Social Worker

About the role

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 $200,000) 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.

What you will do

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The Social Worker completes program specific forms, including Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation (HOMES) forms.
• The Social Worker's efforts are directed toward using a therapeutic relationship to assist the individual/family gain more control over their lives and resolve issues, which have led to homelessness.
• The Social Worker provides a full range of social work services within commonly accepted standards of social work practice, which includes casework, individual, family and group counseling, discharge planning, case management and other services as appropriate.
• The Social Worker provides ongoing therapeutic intervention with the patient/family to assist them in dealing and coping with the psychosocial issues of mental health, aging, illness, and disability, dealing with loss and grief.
• The Social Worker has the ability to provide psychosocial treatment to a wide variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, 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.
• They have the ability to work with Veterans and families who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical, and social problems utilizing individual, group, and family counseling skills.
• Functions or scope of assigned duties include but are not limited to: Respond to Homeless Program consults.
• Respond to referrals from the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans.
• Assist with Homeless Program Walk In clinic.
• Participate in discharge planning with other disciplines and provide consultation to inpatient teams to ensure that discharge plans are executed in a manner that is timely and appropriate.
• Provide case management to Veterans and families, as needed, throughout the continuum of care.
• Address Advance Directives and Organ Donation in accordance with the standards of their work area.
• Provide wellness/prevention education and facilitate Patient/family support groups as appropriate.
• Participate in committee assignments, as deemed necessary by the service manager.
• Maintain data and statistical compilations to comply with The Joint Commission, VA and medical center policy and procedures.
• Document social work interventions and activities in patient's clinical record utilizing the electronic health record and ensure appropriate hand off when transferring of patient care.
• Screening/Assessment - In conjunction with outpatient providers (primary care, MH/SUD, and other specialty clinics) the Social Worker will develop a psychosocial assessment identifying Veteran's needs, strengths, limitations, internal and external supports to optimize Veteran's functional status and facilitate access to appropriate VA and community resources.
• Treatment Planning/Goal Setting- Through collaborative working relationships with the Veteran, family, and outpatient providers, the Social Worker will develop the initial treatment plan and set achievable treatment goals with the Veteran/family.
• They will adjust the treatment plan as appropriate.
• Treatment-The Social Worker will provide individual, family and group counseling as appropriate.
• Referral to service providers - Throughout the course of treatment the Social Worker is the subject matter expert on VA and/or community resources.
• The Social Worker will collaborate with other service providers in reassessing the Veteran's needs.
• The Social Worker is responsible for educating the Veteran and/or caregiver of the available services and assisting them in establishing the appropriate referrals based on the Veteran's preference or that of his surrogate decision-maker.
• Resource Referral/Development - The Social Worker will provide consultation/education to Veterans and families on community resources and VA benefits.
• The Social Worker will function as liaison between VA and community Administrative responsibilities - The Social Worker will enter all Veteran/family contacts in the electronic record using appropriate formats and templates.
• This information will be entered in a complete, confidential, timely, and professional manner to ensure information on the patient is shared with other VA staff.
• Advocacy - The Social worker 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, social worker will educate and encourage the Veteran/family to advocate on their own behalf, thus fostering a sense of independence and empowerment.
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Adhoc Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• 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.
• 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

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.Transcripts must be official or unofficial college transcripts. A copy of your certificate/degree or screenshot of your current classes are not a replacement of your transcript and they will not be used in the qualifying process.

Your transcript must include your name and the name and full address of the institution.To meet qualification requirements, your resume should clearly identity the following information for each applicable degree: Name of the college or university Degree earned and the field of study Date the degree was conferred (month and year) Please ensure this information is included directly on your resume so your education can be properly evacuated during the qualification review.

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) SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action 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) Other (1) PCS Orders Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript

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.