Social Worker-Primary Care Mental Health Integration

Summary

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

• United States Citizenship:
  Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.
• English Language Proficiency:
  Social workers must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 – Part II – chapter 3 – section A – paragraph 3j.
• Education Requirement:
  Have a master’s degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
• Graduates of 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.
• Verification of the degree can be made by going to http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). to confirm that the social‑work degree meets CSWE accreditation standards.
• Licensure Requirement:
  Licensure or certification by a state to independently practice social work at the master’s‑degree level (GS‑0185 series).
• Current state requirements may be found at /T38
  
  Hybrid/.
• Exception: VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified – pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification examinations. This exception applies only at the GS‑9 grade level. For the GS‑11 grade level and above, the candidate must be licensed or certified.
• At the time of appointment, the supervisor will provide written requirements for licensure or certification, including the deadline and consequences for non‑compliance.
• Grandfathering Provision: VHA social workers who are current employees and meet the criteria may qualify under the Veteran’s Agency qualification standard.
• Experience and Licensure for GS‑9 (Entry Level):
  None beyond the basic requirements.
• For GS‑9 appointments, unlicensed or uncertified social workers must become licensed or certified at the master’s level within three years of appointment.
• Most states require two years of post‑MSW experience to sit for the licensure/certification exam; VHA provides an additional year to pass the exam.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  In addition to the experiences above, the applicant’s resume must demonstrate the following KSAs:
• Ability to utilize a veteran‑centric approach when providing interventions and counseling for veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.
• Ability to assess the psychosocial functioning and needs of veterans and families and to formulate and implement a treatment plan.
• Ability to implement treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups to achieve treatment goals, using supportive, problem‑solving, or crisis intervention techniques.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and community agencies.
• Fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, treatment procedures, acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications and their effects and side effects, and medical terminology.
• GS‑11 (Full Performance Level) Experience and Licensure:
  Appointment requires a minimum of one year of post‑MSW experience equivalent to GS‑9 in a health‑care or related setting and licensure or certification at the independent practice level.
• OR
  
  Education:
  
  A doctoral degree may substitute for the required one year of professional experience.
• Knowledge of community resources and ability to coordinate referrals.
• Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatments for a diverse client population.
• References:
  For more information on qualification standards,…