Description

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Director of Mental Health Services and/or a designated Psychiatrist, the Social Worker provides a variety of services including psychosocial assessments, treatment planning, short-term, solution focused counseling, education and referral for resources and benefits, and case management. Develops program content and organizes & leads activities planned to enhance social development of individual members and accomplishment of group goals. Collaborates with the core Clinical Team (Primary Care Provider, Psychiatrist, RN and administrative team) and expanded team including family/caregiver, VA, and community-based services involved in developing the patient care plan.

Core Responsibilities

• Interviews individual members to assess social and emotional capabilities.
• Provides case management to Veterans and families as needed throughout the continuum of care.
• Selects program appropriate to particular group goals, level of development, needs, capacities, and interests of group members.
• Conducts individual counseling/therapy.
• Conducts group therapy (which may include PTSD groups; weight management; anger management & coping skills, grieving; and personal interactions).
• Conducts marriage and family counseling as specified by the VA.
• Involves members in planning and assuming responsibility for activities.
• Helps members through group experience to develop attitudes and social skills for improved family relations and community responsibility.
• Refers members, when indicated, to community resources and other organizations.
• Addresses issues such as advance directives and organ donation in accordance with acceptable standards.
• Inputs all patients’ information into VISTA/CPRS.
• Completes any and all clinical reminders “due” at the time of each patient visit.
• Assists in co-managed care collaboration with non-VA providers, and facilities.
• Provides patient and family health education with a focus on self-management, prevention, wellness, related health issues and healthy lifestyle choices.
• Maintains confidentiality of veterans’ data and information.
• Complies with all VA and company training requirements.
• Fulfill compliance requirements of the Office of Inspector General (OIG), Joint Commission (JC), Environment of Care (EOC) oversight, lab compliance and other related items.
• Remain focused on achieving excellent clinical outcomes through the specified VA guidelines.
• Must provide excellent customer service to each veteran and his/her family, both in person and over the phone, as well as to fellow colleagues and clinic visitors.
• Embrace and support new initiatives, whether clinical or operational.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Master's degree, or higher, in Social Work from a program registered by the Department of Education is required, with specific training dealing with adult patients.
• Must comply with and maintain all requirements for a valid, unrestricted LCSW/MSW (or equivalent LPC, LMFT, etc.) license in the state of desired employment, or in any U.S. state or territory, depending on VA contractual requirements.
• 2 years working with Veterans as a mental health counselor.
• Proven mastery of advanced sociological, psychological, and mental health care related interventions and issues.
• Must be credentialed and remain in good standing through the Veterans Health Administration (VA).
• Current certification in Basic Life Support (must be renewed periodically as specified by the certifying agency – AHA valid for two years, e.g.) and in ACLS as specified by individual VAMC contract
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Strong computer skills, including EMR experience
• Energetic and optimistic demeanor
• This is considered a safety sensitive position.