Summary The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) is part of the Veteran Integrated Service Network (VISN) 19 - Rocky Mountain Network and serves Veterans throughout Eastern Colorado. ECHCS consists of one inpatient facility and eleven Community-Based Outpatient clinics (CBOCs). Qualifications 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. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education: 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 that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the school is fully accredited. A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master's degree. Verification of the degree can be made by going to to verify that the social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a master's of social work. 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 . May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations GS 9: Experience - Education - and Licensure: None beyond the basic requirements. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to utilize a Veteran centric approach when providing interventions and counseling for Veterans, their family members, caregivers, and survivors; ability to assess psychosocial functioning and needs; ability to formulate and implement a treatment plan; ability to implement treatment modalities; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate; and fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures. GS 11: Experience and Licensure: Requires a minimum of one year of post MSW experience equivalent to the GS 9 grade level in health care or other social work-related settings and licensure or certification at the independent practice level. OR Education: A doctoral degree in social work may substitute for one year of professional experience. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of community resources and referral coordination; skill in conducting psychosocial assessments and interventions; knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses; skill in implementing treatment modalities; and ability to provide consultation services. Physical Requirements The work is sedentary; employee sits comfortably while working. Some light exertion may be required when walking, standing, bending, or climbing stairs. No special physical demands are required. Incumbent must possess and maintain a current, valid, and unrestricted state driver's license to operate a government owned vehicle. Duties The incumbent independently coordinates high risk patients and provides care management services to Veterans and families. Participates in admission screening and assists in coordination of admissions. Establishes and maintains effective therapeutic relationships with patients and families. Independently works with patients and families experiencing psychiatric, medical, and social problems utilizing individual, group, and family counseling and therapy. Conducts psychosocial assessments to determine needs of Veterans and family members. Offers psychosocial interventions and measures outcomes. Coordinates community based services including referrals to VA and community agency programs. Assists with discharge planning from the Community Nursing Home and coordinates with nursing home, PACT, and specialty programs. Provides consultation to other staff regarding psychosocial needs of Veterans and impact on health care and treatment adherence. Evaluates own practice through peer review, case conference, and other organization means. Communicates effectively orally and in writing with diverse backgrounds. Develops assessment of the Veteran in collaboration with interdisciplinary treatment teams. Handles conflict and problems constructively. Utilizes word processing, data management, email, CPRS, and other computer systems. Documents all efforts in the electronic medical record promptly. Participates in committee assignments as needed. Assures monthly follow up visits to Veterans in the CNHs are completed and documented. Provides input to CNH Coordinator/Supervisor for quality assurance monitoring and reporting. Assists in annual inspection of nursing homes. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule and Benefits Work Schedule: Monday Friday, 7:30 am 4:00 pm. Paid Time Off: 37 50 days of annual paid time per year (13 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster care placement. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days, full time employees with family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of eligible costs (monthly maximum $416.66). Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% contribution by VA. Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long term care insurance available. Telework: Not a virtual position. #J-18808-Ljbffr