Social Worker, Mental Health

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit their EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval, award amount (up to $200,000), and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after a complete review of the application.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

• United States citizenship; non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.
• Master's degree in social work (MSW) from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
• Graduates of schools of social work that are in candidacy do not meet this requirement until the school is fully accredited.
• A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for an MSW.
• State license or certification to independently practice social work at the master's degree level.
• Exception – for GS‑9 assignments, VHA may waive the licensure requirement for qualified persons pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/examination.
• Social workers not licensed at appointment must obtain license or certification at the independent master’s level within three years.
• Grade determinations: GS‑09 – no prior experience beyond basic requirements; GS‑11 – at least one year post‑MSW experience or a doctoral degree.
• Knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) required at GS‑09 include:
  • Using a Veteran‑centric approach when providing interventions and counseling for Veterans, family members, caregivers, and survivors.
  • Assessing psychosocial functioning, needs, and formulating treatment plans; identifying problems, strengths, coping skills, and needed assistance.
  • Implementing treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups.
  • Utilizing supportive, problem‑solving, and crisis intervention techniques.
  • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and communication with clients, staff, and community agencies.
  • Fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, treatments, medications, and related terminology.
• At GS‑11, additional KSAs include:
  • Knowledge of community resources and referral coordination.
  • Independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions across diverse backgrounds.
  • Consultation services for new social workers and students regarding psychosocial needs and their impact on health care.
• Preferred experience:
  
  Work with Veterans experiencing homelessness, familiarity with HUD and housing rules, and case management.
• Reference: VA Handbook 5005 – Part II – Appendix G39 – Social Worker Qualification Standard.
• Physical requirements:
  
  Sedentary work with occasional standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items.

• Provide case management services for a caseload of Veterans in the HUD‑VASH program, with frequency based on needs and acuity.
• Review agreements between Section 8 landlords, Public Housing Authorities, and the VA to establish suitable referral sites for HUD‑VASH placements.
• Perform residential site visits to ensure Veterans live in safe environments compliant with local housing codes.
• Verify Veteran status, eligibility for VA medical care, and participation eligibility in the HUD‑VASH program.
• Conduct routine home visits using a government‑issued vehicle.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with employees, volunteers, VA staff, and external community agencies.
• Provide comprehensive biopsychosocial and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) assessments; integrate findings into interdisciplinary care plans.
• Highlight Veterans' strengths, limitations, supports, and service needs to optimize functional status and promote safe home living.
• Coordinate community‑based services, including referrals to additional VA programs and other agencies.
• Provid…