Details
Posted: 14-May-22
Location: Shreveport, Louisiana
Salary: Open
Categories:
Mental Health/Social Services
Internal Number: 654515800
The Social Worker will report to the Mental Health Service at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, LA. Services include provision of high-quality crisis intervention, psychosocial assessment and safety planning to Veterans presenting to the Emergency Department when needed. 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. NOTE: This applies to current/past/upcoming VHA HPTs only. An HPT is an individual appointed to a temporary position in one or more VHA medical facilities performing clinical or research training experiences to satisfy program or degree requirements or receiving VA Health Professional Scholarship Program. HPTs can be either VA-paid or Without Compensation (WOC). 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. 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 http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation to verify that the social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a masters of social work. Licensure. Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-0185 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 by going to http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/T38Hybrid/. 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 at the GS-9 grade level. For the GS-11 grade level and above, the candidate must be licensed or certified. At the time of appointment, the supervisor, chief social work or social work executive will provide the unlicensed/uncertified social worker with the written requirements for licensure or certification, including the time by which the license or certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming licensed or certified by the deadline.] Grandfathering Provision. 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, GS-11 Experience and Licensure. Appointment to the GS-11 grade level requires completion of a minimum of one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the field of health care or other social work-related settings, (VA or non-VA experience) and licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level. NOTE: For appointment licensure or certification are required at this level. OR Education. In addition to meeting basic requirements, a doctoral degree in social work from a school of social work may be substituted for the required one year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services. Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational and other diversified backgrounds. Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities and treatment procedures (i.e. acute, chronic and traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications and their effects/side effects, and medical terminology) to formulate a treatment plan. Skill in independently implementing different treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical, and social problems to achieve treatment goals. Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers, social work graduate students, and other staff about the psychosocial needs of patients and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and compliance with treatment. Preferred Experience: Mental Health experience Reference: VA HANDBOOK 5005/120 September 10, 2019 PART II APPENDIX G39 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-09 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items. ["The Social Worker will complete Mental Health Service (MHS) Suicide Prevention Consults on med floors, in ED, and on 9E as needed. This is accomplished in collaboration with other members of the MHS Team and Emergency Department (ED) staff, or other interdisciplinary treatment teams as appropriate. In addition, services will include individual/group treatment on the inpatient psychiatric unit as well as walk-ins in Mental Health Access Consult Service (MHACS). Will provide coverage of incoming consults during as needed. Will act as the Referral Coordination Team champion for MHACS. Duties include but not limited to: Screening/Assessment - The social worker will receive referrals from the ED for Veterans who screen positive on the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Social Worker will then complete a comprehensive suicide risk assessment with the Veteran and in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team, family members and significant others when possible. The incumbent demonstrates an understanding of the range of treatment and skills needed for all adult patients including geriatric patients related to their physical limitations, psychological needs and age associated illnesses and conditions; Consult Coverage- The Social Worker will receive and disposition consults as needed. They will coordinate with the MHACS Program Coordinator as the lead on consults as needed; Crisis Intervention - Social worker is experienced in making rapid assessments and developing crisis management plans for admission to mental health inpatient programs. Social worker 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; Safety Planning - Social Worker is responsible for completing the Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation and Safety Plan when Veterans are found to have a positive Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale through consultation from the Emergency Department; RCT - In accordance with the Referral Coordination Initiative, incumbent will act as the Champion for the MHACS Referral Coordination Team. This is to include, reviewing all Care in the Community Consults (CITC) for qualifications based on the Mission Act standards. The RCT Champion will make phone calls to Veterans in need of service and thoroughly explain all options to the Veteran for treatment and allow the Veteran to choose when qualified for CITC; Advocacy - 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 own behalf, thus fostering a sense of independence and empowerment; Education/Health promotion and prevention - Social worker provides education related to VA and community resources, entitlements, Advance Directives/Living Will and will refer Veterans/families to the appropriate interdisciplinary team member for identified health education needs; 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, and professional manner to insure information on the patient is shared with other VA staff. This information will be reviewed on a regular basis; Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Wednesday - Saturday. 11:30 am - 10:00 pm\nTelework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 667-00220-F\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]