Social Worker, Community Health

Social Worker (VA SORCC)

The social worker independently performs outreach and facilitates eligibility determination by securing military discharge papers when necessary and facilitating enrollment for care with VA eligibility staff and determining HCHV eligibility in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 2002(1) and The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended by S. 896 The Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act of 2009. The social worker is proficient in coordinating community-based services, including information and referral for additional services from other VA programs, other government programs and community agency programs.

The social worker provides crisis intervention services, seeking to address the cause as well as presenting complaint, engaging family and other support systems as appropriate. The social worker has functional knowledge and experience in the use of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities and treatment procedures, including acute, chronic and traumatic illnesses and /injuries, common medications and their effects, side effects, and medical terminology.

The social worker has general knowledge of Veterans' benefits and services relating to special programs, service-connected compensation and non-service connected pension. The social worker facilitates referrals based upon Veterans' needs and eligibility. The social worker has working knowledge and skill in the use of word processing, data management and other computer systems, especially those programs in use by the VA.

The Homeless Transitional Case Manager will be able to meet the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (Veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. The social worker is able to provide the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the consumer constructively and appropriately.

The Homeless Transitional Case Manager will fulfill ethical responsibilities to Veterans, colleagues and VA in accordance with relevant discipline Code of Ethics, VHA Code of Ethics, and local Ethics policies, which includes but is not limited to compliance with all laws and regulations related to confidentiality and release of information and protecting Veterans' personal identifying information.