This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/464034500. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. Not only is it the largest, most technologically advanced integrated health care system in the Nation, but we also provide many other services to Veterans through the Benefits Administration and National Cemeteries. VA professionals feel good about their careers and their ability to balance work and home life. VA offers generous paid time off and a variety of predictable and flexible scheduling opportunities. For more information on the Department of Veterans Affairs, go to http://www.vacareers.va.gov/.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
02/09/2017 to 03/02/2017
$49,765 - $78,270 per year
GS 00
2 vacancies in the following locations:
Not required
No
Agency Employees Only
Full-time - Full Time
No
OE-17-SPH-1912094-BU
464034500
Social Work Service (SWS) currently has a vacancy for an outpatient mental health social worker. Incumbent will function as an integral member of the multidisciplinary mental health treatment team and will actively participate in patient assessment, treatment planning, and provision of a full range of clinical treatment and services to all assigned Veteran patients. Specific duties include: Develops an extensive psychosocial assessment of the Veteran in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, the Veteran, family members and significant others. The goal of the assessment is to highlight the Veteran's strengths, limitations, and internal/external supports and service needs in order to optimize the Veteran's functional status. This will be accomplished through the use of structured assessments and clinical interview. Demonstrates an understanding of the range of treatment and skills needed for all adult patients, including those with chronic mental illness, or unexpected physical limitations and psychological needs resulting from prolonged and/or repeated exposure to battlefield trauma and operational stress sustained during military duty. It is the responsibility of the social worker, working within the interdisciplinary treatment team, to develop a treatment plan with the Veteran based on this assessment and to determine the most effective treatment method/s consistent with the Veteran's overall needs. The treatment plan will contain measurable, achievable treatment goals. Employs a vast array of clinical skills to accomplish treatment objectives. Crisis assessment and intervention skills are required. Conducts individual and/or family therapy, and serves as primary therapist in treatment groups. Will be equipped to utilize various clinical treatment modalities including case management, patient/family education, and advanced treatment approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other Evidence-Based treatments as directed by the mental health team leader. Throughout the course of treatment, incumbent is the subject matter expert on VA and/or community resources. Collaborates with other service providers in reassessing the Veteran's needs. Responsible for providing education to the Veteran and/or caregiver of the available services and assisting them in establishing appropriate referrals based on the Veteran's preference or that of his surrogate decision-maker. Assists in linkage with other VA or community services/benefits and entitlements. Responsible for using the current social work resource file of VA and community social work programs and enhancing the content to the benefit of Veterans. While making referrals, understands the intimidation of bureaucracy and will act as an advocate when it serves the best interest of the Veteran/family. When appropriate and feasible, will educate and encourage the Veteran/family to advocate on own behalf, fostering a sense of independence and empowerment. Experienced in making rapid assessments and developing crisis management plans for admission to mental health inpatient programs. Has access to multiple resource directories in addition to previously developed resources to meet the demands of a crisis. In the event of a medical or psychiatric emergency, staff will follow the protocol of the mental health clinic at the VA Medical Center. Ensures coverage in all program component areas and demonstrates a cooperative team spirit in providing backup coverage as needed/assigned to prevent disruption of patient care activities. Documents all patient care assessments, interventions, and treatment progress in CPRS in a timely and professional manner consistent. Captures all workload through completion of electronic patient encounters. May serve as a field instructor or preceptor and may therefore supervise social work graduate-level interns. Works with students to develop training needs and goals, and assess student's progress and performance. Will attend VHA-sponsored Evidence-Based Psychotherapy trainings as available and as directed by the supervisor. Participates in the overall activities of the SWS and in support of the Mental Health Service. This will include special projects, quality assurance assignments, representation on committees, development of programs, etc., as directed by operational needs to comply with Joint Commission, VA/Network mandates, and medical center/service line goals. May be required to assist with other duties as assigned by the Supervisory Social Worker for the purpose of backup/coverage in other areas of the MHC. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Tour of Duty: Monday Friday, 8:00 am 4:30 pm (subject to change based on needs of the agency)
Functional Statement: Social Worker (Outpatient Mental Health)/01167-A
Physical Requirements: Light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); walking (2 hours); standing (2 hours); ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13# to 16# to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; hearing (aid permitted); mental and emotional stability.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. 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 the CSWE website to verify if that social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a master of social work. Licensure. Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-185 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 on the OHRM website. 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 up to the full performance level. For grade levels above the full performance level, the candidate must be licensed or certified. Physical Requirements. Must pass pre-employment physical exam. English Language Proficiency. Social workers must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j.
Preferred Experience: Mental Health experience preferred.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including
volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps,
AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic;
religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical
competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and
experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying
experience, including volunteer experience.
Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
GS-9 Social Worker: Experience, Education and Licensure. GS-9 is the entry level grade for the GS-185 social work series and is used for social workers with less than one year of post-MSW experience and for social workers who are not yet licensed or certified at the independent practice level. Social workers at the GS-9 level are working toward completion of prerequisites for licensure or certification. In addition, the candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Ability to provide psychosocial treatment to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational, and other diversified backgrounds. This requires knowledge of human development and behavior (physical and psychological), and the differential influences of the environment, society, and culture. 2. Ability to work with patients and families who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical, and social problems utilizing individual, group, and family counseling skills. Work with more complex problems is done under close supervision. With guidance from the social work supervisor, ability to assess the psychosocial functioning and needs of patients and their family members, and to formulate and implement a treatment plan, identifying the patient's problems, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills, and assistance needed. 3. Basic knowledge of psychosocial treatment modalities and, under supervision, ability to implement treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups to achieve treatment goals. This requires judgment and skill in utilizing supportive, problem solving, or crisis intervention techniques. 4. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff, and representatives of community agencies. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people from varied backgrounds. 5. Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures. This includes acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses/injuries; common medications and their effects/side effects; and medical terminology. 6. Basic skill in the use of computer software applications for drafting documents, data management, and tracking. Ability to learn and utilize software programs in use by VHA.
GS-11 Social Worker: Experience, Education and Licensure. The GS-11 full performance level requires completion of a minimum of 1 year of post-MSW degree experience in the field of health care social work (VA or non-VA experience) and licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level. OR In addition to meeting basic requirements, a doctoral degree in social work from a school of social work may be substituted for the required 1 year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services. 2. Ability to independently assess the psychosocial functioning and needs of patients and their family members and to formulate and implement a treatment plan, identifying the patient's problems, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills and assistance needed, in collaboration with the patient, family and interdisciplinary treatment team. 3. Ability to independently conduct psychosocial assessments and provide psychosocial treatment to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational and other diversified backgrounds. This requires knowledge of human development and behavior (physical and psychological) and the differential influences of the environment, society and culture. 4. Knowledge and experience in the use of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities and treatment procedures. This includes acute, chronic and traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications and their effects/side effects, and medical terminology. 5. Knowledge of psychosocial treatment and ability to independently implement treatment modalities in working with individuals, families and groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical and social problems to achieve treatment goals. This requires independent judgment and skill in utilizing supportive, problem solving or crisis intervention techniques. 6. Ability to independently provide counseling and/or psychotherapy services to individuals, groups and families. Social workers must practice within the bounds of their license or certification. For example, some states may require social workers providing psychotherapy to have a clinical level of licensure. 7. Ability to provide consultation services to other staff about the psychosocial needs of patients and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and compliance with treatment. Ability to provide orientation and coaching to new social workers and social work graduate students. Ability to serve as a field instructor for social work graduate students who are completing VHA field placements. 8. Ability to independently evaluate his/her own practice through participation in professional peer review case conferences, research studies, or other organized means. 9 Knowledge and skill in the use of computer software applications for drafting documents, data management, and tracking, especially those programs in use by VHA.
Reference: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G39, Social Worker Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Your application, résumé and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
NOTE: The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-11. The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will recommend the grade and salary for new appointments. For internal selectees being promoted, the board will determine grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy.
1. CV or Resume (please ensure that you include the month and year for each period of employment).
2. VA Form 10-2850c - Application for Associated Health Occupations (Available at http://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf). This is a required form and must be submitted. Applicants who fail to submit will be rated ineligible for consideration. Additionally, applicants who fail to provide a complete and detailed explanation in response to any question (28-37) in which your answer is "Yes" will also be rated ineligible for consideration. This response should be provided on a separate sheet of paper as instructed on the form.
3. Online Questionnaire.
4. Latest SF-50 - Notification of Personnel Action to document status as a current, permanent VA employee. Applicants who fail to submit will be rated ineligible for consideration.
5. Copy of transcripts (unofficial are sufficient, but must document that degree was awarded).
6. Copy of Social Work licensure (if applicable).
NOTES:
- Please do not mail or e-mail application material. Apply on-line or via fax per the instructions in the announcement.
- If you require a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact the Chief of Human Resources at 803-776-4000 ext 6377.
Faxing Applications or Supporting Documents: You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you are unable to apply online or unable to upload your supporting documents to your online application, follow the directions located at the following site: Fax Options. The Vacancy ID of the job opportunity announcement is 1912094.
NOTE: If you applied online and your application is complete, do not fax the paper application (1203-FX) as this will overwrite your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online.
To apply for this position, you must complete the View Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Thursday, March 02, 2017 to receive consideration.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. During our review, if your résumé and application package do not support your questionnaire answers, we will adjust your rating accordingly. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email (if provided); otherwise, applicants will receive a notification letter via the U.S. Postal Service. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking on "Application Status." For a more detailed update of your status, click on "more information." Information regarding applicant notification points can be found in the USAJobs Resource Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/464034500. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
Vacancy Identification Number (VIN): 1912094
Applications will be accepted from current, permanent employees of the Dept of Veterans Affairs only. All other applicants should apply to OE-17-SPH-1912102-BU during the open period of February 9 - February 15, 2017.
Recruitment/relocation incentive NOT authorized. Relocation (moving) expenses NOT authorized.
Incumbent of this position is not required to file a Public Financial Disclosure Report.
OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan" by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans?