Buffalo VA Medical Center – Behavioral Health Careline

Hiring a Social Worker

Permanent Position for: Social Worker-GS-9/11

Salary Range: $75,764 - $98,491 per year

The Licensed Social Worker is located within VA Western New York Healthcare System (VAWNYHS). This is a complexity level 1b facility with two (2) medical campuses and six (6) rural Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC). The position is located in the Behavioral Health Care Line, assigned to the Residential Substance Use Disorder Clinic, also known as the Substance Use Disorders Domiciliary (SUD DOM). The licensed Social Worker provides counseling services to the Veteran population enrolled at the VA WNY Healthcare System.

NOTE: When applying, please be sure to have dates of employment and detailed sets of duties listed under each employer you have worked for on your resume. Multiple positions may be filled through this job announcement.

Duties include, but are not limited to the duties below :

• Uses a high level of skill in assessing and treating the complicated psychosocial problems of Veterans referred to the Behavioral Health Clinic. The incumbent completes thorough psychosocial assessments as part of the consult process when the Veteran is initially referred to the Behavioral Health Clinic. Other social work services include short-term, solution focused counseling with individuals and families who may be in crisis, supportive counseling, and referral for resources and benefits
• Utilizes a high level of skill and expertise to establish and maintain effective therapeutic relationships with Veterans in the Behavioral Health Clinic. The incumbent works independently with Veterans who are experiencing a wide range of complicated medical, psychiatric, emotional, behavioral, and psychosocial problems.
• Completes thorough psychosocial assessments to determine the psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans. The incumbent must be able to utilize this assessment in facilitating the creation of a recovery focused treatment plan for attainment of the highest level of independence that is possible and practicable. The treatment plan is created in collaboration with the Veteran and with the Veteran's permission family members/significant others, and members of the outpatient treatment team to assure a patient centered plan with achievable goals
• Must possess a working knowledge and experience in use of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures, including acute, chronic and traumatic illnesses, common medications and their effects/side effects, and medical terminology.
• Must possess knowledge and ability to independently implement treatment modalities, provide counseling and/or supportive groups for Veterans and families within the scope of their licensure.
• Maintains general knowledge of Veteran's benefits and services, community resources, and process for making appropriate referrals to community and other governmental programs or agencies. Provides consultation and education to Veterans and their families and facilitates referrals based upon Veterans' needs and eligibility.
• Serves as a liaison between Veterans and/or their families and VA and community resources to ensure thorough delivery of services. When appropriate and feasible, the Social Worker will educate and encourage the Veteran to advocate on his/her own behalf, thus fostering a sense of independence and empowerment.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:30PM

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.

Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Telework: Eligible

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Qualifications:

Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.)

English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d).

(1) Education: Have a masters 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 that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the School of Social Work is fully accredited. A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted to http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation to verify that the social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a masters of social work.

(2) Licensure: Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-0185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. Current state requirements may be found by going to http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/T38Hybrid/.

(3) Exception: VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification examinations. This exception only applies at the GS-9 grade level. For the GS-11 grade level and above, the candidate must be licensed or certified. At the time of appointment, the supervisor, chief social work or social work executive will provide the unlicensed/uncertified social worker with the written requirements for licensure or certification, including the time by which the license or certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming licensed or certified by the deadline.]

Grade Determinations: This position may be filled at the GS-11 grade level as a Social Worker

GS-11 (Full Performance Level)

Experience and Licensure: Appointment to the GS-11 grade level requires completion of a minimum of one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the field of health care or other social work-related settings, and licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level. OR
Education: In addition to meeting basic requirements, a doctoral degree in social work from a school of social work may be substituted for the required one year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services.
• Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational and other diversified backgrounds.
• Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities and treatment procedures (i.e., acute, chronic and traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications and their effects/side effects, and medical terminology) to formulate a treatment plan.
• Skill in independently implementing different treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical, and social problems to achieve treatment goals.
• Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers, social work graduate students, and other staff about the psychosocial needs of patients and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and compliance with treatment.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-11.

References: : VA Handbook 5005/120, Part II, Appendix G-39 Dated September 10, 2019 and VHA Handbook 5005/106 Part II Appendix G 43

Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items.

IMPORTANT: A transcript will be requested.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38 and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical, and administrative, remote, and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers, and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows, and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Additional Requirements for Position:

Selective Service Registration, Proof of US Citizenship, 1-Year Trial Period, Direct Deposit of Pay, Background Investigation, pre-employment physical.

Other benefits include both a Federal Pension and a Thrift Savings Plan (a 401k-style investment plan with up to 5% employer matching.), health insurance, life insurance, annual and sick leave, etc.

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Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,764.00 - $98,491.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Experience:

• Social work: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person