Social Worker

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Social Worker will provide mental health services to assigned Veteran patients enrolled in the Substance Abuse Treatment Program (STARS) within the Columbia VA Health Care System. This includes case management, clinical assessment and treatment, advocacy, and coordination of linkages to other appropriate VA or community service providers/agencies as needed by the patient. This is accomplished in cooperation with other members of the outpatient mental health treatment team.

• This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your 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 complete review of the EDRP application. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Specific duties include: Develops psychosocial assessment of the Veteran in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, the Veteran, family members and significant others. The goal of the assessment is to highlight the Veteran's strengths, limitations, and internal/external support and service needs to optimize the Veteran's functional status. This will be accomplished using structured assessments and clinical interviews. The incumbent demonstrates an understanding of the range of treatment and skills needed for all adult patients including those with co-morbidities such as severe/chronic mental illness, PTSD, medical/health-related problems, physical limitations, and other psychological needs. As a substance abuse professional, the incumbent will be skilled in administering clinical assessment tools such as the SLUMS as a part of the overall STARS assessment and evaluation process. The treatment plan will contain measurable, achievable treatment goals. The treatment plan will be completed within the timeline prescribed by Mental Health Services and STARS policy and procedures. Employs an array of clinical skills and services as needed to accomplish treatment objectives outlined within the patient's STARS treatment plan. The incumbent will be equipped to utilize various clinical treatment modalities including case management, patient/ family education, and other clinical treatment approaches as required. Assesses patients' learning needs regarding their substance abuse, as well as other problems including substance abuse, psychiatric and medical disorders, and will incorporate a teaching plan into the overall plans for treatment. The incumbent will conduct individual and family therapy and will facilitate weekly groups. The incumbent will be able to provide immediate intervention for substance abuse patients as needed and will provide assistance with Veteran patients in need of DETOX screening. The Social Worker makes rapid assessments and develops crisis management plans for admission to mental health inpatient programs. The incumbent has access to multiple resource directories in addition to previously developed resources to meet the demands of a crisis. In the event of a medical or psychiatric emergency, the incumbent will follow the protocol of the mental health clinic at the Columbia VA Health Care System. Documents all patient care assessments, interventions and treatment progress in CPRS in a timely and professional manner consistent with Joint Commission, Mental Health guidelines, and facility policies/procedures. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm. Work Schedule is subject to change based on agency need. Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of 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: Ad hoc. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 632147F, 61195F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

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