Social Worker; HUD​/VASH

Social Worker

The Social Worker is assigned to the Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program within Social Work Service at the West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS). HUD-VASH is an intensive case management program that combines Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance provided through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with VA supportive services to assist Veterans experiencing homelessness in obtaining and maintaining permanent housing.

The incumbent provides comprehensive clinical case management and supportive services to Veterans enrolled in HUD-VASH. Services are delivered in VA facilities and community settings, including Veterans' residences, shelters, transitional housing programs, Public Housing Authorities, and other community locations as clinically indicated. The incumbent manages a caseload of Veterans with complex biopsychosocial needs, including chronic homelessness, serious mental illness, substance use disorders, chronic medical conditions, legal involvement, financial instability, functional impairment, and limited social supports.

The incumbent exercises independent clinical judgment in assessment, treatment planning, intervention, care coordination, crisis management, and housing stabilization activities. The incumbent functions as an integral member of an interdisciplinary treatment team and collaborates with Veterans, landlords, Public Housing Authorities, VA programs, community agencies, Continuums of Care, and other stakeholders to promote housing retention, recovery, community integration, and improved quality of life.

Practice is guided by Housing First principles, recovery-oriented care, trauma-informed care, harm reduction strategies, Veteran-centered care, applicable VHA directives, HUD-VASH operating requirements, Social Work Service standards of practice, accreditation standards, and local policy. The incumbent exercises independent professional judgment in carrying out responsibilities and may provide consultation and guidance to less experienced staff, trainees, and interdisciplinary team members regarding housing stabilization, community resources, and HUD-VASH processes.