Social Worker

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) Social Worker provides clinical psychosocial services to eligible Veterans assigned to Primary Care Patient Aligned Care Teams. As a member of interdisciplinary treatment team, the Social Worker maintains knowledge of the PACT team approach and the role of each health and allied health care team member.

• VA Careers - Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Social Work: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Social-Worker-Career-Flyer.pdf The Social Worker will work with Same Day Surgery teams and Specialty Clinics that serve Veterans receiving Interfacility Outpatient Services by consult from another VA Health Care System. Referrals typically originate from any member of the interdisciplinary team, from Veterans and/or their families who call or walk-in for assistance, and from community professionals. Patients' health care and psychosocial problems and needs are often complex and include a wide range (medical, behavioral health, financial, legal, and psychosocial.) The Social Worker possesses advance skills in collaborating with Veterans, their family/caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams to create patient-centered treatment goals or plans. The Social Worker links the Veteran with services, resources, and opportunities, to maximize the Veterans independence, health, and wellbeing. This includes but is not limited to, providing interventions to increase access to care, (transportation assistance & advanced directives) , economic assistance, (assistance with medical bills, financial aid services), strategies to increase income and/or reduce expenses (employment, vocational rehabilitation, VA benefits, disability benefits, Medicaid linkage), find appropriate housing for the patient's level of need (affordable independent housing, homeless shelters, group and family care homes, Veterans Homes, assisted living, nursing homes, respite care, hospice care), provide support for caregiver burn out (linkage to resources) and serve as a liaison between Veterans and/or their families and VA and community resources in order to ensure thorough delivery of services. Functions or scope of assigned duties include but are not limited to: Fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures. This includes acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses/injuries; common medications and their effects/side effects; and medical terminology. Ability to work with Veterans and family members from various socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, educational, and other diversified backgrounds utilizing clinical skills. Under supervision, implement treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical, and social problems to achieve treatment goals. This requires judgment and skill in utilizing supportive, problem solving or crisis intervention techniques. Facilitate action for community placements through collaboration with Veterans and their families as well as interdisciplinary treatment team members to ensure that appropriate community placements are completed in a timely manner. Community placements can involve but are not limited to referrals to group and family care homes, assisted living facilities, adult day health care programs, contract nursing homes, Community Living Centers, residential care homes, inpatient and outpatient hospice services. Possess knowledge of caregiver stressors, ability to conduct caregiver assessment and provide appropriate caregiver specific interventions, under supervision. Serve as a liaison between Veterans and/or their families and VA and community resources in order to ensure thorough delivery of services. Provide consultation and education to Veterans and their families on role of social work and resources available. Maintains knowledge of Veteran's benefits and services, community resources, and process for making appropriate referrals to community and other governmental programs or agencies. Possess skills and knowledge to provide case management services to Veterans and their families throughout the continuum of care. Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse, neglect and exploitation. Possess and demonstrate ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with people from varied backgrounds. Able to effectively serve on relevant committees, work groups, and task forces at the facility as deemed appropriate by the supervisor and Chief of Social Work Services. Establish and maintain ongoing relationships with community agencies, students, and staff, to facilitate understanding of social work interventions specific to the Veteran/Military population. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 1369FA Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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