The Chief, Social Work Service, is responsible for defining the mission and vision of the Service, developing the scope of practice for all Social Workers, designing a Social Work Service Plan of Care, and assuring implementation of quality improvement measures. The incumbent is responsible for developing, planning, clarifying, administering, and managing Social Work Services at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
Summary
The Chief, Social Work Service, is responsible for defining the mission and vision of the Service, developing the scope of practice for all Social Workers, designing a Social Work Service Plan of Care, and assuring implementation of quality improvement measures. The incumbent is responsible for developing, planning, clarifying, administering, and managing Social Work Services at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Social Work Chief is assigned to the Robley Rex VA Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky which is a Level 1C high complexity VA facility. The incumbent has full responsibility for provision of complex social work services requiring advanced practice skills. Incumbent is a full-time administrator for more than 30 Social Work Service staff including a subordinate assistant chief as well as social work program mangers, senior social workers, social workers, registered nurses, social work associate, social service representative, transition patient advocate and clerical staff. The incumbent serves as the facility Social Work Executive for social workers assigned to the Mental Health & Behavioral Science Service and the Geriatrics & Extended Care Service. S/he has full responsibility for clinical practice, program management, education, human resource management & supervision, and organizational stewardship for the social work program. Duties include, but are not limited to:
Developing, planning, clarifying, administering and managing Social Work Services.
Designates service priorities and objectives, ensures the supervision and evaluation of all social work staff, and is responsible for supervising and evaluating the performance of the assistant chief and other SWS staff.
Makes independent professional decisions and recommendations.
Responsible for advising management of specific clinical or administrative issues within Social Work Service and within the Medical Center.
Responsible for the strategic planning and operation of Social Work Service.
Ensures the administrative and clinical supervision of social work staff in his/her professional role.
Oversees professional social work activities within the medical center ensuring that educational and quality of care functions related to the psychosocial needs of Veterans are met.
Makes decisions regarding work problems presented by the subordinate assistant chief and other SWS staff.
Collaborates with others in negotiating, deciding upon and/or coordinating social work related changes affecting other programs.
Makes selections for supervisory and non-supervisory positions, hears group grievances and serious employee complaints, review serious disciplinary cases, and disciplinary problems.
Consults with specialists regarding training needs and decides types of training problems related to the identified problems of the supervised inpatient and outpatient programs.
Makes major decisions affecting the basic content and character of the operations of programs including the business planning process.
Reviews information pertaining to the social work programs from a variety of sources (e.g., federal, state and local including Veterans Health Administration, Joint Commission, National Association of Social Workers, etc.) and identifies requirements which must be expressed in the facility's written policies and procedures, drafts such statements or assigns tasks to subordinates to insure their completion.
Develops procedures for, and ensures the implementation and achievement of the provision of social work services to facility patients participating in inpatient and outpatient programs.
Performs, or assigns responsibility and reviews, the results of Social Work Service internal evaluation for program effectiveness.
Develops and monitors standards of clinical practice/standards of care for Social Work, including development of care guidelines, manuals and guides to professional practice.
Reviews the utilization of resources by performing such activities as internal reviews, data collection, reviewing and analyzing reports, reviewing contracts, and reviewing performance, in order to ensure that resources are being used efficiently and effectively.
Establishes and maintains functional statements and position descriptions.
Reviews applications, interviews applicants and selects, or concurs in the selection of, the best qualified staff available to fill vacancies in Social Work Service.
Counsels employees regarding poor performance or other unsatisfactory situations, takes disciplinary or appropriate action when necessary, or reviews or concurs in disciplinary actions or other appropriate actions or recommendations from subordinate supervisors, concerning Social Work Service employees.
Makes recommendations for recruitment of staff and ensures responsibilities for orientation and continuing education of staff.
Other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Full Time; Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Subject to change to meet the needs of the Agency. Telework: ADHOC available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 41047-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
You may be required to serve a trial period.
Subject to background/security investigation.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Qualifications
Applicants pending the 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:
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
English Language Proficiency: You must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
Education and/or Experience Combination: You must possess 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. Note: A doctoral degree in Social Work may NOT be substituted for the master's degree in Social Work.
License or Certification:* You must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level.
*Exception: For assignments at the GS-9 level, VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification examinations. VHA social workers who are not licensed or certified at the time of appointment must become licensed or certified at the independent, master's level within three years of their appointment as a social worker.
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 (Service Chief), GS-0185-14
Licensure Requirement: You must be licensed or certified at the advanced practice level, and must be able to provide supervision for licensure.
Experience Requirement: You must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to: responsibility for management of small to moderately complex social work service within a healthcare organization; provides supervision to social work service staff members of different grade or experience levels; supervision may include multiple disciplines, treatment sites that are limited and in close proximity to the medical facility, and programs are with limited administrative oversite responsibility; full responsibility for managing and supervising all aspects of social work service operations including clinical practice, program management, education, human resource management and supervision. Experience must demonstrate possession of supervisory and management skills as well as advanced practice skills and judgment, demonstrating progressively more professional competency.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, you must demonstrate the following KSAs:
Skill in providing the full range of supervisory duties across multiple service divisions/sections, which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed, performance evaluation, selection of staff, and recommendations of awards, advancements, and when appropriate, disciplinary actions.
Skill in applying legal, ethical, and professional standards to social work practice.
Skill in developing, maintaining, and managing social work services in multiple divisions/sections.
Ability to ensure compliance with social work practice, policy, and accreditation standards across the continuum of health care.
Skill in providing consultation to facility leadership, managers, and other staff on social work qualification standards, practice, competency, productivity, and continuing education requirements.
Skill in administrative oversight to ensure compliance with social work licensure requirements.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-14. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-14.
Physical Requirements: The work requires the social worker to be mobile throughout the medical center as needed, involving standing, walking, bending, pushing, and lifting (moderately heavy). The social worker should be capable of prolonged standing/walking and be physically capable of pushing equipment, wheelchairs, and patient stretcher.
Education
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. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Additional information
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
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.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
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, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
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.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
License
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
NOTE: Your resume must include your Name and contact information. Your resume must have the following information for each position you have listed on your resume: position title, employer, city/state, duties, begin/end dates of employment including the month and year (mm/yy - mm/yy),andfull-time or part-time status with the number of hours worked each week. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE and/or KSAs. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter
License
Other (1)
Performance Appraisal
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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 full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/18/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12764858.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
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.
Robley Rex VA Medical Center
800 Zorn Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. 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. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. 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 USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
License
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
NOTE: Your resume must include your Name and contact information. Your resume must have the following information for each position you have listed on your resume: position title, employer, city/state, duties, begin/end dates of employment including the month and year (mm/yy - mm/yy),andfull-time or part-time status with the number of hours worked each week. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE and/or KSAs. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter
License
Other (1)
Performance Appraisal
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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 full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/18/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12764858.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
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.
Robley Rex VA Medical Center
800 Zorn Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. 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. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. 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 USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
