Social Worker-Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Saint Cloud (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Federal health benefits

Pension plan

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a licensed social worker to provide mental health services to veterans. Responsibilities include clinical care, assessments, and case management, all while ensuring best practices in support of veterans’ mental health.

This position requires a master's degree in social work and licensure to practice independently. Ideal candidates will be veteran-focused, be able to communicate effectively, and coordinate care across various professional settings.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Licensed to practice at the master’s level in the state.
• Proficient in spoken and written English.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct clinical care and case management to veterans.
• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments.
• Advocate for veterans to access care.

Skills

Social worker competencies

Crisis intervention

Knowledge of medical diagnoses

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in social work

Job description

Summary

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

Qualifications

• United States citizenship is required. Non‑citizens may be hired only if qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• English language proficiency: Social workers must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by VA Handbook 5005.
• Education: 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 with candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the school is fully accredited.
• A doctoral degree in social work does not substitute for the master’s degree.
• Degree verification may be done via http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation.
• Licensure: Persons hired or reassigned to the GS‑0185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to practice independently at the master’s level.
• Current state requirements may be found at http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/T38Hybrid/.
• VHA may waive the licensure requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified pending completion of state prerequisites, only at the GS‑9 grade level.
• For GS‑11 and above the candidate must be licensed or certified.
• At the time of appointment the supervisor will provide written requirements for licensure or certification, including the deadline and consequences of non‑compliance.
• GS‑9 grade: Experience and licensure: none beyond basic requirements. Unlicensed occupational workers must become licensed within three years.
• Most states require two years post‑MSW experience before licensure; VHA gives one additional year to pass the exam.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Utilize a veteran‑centric approach, assess psychosocial functioning, develop treatment plans, implement modalities, exercise crisis intervention, establish effective relationships, communicate with clients and staff, and possess knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures.
• GS‑11 grade: Requires one year post‑MSW experience or a doctoral degree substituting for this experience, plus licensure or certification. Demonstrated KSAs include knowledge of community resources, independent psychosocial assessment, treatment intervention, consultation services, and compliance with medical terminology.
• Preferred experience: Mental health experience.
• Physical requirements: Participation in a pre‑employment examination or evaluation.
• References: For more information on qualification standards, visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Duties

• Social worker provides direct clinical care, case management, and mental health services to the mental health, substance use, and dual diagnosis veteran population in the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH RRTP) under the supervision of the Social Work Executive and a clinical mentor.
• Conduct behavioral health and mental health biopsychosocial assessments and make professional judgments regarding clinical impressions, treatment approaches, and planning.
• Coordinate with internal and external professionals to ensure appropriate transitions of care and that necessary treatment is provided or offered.
• Maintain knowledge of VA and veterans’ benefits, community resources, and referral processes.
• Advocate to overcome barriers to access care and services when it is in the best interests of the veteran.
• Participate in goals‑of‑care discussions, education, and completion of advance directives, organ, tissue, and eye donation releases, and guardianship documentation.
• Assess signs and symptoms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Complete on‑call duties, including transportation of a veteran as required.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with diverse populations.
• Use computer systems and the internet for veterans who choose this modality of communication.
• Serve on approved committees, work groups, and task forces at the local facility, VISN, or national level.
• Attend and participate in required administrative and clinical meetings.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete clinical records per professional practice and VA administrative guidelines.
• Maintain data and statistical compilations to comply with accreditation bodies such as CARF and the Joint Commission, and VA health care system policies.
• Participate in Social Work Professional Practice Evaluation processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned and assist other incumbents or undertake special assignments to meet system needs.
• Coordinate and facilitate the veteran’s overall treatment, linking VA and community resources into a continuum of care, incorporating inpatient and outpatient services, and enhancing continuity through collaborative assessment and individualized planning.
• Integrate a recovery model of care to provide a framework for collaborative relationships.
• Interview patients and develop psychosocial assessments, gathering information from multiple sources when necessary.
• Develop treatment plans based on assessment data and input from the veteran, including measurable goals and methods.
• Provide rapid assessments and develop crisis management plans, including suicide risk assessments and safety plans.

Other Conditions

Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday 7:30am‑4pm or 8am‑4:30pm. Evening and weekend work may be required.

Recruitment Incentive: Not authorized. EDRP authorized. Former EDRP participants ineligible for incentive.

Contact: [e-mail] – the EDRP Coordinator for questions or assistance.

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% contributions by VA. Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care programs that can be carried into retirement. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. PCS: Not authorized.