Social Worker - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Brownsburg (IN); On-site; USD 61,680 - 97,011; Full time

Job summary

A government agency is seeking a Social Worker for the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). This full-time role focuses on assessing and treating Veterans' psychosocial needs. Applicants must possess a Master's degree in social work and have experience in behavioral health settings. The position requires advocacy skills and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. It offers a competitive salary range and is not remote, emphasizing the importance of in-person care.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen or meet VA Policy for non-citizens.
• Must hold a state license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
• Entry-level assignments available for GS-9 positions.

Responsibilities

• Assess Veterans' psychosocial needs with interdisciplinary teams.
• Develop treatment plans in collaboration with the BHIP team.
• Provide evidence-based psychotherapeutic services.

Skills

Counseling skills

Assessment of psychosocial needs

Treatment planning

Advocacy for Veterans

Education

Master's degree in social work

Job description

Social Worker - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP)

Join to apply for the Social Worker - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) role at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Salary

Base pay range: $61,680.00/yr - $97,011.00/yr

Summary

This position is assigned to the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) of Veterans Health Indiana. The role reports to the CBOC BHIP Program Manager for programmatic oversight.

Qualifications

Applicants pending 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.
• 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. Indiana requires Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) 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 appointments at the GS-9 grade level, 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. 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).
• Grade Determinations: GS-9 (Graduate) experience, education, and licensure: None beyond the basic requirements. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: ability to utilize counseling skills when working with Veterans and family members; assess psychosocial functioning and needs; formulate and implement treatment plans; implement treatment modalities; establish effective working relationships; fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures; includes acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses/injuries; common medications and side effects; medical terminology. Entry level assignments for GS-9 include close supervision.
• GS-11 (Full Performance Level) experience and licensure: requires 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. Or education: a doctoral degree in social work may substitute for one year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting. Demonstrated KSAs: knowledge of community resources and referrals; independently conduct psychosocial assessments and interventions; knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses; independently implement treatment modalities for a variety of psychiatric, medical, and social problems; provide consultation services; as full performance level assigned to all program areas including inpatient or outpatient medicine, surgery, mental health, neurology, rehabilitation medicine, and geriatrics.

Duties

• Screening/Assessment: In conjunction with the interdisciplinary medical team, the BHIP Social Worker screens and assesses the Veteran's psychosocial needs and barriers to facilitate access to appropriate VA and community resources.
• Collaborative Relationships: Work with the Veteran, family/caregiver, and other VA programs and staff to gather information for treatment goals and timelines.
• Assessment Information: Comprises the Psychiatry Assessment Template.
• Treatment Planning/Goal Setting: In coordination with the BHIP treatment team, determine realistic goals, objectives, and specific interventions.
• Psychotherapy: Provide a full range of evidence‑based psychotherapeutic services in outpatient programs; participate in telemental health as needed.
• Referral to Service Providers: Arrange referrals to needed VA and community resources.
• Resource Usage/Development: Monitor resource availability and identify unmet needs impacting Veteran psychosocial functioning.
• Advocacy: Advocate for Veterans to ensure access to all needed care and resources.
• Crisis Intervention: Assess and intervene in crises and develop crisis management and safety plans.
• Education/Health Promotion: Provide education about VA and community resources, entitlement programs, advanced directives, etc.; facilitate completion of advanced directives or living wills.
• Non‑Patient Care: Enter Veteran/family contacts in the electronic medical record using appropriate formats and templates promptly and professionally.
• Interagency Collaboration: Maintain positive working relationships with employees, volunteers, patients, and community agencies.
• Other Duties: Perform other duties as requested or assigned.
• Work Schedule: Full Time 07:30–16:00 or 08:00–16:30.
• Telework: In accordance with VA Policy and supervisory discretion; this is not a virtual position.
• Permanent Change of Station: Not authorized.
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.
• Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Other

Industry

Government Administration