to provide a copy of your current - valid state-issued Driver's License
• English Language Proficiency
• Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C.
• 7403(f)
• 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 (Program Coordinator) - GS-12 Experience and Education
• One year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level
• Experience must demonstrate possession of advanced practice skills and judgment - demonstrating progressively more professional competency
• Candidate may have certification or other post-master's degree training from a nationally recognized professional organization or university that includes a defined curriculum/course of study and internship - or equivalent supervised professional experience
• Licensure/Certification
• Individuals assigned as social worker program coordinator must be licensed or certified at the advanced practice level - and must be able to provide supervision for licensure
• Documentation is required if part of your state's requirements for providing supervision for licensure is beyond your licensure only (example: certification of continuing education credits)
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs (document with written demonstration of KSAs must be included with application - see required documents section): Knowledge of program coordination and administration which includes consultation - negotiation - and monitoring
• Knowledge and ability to write policies - procedures - and/or practice guidelines for the program
• Ability to supervise multidisciplinary staff assigned to the program
• Skill in organizing work - setting priorities - meeting multiple deadlines - and evaluating assigned program area(s)
• Ability to provide training - orientation - and guidance within clinical practice
• Preferred Experience: Experience working with Geriatric Homeless Services - HUD - Housing First - McKinney Vento - Medicaid - Section 8 Housing - Case Management - Crisis Services - Mental Health - Homeless Populations
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12
• Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position
• Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Duties

• VA Careers - Licensed Clinical Social Worker: Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties of this position are - but not limited to: Independently conducts thorough assessments and implementing evidence-based interventions that address the unique challenges faced by these groups
• Educating clients - caregivers - and staff about relevant issues - thereby empowering them with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate their circumstances more effectively
• Designing new initiatives - refining existing programs - and identifying gaps in service that need to be addressed
• Community outreach is another essential component of the role - as it involves establishing and maintaining relationships with local - state - and federal agencies - as well as non-governmental organizations
• Develops and implements policies and procedures that guide the program's activities - ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards
• Manages the program's budget - monitors expenditures - and ensures that resources are used efficiently
• Preparing reports and maintaining data on the program's performance
• Advanced knowledge of the services and benefits available from both public and private sector resources - the Program Coordinator works across various departments and with external agencies to develop and maintain partnerships that enhance the program's effectiveness
• Collaborative approach ensures that the program can adapt to the evolving needs of the community it serves
• Navigate complex systems - advocate for clients - and establish meaningful connections with external partners is critical to the overall success of the program
• The Program Coordinator not only manages the day-to-day operations but also contributes to the long-term strategic vision and impact of the program
• Proficiency in utilizing computer software applications for documentation - data management - and tracking is essential - particularly within the framework of the Veterans Health Administration
• Maintains data and statistical reports to comply with JCAHO - VA - and Medical Center policies and procedures
• Meticulously documents social work interventions and activities in patient clinical records - ensuring a smooth hand-off when transferring patient care
• Exceptional interpersonal skills are vital for establishing and maintaining effective relationships with patients - families - and a spectrum of community agencies - communicating fluently in diverse cultural and professional settings
• An in-depth knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses - disabilities - and treatment procedures is indispensable - encompassing acute - chronic - and traumatic conditions - as well as an understanding of common medications and their associated effects and side effects
• May provide clinical supervision to social work students or social workers pursuing advance practice licensure - sharing their knowledge and expertise
• Will provide leadership - direction - orientation - coaching - in-service training - staff development - and/or continuing education programs for assigned social work staff
• They serve on committees - work groups - and/or task forces at the facility - VISN and national level - or in the community as deemed appropriate by the Social Work Executive or designee
• Additionally - they will provide consultation and education to medical residents on social work practice and VA policy and procedure
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday - 7:30am-4:00pm or 8:00am-4:30pm EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $ may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Ad-Hoc Only Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000