Senior Social Worker; GERI-PACT

Social Worker

The Department of Veterans Affairs is implementing a streamlined 30-Day Hiring Model designed to accelerate hiring while maintaining the highest standards of merit-based selection. This improved process reduces traditional hiring timelines by integrating early coordination, faster assessments, and efficient pre-employment actions. Applicants can expect a more transparent, predictable, and efficient hiring journey from announcement to entry on duty. What Applicants Can Expect

Expedited Candidate Review Once the announcement closes, Human Resources will quickly review applications, issue certificates of eligible candidates the day after the announcement closes and refer applicants for hiring manager consideration.

Quick Interviews & References HR may arrange interviews and will request references within 3-5 days after being referred to the hiring manager.

Streamlined Pre-Employment Requirements:
Following a tentative offer, applicants should be prepared to complete required steps, such as fingerprinting and background check, credentialing, and medical examination within 3 days of the offer.

Clear and Timely Communication:
Applicants will receive clear communication at key milestones, including referral, tentative offer, and onboarding instructions.

After meeting pre-employment requirements, candidates will receive a final job offer and start date. Onboarding tasks may continue after starting, with HR ensuring timely completion for a smooth transition into VA service. If selected, applicants should be prepared to come onboard within 30 days of the announcement closing

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Interviews veterans to establish facts about the Veteran's situation, presenting problems and the impact of such problems on the Veteran's functionality & health.
• Interprets and explains VA's treatment and benefit programs.
• Independently evaluates the Veteran's situation, including the Veteran's reaction and ability to deal with it, and arrives at a reasoned conclusion.
• Assures the transfer of health care, both inpatient and outpatient to the appropriate VHA and community resources.
• Provides independent consultation and makes recommendations to interdisciplinary team on course of treatment.
• Provides clinical services to Veterans and family members/ significant others in support of the Veteran's treatment.
• Establishes a continuing relationship with the veteran, evaluating progress towards goals and adjusting the treatment plan as appropriate.
• Monitors a veteran's progress, maintains comprehensive documentation, ensures expert diagnosis and treatment of clinical disorders, and shows competent discretion in decision to adjust treatment.
• Serves as a mentor to other Social Worker staff members, particularly those at the entry level.
• Supervises Social Work graduate students and provides a training experience for them in Social Work.
• Conducts formal workshops and classes for staff.
• Functions as an ongoing case manager by performing duties to facilitate independent community living by coordinating mental health and community care, as appropriate.
• Actively participates in program planning and development, advising the supervisor of shifting trends with caseloads and identifying the need for and making recommendations on program procedure or policy changes based upon work experiences.
• Responsible for improving professional skills, participating in planning and executing specific staff development projects, attending seminars and institutes, and participating in training programs of other disciplines as requested.
• Maintains productivity at the established required level.
• Coordinate treatment and communicate with the care lines to facilitate continuity of care for veterans.
• Documents social work interventions and activities in patient's clinical record and ensure appropriate hand off when transferring of patient care.
• Participates in a rotation of on-call social workers, including modification of tour of duty to accommodate patient care needs on weekends.
• Travels where necessary, or as assigned in the capacity of community outreach support. The incumbent will maintain a current, unrestricted driver's license.
• Acts as a liaison between VA and community resources, to include marketing and public relations duties as needed.
• Has advanced level of knowledge and understanding of the services and benefits available from community, State and Federal agencies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule:

Monday thru Friday 7:30am-4:00pm