Senior Social Worker; MHTC - EDRP​/Authorized

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit an EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval – 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 a 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.
• Education:
  
  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.
• Verification of the degree can be made by using the CSWE accreditation verification tool.
• Licensure:
  Persons hired or reassigned to GS‑0185 series positions must be licensed or certified by a state to practice social work independently at the master’s level.
• Current state licensing requirements may be found via the VA Office of Human Resource Management website.
• English Language Proficiency:
  Applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• Preferred Experience:
  
  VA or DOD experience; work experience in community settings; experience incorporating outcome measures into treatment; experience with evidence‑based psychotherapies for individuals, groups, couples, and families; experience in case management in complex settings; experience in outpatient general mental health clinics.
• Senior Social Worker – GS‑12: A minimum of two years of experience post‑advanced practice licensure and at least one year equivalent to GS‑11; advanced practice licensure; ability to provide supervision for licensure; advanced practical skills and judgment.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
  Specialized interventions and treatment modalities; complex differential diagnosis; outcome evaluation; consultation and role modeling; policy and procedure development.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Typical for the occupation; pre‑placement examination not required.

• Administrative responsibility for clinical program development and effectiveness.
• Limited access to BHIP social work services; clinical work in settings with limited BHIP coverage.
• Collaboration with the treatment team to provide comprehensive health care to Veterans; ensuring equity and high‑quality care.
• Role as BHIP Mental Health Treatment Coordinator (MHTC) – assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and coordination of Veterans within BHIP and the Mental Health Service Line.
• Provision of telehealth services across multiple sites of care with the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System.
• Leadership of social work staff through orientation, coaching, continuing education, and training.
• Participation on committees, work groups, and task forces at the facility, VISN, national, or community level as directed by the supervisor.
• Relocation and recruitment incentives: available for qualifying candidates.
• Work schedule:
  
  Monday–Friday, 0800–1630.

Contact the EDRP Coordinator at VISN
17ED
RP2 for questions or assistance regarding the EDRP application.

• Competitive salary with regular increases; higher step rate may be considered for exceptional qualifications.
• Paid Time Off: 37–50 days annually (13–26 days leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays). Credit toward annual leave accrual is possible based on prior work or military service.
• Parental Leave:
  Up to 12 weeks paid after 12 months of employment.
• Child Care Subsidy:
  Eligible for up to 25% of qualifying costs for families with income below $144,000 after 60 days of employment.
• Retirement:
  Federal pension after 5 years; 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution.
• Health, vision, dental, life, and long‑term care insurance as available to federal employees.
• Telework:
  Ad‑hoc telework available; position is not a full virtual role.