Social Worker; HUD​/VASH

Summary

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

Applicants pending completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

• United States Citizenship:
  Non‑citizens may be appointed only when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.
• English Language Proficiency:
  Proficiency in spoken and written English is required.
• Education:
  
  A master’s degree in Social Work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is required.
• Graduate schools of social work that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the school is fully accredited.
• A doctoral degree in Social Work may NOT be substituted for the master’s degree in Social Work.
• License or Certification:
  Must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master’s degree level.
• Exception:
  For assignments at the GS‑9 level, VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification examinations.
• VHA social workers who are not licensed or certified at the time of appointment must become licensed or certified within three years of their appointment.
• Qualification under the Grandfathering Provision may apply for current VHA employees who meet the criteria.
• Grade Determinations:
  • GS‑9 (Entry/Developmental Level):
    Less than one year of post‑MSW experience or working toward licensure.
  • The incumbent works with guidance from a supervisor or senior social worker, handles cases of moderate complexity, and is not expected to function fully independently.
• GS‑09 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  In addition to basic requirements, candidates must demonstrate the following:
  • Veteran‑centric approach when providing interventions and counseling for Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors.
  • Assessment of psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and families, formulation and implementation of treatment plans, identification of strengths, weaknesses, coping skills, and assistance needed.
  • Implementation of treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups.
  • Judgment and skill in supportive, problem‑solving, or crisis intervention techniques.
  • Establishment and maintenance of effective working relationships and communication with clients, staff, and community agencies.
  • Fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, treatment procedures, including acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications, side effects, and medical terminology.
• GS‑11 (Full Performance Level):
  Requires at least one year of post‑MSW experience equivalent to the GS‑9 level, a current full and unrestricted license at the independent practice level, and the same knowledge, skills, and abilities as GS‑9, with added advanced clinical knowledge and consultation experience.
• Preferred Experience:
  
  Crisis intervention, case management, community referrals, discharge planning, homelessness knowledge, high‑stress environment adaptability, and short‑term solution‑focused counseling.
• Certification in case management preferred; LCSW certification not required.
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/.
• The full performance level for this vacancy is GS‑11; the actual grade may be GS‑9 or GS‑11.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Typical for the occupation; generally no pre‑placement examination required.

• The Social Worker is assigned to the Housing and Urban…