Social Worker (Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program) - EDRP approved

Department of Veterans Affairs

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 The Social Worker is under the immediate supervision of the Chief, Behavioral Health Service or designee for the Amarillo VA Health Care System Behavioral Health Care Line in Amarillo. The Behavioral Health Clinic is a multi-disciplinary staff program serving a wide diversity of outpatient Veterans with behavioral health conditions and/or substance use disorders. The Social Worker is a member of this multidisciplinary treatment team and will participate in all aspects of the behavioral health/substance use disorder programs and is responsible for the delivery of treatment to the Veteran. The Behavioral Health Clinic utilizes a broad range of treatment modalities, and the incumbent will perform a variety of psychotherapy interventions and service assignments which require specialized knowledge in the nature and impact of behavioral health/substance use on the Veteran and family system. Plans Effective Treatment Completes an initial, comprehensive assessment and provides resources and referrals based on this assessment. Independently develops a personalized, treatment plan with measurable objectives. Treatment plan is developed in collaboration with Veteran and guided by VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guidelines to insure best outcome for individual. Provider will include referrals for specialty care (e.g., substance use disorder program, MHICM, suicide prevention), domiciliary programs, intensive outpatient treatment and other appropriate interventions. Of utmost concern will be the safety of the client and assurance of effective outcomes for stabilization. Implements Treatment Provides individual and family clinical services. Services consist of evidence-based psychotherapy and evidence-informed therapy with the goal of reducing symptoms and increasing skill development. Utilizes measurement-based care to track patient progress and guide treatment decision making. Monitors and addresses suicidal and homicidal risk. Implements motivational skills to encourage clients to utilize effective interventions, complete practice assignments between sessions, and attend sessions at recommended frequency. Utilizes professional skills in addressing clients who are unstable or indifferent to treatment and demonstrates empathic engagement skills to assist Veterans in behavioral health and substance use recovery. Utilizes comprehensive case management skills to address all aspects of psychosocial strengths and challenges to assist with barriers to effective care. Evaluates/Follows Up; Adjusts Treatment as Necessary Regularly monitors and evaluates progress towards goals, discusses progress with client, and addresses barriers to treatment. Adjusts treatment plans based on treatment response, change in psychosocial stressor or life circumstance, and change in suicide risk. Follows-up with client after referral or if the client misses a counseling session. Maintains comprehensive case documentation and shows follow-through on plans. Provides psychoeducation to Veteran and family to assist with greater understanding of illness and treatment expectations. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: 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 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: Ad-Hoc. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Social Worker (Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program) Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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