Social Worker-Inpatient

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Part time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking an intermittent Social Worker to provide direct care to Veterans. This role involves working within inpatient integrated clinical communities and addressing complex medical and psychosocial issues faced by Veterans and their families.

Qualified candidates will possess at least a master's degree in social work, relevant licensure, and proficiency in English. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, advocating for patients, and collaborating with treatment teams to ensure comprehensive care.

Qualifications

• United States Citizenship required.
• English Language Proficiency is necessary.
• VA experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work with Veterans experiencing complicated medical and psychosocial issues.
• Complete thorough psychosocial assessments.
• Act as an advocate for Veterans.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary treatment teams.
• Serve as a liaison to ensure delivery of services.

Skills

Knowledge of community resources

Skill in conducting psychosocial assessments

Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses

Skill in implementing treatment modalities

Ability to provide consultation services

Education

Master's degree in social work

Licensure to practice social work at the master's level

Job description

Position Summary

The intermittent Social Worker is assigned to integrated clinical communities where a coverage need exists. The intermittent position will primarily serve the inpatient integrated clinical communities responsible for direct patient care of Veterans. Primary areas of service include the inpatient and observation medical areas, surgical admits, Intensive Care Unit, and Community Living Center Veterans – but could be elsewhere within the VA based on current needs.

Qualifications

• 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 is fully accredited.
• A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master’s degree.
• 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 master’s 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 practice social work at the master’s degree level. Current state requirements may be found by going to http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/T38Hybrid/.
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 – Employee Occupational Health Services.
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
• 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 meet the criteria).
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
  • 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 a health‑care or social‑work setting, and licensure or certification at the independent practice level.
  • NOTE: For appointment licensure or certification at this level please refer to paragraph 3c.
  • OR Education: In addition to meeting basic requirements, a doctoral degree in social work may be substituted for the one year of professional experience.
• Demonstrated Knowledge – Skills – and Abilities: Candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and governmental agencies, and ability to coordinate services.
  • Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions for a wide variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
  • Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures (e.g., acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses, common medications, side effects, and medical terminology) to formulate a treatment plan.
  • Skill in independently implementing different treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups experiencing psychiatric, medical, and social problems to achieve treatment goals.
  • Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers, graduate students, and other staff about patients’ psychosocial needs and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and treatment compliance.
• Preferred Experience: VA experience preferred. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑11.
• Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre‑employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre‑employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Duties

• The incumbent can work with Veterans and their families who are experiencing a wide range of complicated medical, psychiatric, emotional, behavioral, and psychosocial problems.
• Completes thorough psychosocial assessments to determine the psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and/or their families.
• Actively participates as a member of interdisciplinary treatment teams, collaborating with Veterans and family members.
• Acts as an advocate when it serves the best interest of the Veteran.
• Possesses a working knowledge and experience with medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures.
• Serves as a liaison between Veterans and/or their families and VA and community resources to ensure thorough delivery of services.
• Performs other duties as assigned and can assist other incumbents or perform special assignments to meet the needs of the health‑care system.
• The incumbent may be assigned to other areas of need in the health‑care system as determined necessary by the direct supervisor and/or the Integrated Care Community (ICC) Director in consultation with the Social Work Executive.
• Provides coverage for other staff in the facility as needed.
• The incumbent must possess a current driver’s licence and drive a government vehicle in carrying out professional duties when deemed necessary.
• Work Schedule: Varies – Intermittent. Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Telework: Not available. This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: 000000. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.