Social Worker (Clinical Assessor) Care Giver Support Program

About the role

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 Social Worker (Clinical Assessor) serves as a key member of the Caregiver Support Program (CSP), supporting Veterans and their caregivers by conducting comprehensive assessments that help determine eligibility for caregiver assistance programs and services.
• This position plays a critical role in promoting the health, well-being, and independence of Veterans while supporting the caregivers who provide essential daily care.
• Working independently as a licensed clinical social worker, the incumbent collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, community partners, and VA healthcare providers to evaluate Veterans' functional needs, identify barriers to care, and connect Veterans and caregivers with appropriate resources and services.
• The Clinical Assessor serves as a subject matter expert on caregiver support, conducts home and community-based assessments, and contributes to program development, education, and quality improvement initiatives that enhance Veteran and caregiver outcomes.
• Major Duties As a Social Worker (Clinical Assessor), you will: Conduct comprehensive functional assessments and reassessments of Veterans to evaluate the need for personal care services, focusing on activities of daily living (ADLs), supervision requirements, mobility, safety, and overall functional capability.
• Perform in-home, virtual, and face-to-face assessments with Veterans and caregivers as part of the application and reassessment process for caregiver support programs.
• Utilize standardized assessment tools and clinical judgment to provide recommendations that support eligibility determinations and care planning.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, including primary care, mental health, rehabilitation, and specialty care providers, to evaluate Veteran needs and coordinate services.
• Provide consultation, education, and guidance to Veterans, caregivers, families, and staff regarding caregiver resources, community supports, VA programs, and available benefits.
• Identify psychosocial challenges affecting Veterans and caregivers, including caregiver stress, emotional distress, family dynamics, and barriers to care, and recommend appropriate interventions.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community agencies and service organizations to improve access to resources and enhance care coordination.
• Facilitate referrals to VA and community-based programs and services, including respite care, home-based services, long-term care, mental health programs, telehealth, hospice care, and other support resources.
• Assist with program monitoring, data collection, reporting, and quality improvement initiatives to evaluate program effectiveness and enhance service delivery.
• Develop and deliver educational presentations, training programs, support groups, and outreach activities for Veterans, caregivers, staff, and community stakeholders.
• Serve as a consultant and advocate for caregivers by helping them navigate complex healthcare, community, and government systems.
• Remain current on caregiver-related legislation, policies, best practices, and evidence-based approaches to support Veterans and caregiver populations.
• Work Schedule & Travel This position requires regular interaction with Veterans and caregivers in clinical, virtual, home, and community settings.
• Travel within the service area is required to conduct home visits, complete assessments, and collaborate with community partners and stakeholders.
• Work Schedule: Tour of duty is Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
• Schedule may be changed to meet the needs of the Veterans and the Medical Center.
• Evenings and weekend coverage may be required.
• Impact of the Position The Social Worker (Clinical Assessor) directly influences the quality of life of Veterans and their caregivers by ensuring accurate assessment of care needs, improving access to critical support services, strengthening caregiver resilience, and advancing the VA's mission to provide comprehensive, Veteran-centered care.
• EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.
• Contact ***, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.

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.
• A current, valid, state issued driver's license with a safe driving record 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.
• 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

• License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Transcript 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 (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) SF-15 Transcript Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference does not apply to this occupation series.

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

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.

This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. 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.

VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest.

As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community.

This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.