DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' SERVICES

For Veterans and those who care for them.

Address:
Arizona State Veterans' Home - Phoenix
4141 North South Herrera Way
Phoenix, AZ 85012 

Salary: Up to $55,000/Year (DOE) 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: March 17th, 2024

The Arizona Department of Veterans' Services is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to join our compassionate team at the State Veterans' Home in Phoenix, a skilled nursing facility. In this role, you will have the opportunity to enhance the lives of our esteemed Veterans by providing exceptional medical-related services. Your primary responsibility will be to manage a specific caseload, focusing on fostering the mental and psycho-social well-being of each client.

As a key member of our team, you will ensure that our services meet the highest standards and comply with all Federal, State and VA regulations, in addition to our facility's policies and procedures. Your role will involve embracing and applying the principles of the Arizona Management System (AMS) to promote continuous improvement and efficiency in our processes.

You will also contribute to our culture of patient-centered care, focusing on the unique needs of Veterans in all aspects of your work. Alongside your main responsibilities, you will have the chance to perform additional job duties as needed.

Join Department of Veterans' Services in making a significant impact in the lives of those who have served, in an environment that values your growth and well-being.

As a Social Worker you will:

• Maintain a caseload of assigned Veterans/Members; completes assessments, MDS (Minimum Data Set), care planning and other relevant documentation in accordance with applicable regulations and facility policies and procedures; reviews and follows up on physician orders involving psychiatric treatment; coordinates psychiatric services through the interdisciplinary care plan team and initiates referrals for psychiatric services as needed; monitors and documents resident activities involving care and behaviors.
• Assist residents through referral and counseling for problems associated with institutional life; works with family members in helping the resident adjust to the regimen of the facility and to issues regarding the disease and aging process.
• Monitor Medicare notices to ensure timely delivery to beneficiaries per federal law; educates residents and families on Medicare guidelines and standards and assists with insurance applications (e.g. Medicaid).
• Coordinate discharge planning to ensure that it is safe and communicated effectively to all involved stakeholders.
• Attend and actively participates in clinical, department and facility meetings; gathers and presents data/ information; prepares reports upon request; attends in-service training; learns, implements and monitors Arizona Management System (AMS) methods, and utilizes AMS concepts and tools for problem solving and continuous work/process improvements and efficiencies.
• Work with Veterans/Members, families and staff to ensure Veterans/Members are treated in accordance with Resident Rights (grievances, preferences, etc.) according to regulations.
  

Knowledge of:

• Rules and regulations of facility
• Community resources
• Governmental policies and programs that affect clientele
• Long term care standards at state and federal levels
• Geriatric population, geriatric process, and psychiatric issues affecting the care of vulnerable adults
• Sensitivity to cultural differences of diverse populations
• Purpose and operations of the MDS system
• Basic human needs, theories of social psychology and family relationships
• Medical terminology
• Side effects of psychotropic medication
• Long term care billing and standards, and federal and state survey standards
• Physical and chemical restraints

Skills in:

• Verbal and written communication
• Using a computer and associated software (e.g., Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite- Word, Outlook, Excel, etc.)
• Case management
• Employment of resources in meeting Veteran/Member needs
• Program planning
• Organization and time management
• Problem solving
• Clinical reasoning

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels
• Perform resident assessments and develop care plans
• Utilize the facility's IT program and maintain and record assessments and care plans
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality
  
  

• Preferred candidate will have previous experience working with geriatric/dementia populations.
• Licensure from the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health is preferred but not required.
  

• Requires a Bachelor’s, or higher, degree in Social Work
• Current Negative TB skin test (Mantoux skin test) within the last twelve months or a written statement from a physician, physician’s assistant or a registered nurse practitioner indicating freedom from Tuberculosis, if in the past has had a positive skin test or Tuberculosis
• Requires the ability to obtain and retain a valid AZ DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card
• This position requires the ability to drive on State business. Requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on State business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see A.AC. R2-10-207.11).
  

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Veterans' Services offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Referral Incentives available for qualifying positions
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance
  

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
• Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment
  

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Tiffany Batura at recruiting@azdvs.gov and 602.781.7032 for assistance. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.