What are the responsibilities and job description for the WDVA Social Work Assistant 1, Full-Time - Permanent, Washington Veterans Home position at State of Washington Dept. of Veterans Affairs?
Description
Interested in starting or continuing a meaningful career in serving others and have clerical experience? We're hiring! WDVA is looking for a compassionate and people-driven clerical professional to serve as a Social Work Assistant 1 at our Washington Veterans Home in scenic Port Orchard!
- This position has been posted within the assigned pay range through Step L. Step M has not been published as this is considered the longevity step, in alignment with state HR compensation rules.
Position(s) at this location will also receive 5% Premium Pay for facilities open twenty-four hours per day. Employees must physically work at the facility 3 days per workweek to qualify. The 5% Premium Pay is in effect until June 29th, 2025.
At the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.” As a national leader in our advocacy for more than 500,000 Veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Families.
Duties
Some of what you'll do:
- Provide information about resources.
- Compile and complete intra and inter-agency documentation to support licensed social workers and/or the Social Services Department.
- Assist with therapeutic activities.
- Assist residents with spend-down (e.g., applications in adhering to state/federal policy; completing ACCESS applications, change of address forms, etc.).
- Perform grievance processes activities, to include providing/completing documentation, assisting in room search, shopping for replacement items PRN, and working/communicating with families.
- Reserve rooms and send invites to other support groups.
- Provide emotional support to residents/families PRN.
- Sort and deliver residents' mail on Saturday.
- Promote optimal use of social services and healthcare resources.
- Confirm eligibility and coordinate implementation of services needed but not limited to: ACCESS, Assurance Wireless Lifeline Program, Library Home Delivery Services, Kitsap Threshold Singers, Hospice, Visiting Angels, Massage Therapy, and others.
- Prepare burial packets and distribute packets and audits quarterly for resident funeral services and Advance Directives.
- Assist social workers with discharge planning.
- And more!
*Complete Position Description available upon request*
Qualifications
Required:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Two (2) years of professional clerical experience.
- Excellent computer skills with Microsoft Office proficiency.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
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Demonstrated ability to:
- Coordinate and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
- Accept responsibility for timeliness and quality of work.
- Work independently with minimal direct supervision.
- Work with compassion, professionalism, discretion, and composure to residents who may be in crisis or who behave inappropriately.
- Speak, read, and write in English for medical charts and to perform data entry.
Preferred/Desired:
- Two (2) years of professional clerical experience in a healthcare setting.
- Experience working with medical files, medical terminology, and Point Click Care.
- Experience working with Veterans and/or clients with mental illness diagnoses.
- Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science or associate of arts degree and two (2) years of experience in social work or a related field.
Special Requirements:
- Must be able to pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check every two (2) years in accordance with WDVA Policy 615.000 Background Checks. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
- Must comply with annual Tuberculin Screening in accordance with DVA policy 670.000 Tuberculosis Testing.
- Requires medical evaluation, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the Washington Industrial Safety and Act standards. Must be able to wear a respirator, medical gloves, gowns, eye protection, and other personal protection as required by a job or task.
- Must maintain regular and reliable attendance and be willing to work as needed.
- Must successfully complete, within mandated timeframes, employee orientation, and all other mandatory, annual, in-service, and other required training.
- Must become familiar and comply with DVA policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements as applicable.
- Must sign the confidentiality statement for all employees.
- Positions requiring travel must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and must be insured if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
- Candidates who are offered a job with WDVA must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
Supplemental Information
Application Process:
Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.
Please include the following documents with your application:
1. A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.
2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.
Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.
Other Information:
- This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.
Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or Veteran status.
We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.
The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725-2183. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.
If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.
