Social Worker-HCHV Outreach

Summary

The Cincinnati VA Medical Center is seeking an Outreach Social Worker for the Community Outreach Division's Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) team. This Social Worker provides outreach assessments, referrals and case management services to homeless Veterans identified in the service area which includes counties in OH, KY and IN.

Applicants 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.

• 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:
  Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• Education:
  
  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 of Social Work 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 at CSWE's accreditation verification site.
• Licensure:
  Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-0185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level.
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
• Grade Determinations:
  Social Worker Qualification – GS-0185-09 Experience and Licensure.
• None beyond the basic requirements.

• Apply a veteran‑centric approach when providing interventions and counseling for Veterans, their family members, caregivers, and survivors.
• Assess psychosocial functioning and needs and formulate and implement treatment plans identifying Veterans' problems, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills and assistance needed.
• Implement treatment modalities with individuals, families and groups to achieve treatment goals.
• Use judgment and skill in supporting problem‑solving or crisis intervention techniques.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff and representatives of community agencies.
• Possess fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities and treatment procedures, including acute, chronic and traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications and their side effects, and medical terminology.
• Coordinate community resources, make referrals and facilitate collaborative service planning.

• Experience with homelessness, substance use and mental health, community case management.

• Conduct street outreach interviews, confirm eligibility and conduct psychosocial assessments.
• Make psychological diagnoses as appropriate.
• Interpret and explain the VA's treatment and benefit programs.
• Assist in housing searches.
• Manage HCHV referrals and maintain the Homeless Hotline tracker.
• Provide short‑term case management and crisis intervention services.
• Maintain comprehensive case documentation, including HOMES and HMIS records.
• Engage families and support systems, establish continuing relationships, and perform ongoing assessments to adjust treatment plans.
• Advocate for resources, confirm referrals are completed, and provide intensive follow‑up and coordination with agencies.

• Competitive salary with regular increases; potential for higher step rate based on qualifications.
• Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days of annual paid time, including 13‑26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Parental leave:
  Up to 12 weeks paid after 12 months of employment.
• Child‑care subsidy:
  Eligible for subsidy up to 25% of eligible costs.
• Retirement:
  Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% contribution.
• Health and life insurance:
  Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care options.
• Telework and virtual work options available at supervisor discretion.

• Active listening, reading, observing and evaluating verbal and non‑verbal behavior.
• Walking, speaking, writing reports and clinical notes.
• Use office equipment including computers, telephones, fax machines, photocopy machines.
• Driving throughout VISN; valid unrestricted driver's license required.
• Transport inline Veterans for clinical needs.
• Pass driver’s physical as required and complete annual patient transportation training.