Social Worker (Assistant Chief)

SummaryThe incumbent in this position is organizationally under the Chief of Mental Health Service (MHS) and has direct responsibility for all functions regarding Mental Health Social Work services provided at VA Illiana Health Care System (VAIHCS). It is noted that these duties are a combination of clinical, administrative and supervisory duties that involve complex clinical and programmatic issues and encompass management of social workers assigned to cover many Mental Health programs.This job is open to Internal to an agencyCurrent federal employees of this agency. Clarification from the agencyOpen to current, permanent employees of Danville, IL VA facility, CBOC's, Canteen, and Service Lines.VideosDutiesAssists the Chief, MHS in business plans for the service, human resource management, strategic planning, program management and evaluation to assure that the clinical and administrative functions of all MH social workers are integrated to provide optimum use of resources.Participates in MHS management discussions, decisions and policy making and provides program direction to other MH managers and Social Work staff assigned to MHS.Actively participates in the development of overall Mental Health management objectives and philosophies needed to attain optimum efficiency in providing mental health care to the Veterans served by the VAIHCS.Provides input & advice to the Chief, MHS for planning, programming and general administration.Manages a large group of Social Work FTEE who provide mental health services central to the mission of VAIHCS.Helps the Chief, MHS establish objectives congruent with and reflective of the Medical Center mission.Assists the Chief, MHS in developing long-range and short-term goals and programs required to meet stated objectives and directs staff to fulfill the planning & operations of the MHS to complement attainment of the established goals and objectives.Formulates policies and operating procedures that directly affect MH Social Work staff, ensuring compliance with VHA regulations, statutes and the requirements of internal and external reviews & accrediting bodies.Ensures information from Social Work Service that impacts MH Social workers is disseminated in a timely manner.Develops program evaluation methodology and processes, which will assist in meeting process improvement or other reporting requirements affecting programs or personnel where MH social workers are involved.Responsible for the supervision of the MH Social Work staff and will report directly to the Chief, MHS. On occasion, the incumbent may be required to assist with programmatic and administrative coverage needs, in the absence of the Chief, MHS.Effectively communicate needs and solicit assistance from varying levels of individuals.Performs analytical and evaluative work associated with line and / or program activities.Develops, analyzes, evaluates, advises on, or improves the effectiveness of work methods and procedures, organizations, labor utilization, distribution of work assignments, delegations of authority, management controls, information and documentation systems, and similar functions of management and provides this information to the Chief, MHS.Performs analytical and evaluative work associated with line and / or program activities.Develops, analyzes, evaluates, advises on or improves the effectiveness of work methods and procedures, organizations, labor utilization, distribution of work assignments, delegation of authority, management controls, information and documentation systems, and similar functions of management and provides this information to the Chief, MHS as needed.Serves as a clinical social worker providing direct patient care within a Mental Health Service program. Provides clinical supervision to MH Social Workers and trainees.All other duties as assigned.

• Occasional travel will be required between CBOC facilities
• Work Schedule : Monday to Friday, 8 : 00 am to 4 : 30 pmCompressed / Flexible : Not authorized.Telework : Authorized.Virtual : This is not a virtual position.Functional Statement # : 00000Financial Disclosure : Not required.Requirements Conditions of EmploymentYou must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12 / 31 / 1959.Must be proficient in written and spoken English.You may be required to serve a probationary period.Subject to background / security investigation.Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. QualificationsApplicants pending the completion of educational or certification / licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.Basic Requirements : United States Citizenship : Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.Language : Must be proficient in written and spoken English as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).Education : Must have a a master's degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED)Licensure : Must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level.Current VHA Social Workers may qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation.GS-13 Grade Determinations : Licensure / Certification : Must be licensed or certified at the advanced practice level, and must be able to provide supervision for licensure.ANDExperience : One year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. This experience must demonstrate possession of advanced practice skills and judgment, demonstrating progressively more professional competency. Experience includes : knowledge of Headquarters (HQ), medical center and service level regulations, policies, and procedures, and knowledge of, and ability to appropriately utilize, evidence based practices and clinical practice guidelines and ability to guide staff in using these tools.ANDIn addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities : (a) Knowledge of administrative and supervisory duties which includes personnel actions, clinical supervision, consultation, negotiation with other departments, and quality improvement.(b) Knowledge of legal, ethical, and professional standards applicable to social work practice.(c) Ability to develop, maintain, and oversee social work programs in all settings.(d) Knowledge of social work practice, policy, and accreditation standards across the continuum of health care.(e) Skill in providing consultation to facility leadership, managers, and other staff on social work qualification standards, practice, competency, productivity, and continuing education requirements.Physical Demands : The work is primarily sedentary although some slight physical effort may be required such as walking, stooping, or lifting no more than 15Ibs.Work Environment : The work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate-controlled office. Use of a computer and telephone are required, and some travel by automobile within a 125-mile radius is likely. The employee is required to have a valid, unrestricted driver's license.References : A Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-39 Social Worker Qualification Standard.EducationIMPORTANT : A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.Note : Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here : http : / / ope.ed.gov / accreditation / . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit : https : / / sites.ed.gov / international / recognition-of-foreign-qualifications / .Additional informationDuring the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration / Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA / OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. BenefitsA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and / or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.Veterans and Transitioning Service Members : Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members. BenefitsA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered. Required DocumentsAs a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes : LicenseResumeSF-50 / Notification of Personnel ActionTranscriptThe following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and / or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current / former Federal employees), etc.Cover LetterLicenseProfessional CertificationResumeSF-50 / Notification of Personnel ActionTranscriptVeterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements : Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and / or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. How to ApplyAll applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11 : 59 PM (ET) on 01 / 21 / 2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https : / / apply.usastaffing.gov / ViewQuestionnaire / 12662873.To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and / or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.NOTE : It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https : / / my.usajobs.gov / Account / Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and / or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.Agency contact informationLyndsay ThomasPhone 217-510-8036 Email Lyndsay.Thomas@va.govAddressDanville VA Medical Center 1900 East Main Street Danville, IL 61832 USNext stepsOnce your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.NOTE : Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities. Fair and TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.Criminal history inquiriesEqual Employment Opportunity (EEO) PolicyFinancial suitabilityNew employee probationary periodPrivacy ActReasonable accommodation policySelective ServiceSignature and false statementsSocial security number requestRequired DocumentsTo apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes : LicenseResumeSF-50 / Notification of Personnel ActionTranscriptThe following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and / or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current / former Federal employees), etc.Cover LetterLicenseProfessional CertificationResumeSF-50 / Notification of Personnel ActionTranscriptVeterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements : Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and / or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.How to ApplyAll applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11 : 59 PM (ET) on 01 / 21 / 2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https : / / apply.usastaffing.gov / ViewQuestionnaire / 12662873.To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and / or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.NOTE : It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https : / / my.usajobs.gov / Account / Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and / or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.Agency contact informationLyndsay ThomasPhone 217-510-8036 Email Lyndsay.Thomas@va.govAddressDanville VA Medical Center 1900 East Main Street Danville, IL 61832 USNext stepsOnce your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.NOTE : Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.Fair & TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.Criminal history inquiriesEqual Employment Opportunity (EEO) PolicyFinancial suitabilityNew employee probationary periodPrivacy ActReasonable accommodation policySelective ServiceSignature and false statementsSocial security number request