Social Worker (PACT)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Yakima (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education Debt Reduction Program

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is looking for a Social Worker to provide independent care for veterans and their families facing complex needs. This role involves establishing therapeutic relationships, conducting psychosocial assessments, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

The ideal candidate will hold a Master’s degree in social work and must be licensed to practice independently. Additional experience in clinical settings is preferred, and applicants must demonstrate a veteran-centric approach.

Qualifications

• United States Citizenship is required.
• English proficiency in speaking and writing is mandatory.
• At least one year of post-master’s experience is necessary for GS-11 grade.

Responsibilities

• Establish therapeutic relationships with veterans and their families.
• Complete thorough psychosocial assessments.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment teams.

Skills

Veteran-centric approach

Psychosocial assessment

Crisis intervention techniques

Effective communication

Knowledge of medical and mental health

Education

Master’s degree in social work

State licensure for independent practice

Doctoral degree in social work (optional)

Job description

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) — a student loan payment reimbursement program. Eligibility requires meeting specific individual requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submitting the EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval determines the award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) after a complete review by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office.

Qualifications

Applicants pending completion of educational or certification/license requirements may be tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements

• United States Citizenship
• Non‑citizens may be appointed only when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy
• English Language Proficiency — spoken and written English must meet authorized requirements under 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f)
• 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 in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the school is fully accredited
• A doctoral degree in social work may not substitute for the master’s degree
• Verification of the degree may be made by visiting the CSWE website to confirm accreditation for a master of social work
• Licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master’s degree level (or eligible for a waiver as described below)
• State licensure requirements may be found via the VHA website
• Eligibility exception: VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for otherwise qualified persons pending completion of state prerequisites, but this applies only at the GS‑9 grade level. For GS‑11 and above, licensure or certification is required.
• At appointment, the supervisor will provide written requirements for licensure or certification, including deadlines and consequences for non‑compliance
• Substantially qualified applicants may be covered by the Grandfathering Provision described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only for current VHA employees who meet the criteria)
• Grade Determinations: Social Worker – GS‑9 – Experience, Education, and Licensure
• None beyond the basic requirements

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to utilize a veteran‑centric approach when providing interventions and counseling for veterans, their family members, caregivers, and survivors
• Ability to assess the psychosocial functioning and needs of veterans and their families, and to formulate and implement a treatment plan identifying problems, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills, and assistance needed
• Ability to implement treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups to achieve treatment goals, including supportive, problem‑solving, or crisis intervention techniques
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and community agency representatives
• Fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures, including acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications and their effects, and medical terminology
• For GS‑11 grade: additional experience of at least one year post‑master’s in a clinical setting, or a doctoral degree may substitute for this experience
• Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions with diverse individuals
• Knowledge of community resources and ability to coordinate services
• Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers, graduate students, and staff regarding psychosocial needs and treatment impact on health care and compliance

Duties

• Clinical functions: establishing and maintaining therapeutic relationships with veterans and families in the Primary Care Clinic
• Providing independent care for veterans and families experiencing complex medical, psychiatric, emotional, behavioral, financial, legal, and psychosocial problems
• Understanding the PACT team approach and the social worker’s role within that model
• Completing thorough psychosocial assessments to determine functioning and needs
• Participating actively in interdisciplinary treatment teams and collaborating on treatment goals and interventions
• Using medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures as clinical knowledge
• Facilitating community placements and monitoring timely completion
• Assessing caregiver stressors and providing caregiver‑specific interventions
• Implementing evidence‑based practices, providing educational classes, and supportive groups, including shared medical appointments
• Consulting veterans, families, and treatment team members on community resources, VA benefits, specialty programs, and advance directives
• Maintaining knowledge of veteran benefits and services, community resources, and referral processes
• Providing case management services throughout the continuum of care
• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse audiences
• Continuing professional growth through continuing education and ensuring appropriate continuing education for the assignment
• Assisting with orientation and learning for less experienced social workers
• Using software applications for drafting documents and data management
• Maintaining productivity and quality consistent with the assignment’s complexity and relevant standards, including Joint Commission and facility standards