Social Worker, Mental Health

Job Title

Social Worker

The Social Worker in this position will work at the entry level (GS-9) of duties under the supervision of the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) Clinic Manager, or at the full performance level (GS-11). The duties and functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Screening/Assessment
  - The Social Worker will develop a psychosocial assessment of the Veteran in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team, the Veteran and family members/significant others.
• Treatment Planning/Goal Setting
  - The Social Worker is responsible for contributing to the development of the treatment plan and setting achievable treatment goals with the Veteran, family members/significant others and other Outpatient Mental Health clinical staff.
• Referral to service providers
  - The Social Worker will collaborate with other service providers in reassessing the Veteran's needs. The Social Worker is responsible for educating the Veteran and family members/significant others of the available services and assisting them in establishing the appropriate referrals based on the Veteran's preference or that of his surrogate decision-maker.
• Resource Usage/Development
  - The Social Worker is responsible for using the current Social Work resource file of VA and community social service programs and enhancing the content to the benefit of Veterans. The Social Worker will refer the Veteran to needed services.
• Advocacy
  - The Social Worker will act as an advocate when it serves the best interest of the Veteran and family members/caregiver. When appropriate and feasible, the Social Worker will educate and encourage the Veteran to advocate on his/her own behalf, thus fostering a sense of independence and empowerment.
• Crisis Intervention
  -The Social Worker is experienced in making rapid assessments and developing crisis management plans for admission to mental health inpatient programs.
• Education/Health promotion and prevention
  - The Social Worker provides education related to VA and community resources, entitlements, Advance Directives/Living Will and will refer Veterans and family members/significant others to the appropriate interdisciplinary team member for identified health education needs.
• Coordination of non-institutional and institutional services
  -The Social Worker will review the progress notes from the other providers to accurately determine the strengths and limitations of each Veteran.
• Supportive counseling
  -The Social Worker may provide Veterans and their family members/significant other with ongoing supportive counseling.
• Therapy
  - The Social Worker may provide individual and group evidence-based therapies (i.e. CPT, PE, etc.) to Veterans based on clinic and patient need.
• Administrative responsibilities
  - The Social Worker will enter all Veteran/family contacts in the electronic record using appropriate formats and templates. This information will be entered in a complete, confidential, and professional manner to insure information on the Veteran is shared with other VA staff.