Social Worker (PACT

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) — a student loan payment reimbursement program. Eligibility requires meeting specific individual requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submitting the EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval determines the award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) after a complete review by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office.

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

• United States Citizenship
• Non‑citizens may be appointed only when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy
• English Language Proficiency — spoken and written English must meet authorized requirements under 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f)
• Master’s degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Graduates of schools of social work in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the school is fully accredited
• A doctoral degree in social work may not substitute for the master’s degree
• Verification of the degree may be made by visiting the CSWE website to confirm accreditation for a master of social work
• Licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master’s degree level (or eligible for a waiver as described below)
• State licensure requirements may be found via the VHA website
• Eligibility exception: VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for otherwise qualified persons pending completion of state prerequisites, but this applies only at the GS‑9 grade level. For GS‑11 and above, licensure or certification is required.
• At appointment, the supervisor will provide written requirements for licensure or certification, including deadlines and consequences for non‑compliance
• Substantially qualified applicants may be covered by the Grandfathering Provision described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only for current VHA employees who meet the criteria)
• Grade Determinations:
  Social Worker – GS‑9 – Experience, Education, and Licensure
• None beyond the basic requirements

• Ability to utilize a veteran‑centric approach when providing interventions and counseling for veterans, their family members, caregivers, and survivors
• Ability to assess the psychosocial functioning and needs of veterans and their families, and to formulate and implement a treatment plan identifying problems, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills, and assistance needed
• Ability to implement treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups to achieve treatment goals, including supportive, problem‑solving, or crisis intervention techniques
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and community agency representatives
• Fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures, including acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications and their effects, and medical terminology
• For GS‑11 grade: additional experience of at least one year post‑master’s in a clinical setting, or a doctoral degree may substitute for this experience
• Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions with diverse individuals
• Knowledge of community resources and ability to coordinate services
• Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers, graduate students, and staff regarding psychosocial needs and treatment impact on health…