Social Worker Associate

The social work associate duties are performed in support of, and under the direct supervision of, a social worker. Work is performed across the Fargo VA Health Care System in the various Service Lines/Services that social workers are assigned to.

Applicant(s) must possess all of the following qualifications:

In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position.

Bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited college or university in major fields of study such as social welfare, sociology, psychology, public administration, philosophy, education, anthropology, history, economics and/or English.

NOTE:

You must submit a copy of your transcript with your application. Education cannot be credited without documentation.

A current, valid state‑issued motor vehicle operator's license. (We cannot accept photos; the driver’s license will be verified at the interview.)

Do you have two (2) years of experience, which must have included one (1) year in a medical setting as a social welfare worker or social work assistant in a voluntary, public, social, or health agency? This experience must be equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-7) in Federal service. Qualifying specialized experience for this position includes:

• Conducting interviews and assisting customers in completing applications;
• Explaining programs and regulations and resolving complaints;
• Referring clients to community programs, benefits, and assistance with housing, finances, transportation or other psychosocial needs;
• Basic knowledge of eligibility to community resources, including local, State and Federal benefits;
• Documenting medical records and managing records and procedures to select, assemble, and distribute reports concerning assigned topics of a technical or administrative nature;
• Working with Microsoft Office programs including Word and Excel.

Experience must be fully documented in your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates, and hours worked per week.

• A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates.
• Part‑time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours per week spent in such employment.
• Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri Corps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
• You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..