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Veterans Health Administration is Hiring a Social Worker (Program Coordinator) HCHV Near Fairbanks, AK

Qualifications:

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g this part).
• 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. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)
• 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/. (COPY OF LICENSE REQUIRED)

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:
GS-12 Social Worker (Program Coordinator)

• Experience and Education. One (1) year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. Experience must demonstrate possession of advanced practice skills and judgment, demonstrating progressively more professional competency. Candidate may have certification or other post-master's degree training from a nationally recognized professional organization or university that includes a defined curriculum/course of study and internship, or equivalent supervised professional experience. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)

• Licensure/Certification. Individuals assigned as social worker program coordinator must be licensed or certified at the advanced practice level, and must be able to provide supervision for licensure.(COPY OF LICENSE REQUIRED)

• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

1. Knowledge of program coordination and administration which includes consultation, negotiation, and monitoring.
2. Knowledge and ability to write policies, procedures, and/or practice guidelines for the program.
3. Ability to supervise multidisciplinary staff assigned to the program.
4. Skill in organizing work, setting priorities, meeting multiple deadlines, and evaluating assigned program area(s).
5. Ability to provide training, orientation, and guidance within clinical practice.

References: VA Handbook 5005/120, Part II, Appendix G39, September 10, 2019

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.

Physical Requirements: Light lifting and carrying (under 15 lbs), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands, walking, standing, both legs, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, both eyes, depth perception, and hearing (aid permitted). Environmental factors include working outside and inside, excessive cold, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working closely with others, and working alone.

Responsibilities:

FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES:

• Responsible for providing oversight of the assigned GPD programs including the following: management of GPD contracts, overseeing enrollment into the programs, ensuring accurate billing and timely payment, engaging in community outreach, and developing community partnerships including in rural settings. The Social Worker establishes and maintains processes for referrals, evaluations, and admission to the GPD program. The Social Worker conducts appropriate program audits ensuring compliance with all mandatory reporting requirements of the GPD Program.
• Oversees the care provided by contracted GPD agency and assists with coordination of care of all enrolled Veterans. The Social Worker have oversight of assigned HUD VASH Participants.
• Performs case finding functions and outreach, identifying and screening Veterans for psychosocial needs.
• Conducts psychosocial assessments. Develops treatment plans in collaboration with the Veteran/family and with the interdisciplinary treatment team.
• Coordinates community-based services, including information and referral for additional services from other VA programs, other government programs and community agency programs. Social Worker has advance skills in community partnership building and is able to expertly represent the Alaska VAHCS.
• Identifies high-risk patients and provides case management services. Social Worker provides crisis intervention services, seeking to address the cause as well as the presenting complaint, coordinates family conferences, and serves as liaison to family members.
• Provides consultation services to other staff regarding the psychosocial needs of Veterans and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and adherence to treatment plan. Social Worker has the ability to evaluate their own practice and to take constructive criticism through professional peer review, case conferences, performance reports, and other organizational means.
• General knowledge of Veterans' benefits and services relating to special programs, service-connected compensation, and non-service-connected pension. Facilitates referrals based upon Veterans' needs and eligibility.
• Has thorough knowledge of VA performance measures related to assigned programs and effectively shapes practice patterns to improve standing on performance measures. Monitors facility performance measures and implements performance improvement plans as needed.
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge and mastery of theories and modalities used in identifying and addressing ethical issues that impact patients and staff, including initiating and participating in ethical consultations. The Social Worker follows VHA policies on confidentiality and privacy. Analyzes ethical/care issues, applying appropriate theoretical principles and ensures application of institutional policy.
• Responsible for collecting and submitting GPD and HUD-VASH program participant data according to NEPEC and HOMES evaluation procedures and timelines.
• Coordinates care including serving as an advocate on behalf of the Veterans to ensure comprehensive service delivery and linking and referring Veterans to the VA Medical Center, VA Regional Offices, and/or community agencies.
• Actively participates in the GPD and HUD VASH program conference calls and attends training offered to homeless programs.
• Responsible for following local policy and procedures for the GPD and HUD VASH programs. This includes following policies and documentation requirements as required for CARF and Joint Commission accreditation.
• Provides consultation and education to Veterans and families on community resources, Advance Directives, and VA benefits.
• Coordinates treatment and communicate with the care lines to facilitate continuity of care for Veterans.
• Completes suicide risk screens and documents these assessments as required by policy. The Social Work Coordinator completes comprehensive assessments and collaborative safety plans when clinically indicated; provides follow-up appointments for all Veterans upon initiation on the 'High Risk for Potential Suicide List' in compliance with VA policy; provides follow-up with Veterans who fail to attend appointments per local procedures; consults with the Suicide Prevention Coordinator, a member of the Suicide Risk Reduction Committee or a MHD supervisor as needed to ensure the safety and welfare all Veterans; and remains up-to-date on suicide prevention training materials and clinical tools, and utilizes as appropriate in clinical practice.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 0800 - 1630
Telework: Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Please contact the EDRP Coordinator @ V20CompensationTeam@va.gov.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Job Summary