Senior Social Worker - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP)

About the role

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program.

You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.

Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

What you will do

• The Senior Social Worker (Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program - BHIP) serves as an advanced practice clinician within the Kansas City VA Medical Center's Mental Health Clinic.
• The incumbent provides independent, specialized, and evidence-based mental health services to Veterans experiencing a wide range of psychosocial, medical, and psychiatric conditions.
• The BHIP Senior Social Worker delivers comprehensive clinical treatment, conducts biopsychosocial assessments, develops individualized treatment plans, and coordinates care across interdisciplinary teams.
• The position requires advanced expertise in psychotherapy modalities, crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and specialty mental health services, including treatment of high-risk and serious mental illness populations.
• The incumbent provides consultation, clinical supervision, and contributes to program development, innovation, and evaluation.
• Major Duties include but are not limited to: Provides independent, advanced-practice mental health and psychosocial services to Veterans enrolled in the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP), using evidence-based treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy for Depression, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and other clinically privileged interventions.
• Conducts comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, including DSM-5 diagnostic evaluations, identification of presenting problems, strengths and limitations, internal/external supports, and trauma-informed analysis of Veterans' mental health needs.
• Develops individualized treatment plans with measurable, time-limited goals in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams including Psychiatry, Substance Use Disorder Treatment Team, Transition Care Management, Homeless Programs, Whole Health, Chaplaincy, and Vet Centers; updates plans annually or as clinically indicated.
• Provides individual and group psychotherapy using evidence-based modalities; delivers psychoeducation to Veterans and families on coping strategies for chronic and disabling mental illnesses; utilizes assessment tools to measure treatment effectiveness and modify interventions accordingly.
• Offers specialized consultation to interdisciplinary colleagues and trainees regarding psychosocial treatment, advanced clinical interventions, and best practices for Veterans with complex or high-risk conditions; serves as a role model for effective social work practice.
• Provides clinical supervision to Social Work staff, MSW interns, and less experienced clinicians; delivers orientation and education seminars; contributes to the development of innovative therapeutic interventions and models of care.
• Delivers crisis intervention services, including rapid assessments, development of crisis management and safety plans, and determination of need for intensive outpatient or inpatient services; ensures appropriate response during psychiatric or medical emergencies.
• Facilitates referrals to VA and community-based services; serves as a subject matter expert in resource linkage and program navigation; educates Veterans and caregivers on available supports and benefits.
• Provides advocacy for Veterans and families, interpreting and explaining benefit programs, treatment options, and facilitating Veteran empowerment through independent self-advocacy when feasible.
• Utilizes telehealth modalities to deliver psychotherapy and clinical services; performs basic troubleshooting; ensures Veteran consent and adherence to patient safety and privacy standards during virtual care; trains less experienced staff in telehealth processes.
• Completes all required documentation in CPRS, including assessments, diagnostics, treatment plans, progress notes, follow-up, and referrals; manages complex consults using advanced practice clinical judgment.
• Participates in performance improvement processes, professional peer review, research, clinical committees, and program evaluation; contributes to policy, procedure, and practice guideline development for specialized mental health services.
• Provides collaborative care across mental health, medical, and community systems; maintains effective working relationships with VA employees, volunteers, Veterans, families, and external agencies; attends required staff meetings and interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Telework: Adhoc Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.
• Contact ***, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.
• Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• 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 (***).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
• Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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: ***

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: ***

How you will be evaluated

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.

Documents you must provide

• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action 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 DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Other (1) Professional Certification SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
• You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.).
• If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation.
• Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
• Documentation is required to award preference.
• For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
• Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

What to expect next

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.

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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer.

For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.