Social Worker at Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration Phoenix, AZ

Summary

The Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ is seeking one (1) Social Worker for the Community Living Center. The CLC offers programs for rehabilitation, palliative care, wound/surgical, behavioral, and oncology patients.

Applicants may be referred and tentatively selected while pending completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements. However, final hiring will occur only after all requirements are fulfilled.

• United States Citizenship: Non‑citizens may be appointed only if it is impossible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.
• Education: Master’s degree in Social Work from a school fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). A doctoral degree may NOT substitute for the master’s degree.
• Verification: Degree verification can be performed via the CSWE database.
• Licensure: Candidates must be licensed or certified to practice independently at the master’s level. VHA may waive this requirement for GS‑9 appointments pending completion of state prerequisites; for GS‑11 and above the license is mandatory.
• Licensure Timeline for GS‑9: Unlicensed candidates must obtain independent practice-level licensure within three years of appointment.
• Grandfathering Provision: Current VHA employees may qualify based on the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation.

• Experience & Licensure: None beyond basic requirements.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Utilize counseling skills with Veterans and family members.
  • Assess psychosocial functioning and needs; formulate and implement treatment plans.
  • Implement treatment modalities for individuals, families, and groups.
  • Use supportive, problem‑solving, or crisis intervention techniques.
  • Establish and maintain effective relationships and communication with clients, staff, and community agencies.
  • Understand medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures, including medications and terminology.

• Experience & Licensure: Minimum of one year post‑MSW experience equivalent to GS‑9 level in healthcare or related settings, plus licensure or certification at the independent practice level. A doctoral degree may substitute for the experience requirement.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Make appropriate referrals to community and governmental agencies and coordinate services.
  • Conduct independent psychosocial assessments and interventions for diverse individuals.
  • Apply knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses to formulate treatment plans.
  • Implement various treatment modalities for individuals, families, and groups.
  • Provide consultation services to new social workers, graduate students, and staff.
  • Understand how psychosocial issues affect health care and treatment compliance.
• Preferred Experience: Experience in a geriatric setting and knowledge of the conservatorship referral process.

VA Handbook 5005/120 – Part II – Appendix G39 – Social Work Qualification Standard – GS‑0185 – Veterans Health Administration.

• Light lifting (under 15 pounds)
• Light carrying (under 15 pounds)
• Reaching above shoulder
• Use of fingers, both hands required
• Walking, standing, hearing (aid permitted)

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans.
• Provide direct services including crisis intervention, individual and group counseling/psychotherapy, and family counseling.
• Implement treatment modalities and manage psychosocial interventions, measuring outcomes.
• Conduct case management for complex and high‑risk veterans, including outreach and screening.
• Coordinate discharge planning to ensure seamless transitions.
• Facilitate community‑based services, referrals, and…