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The San Diego VA Medical Center is recruiting for a full-time Senior Social Worker [Psychiatric Emergency Clinic / (PEC)] in the Mental Health Care Line located in San Diego, CA. The Senior Social Worker practices in the Psychiatric Emergency Clinic (PEC) to provide emergency services as a licensed mental health provider. BASIC REQUIREMENTS: The basic requirements for employment as a VHA social worker are prescribed by statute in 38 U.S.C. § 7402(b)(9), as amended by section 205 of Public Law 106-419, enacted November 1, 2000. To qualify for appointment as a social worker in VHA, all applicants must meet the following: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: Have a 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 of Social Work is fully accredited. A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master's degree in social work. Verification of the degree can be made by going to http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation to verify that the social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a masters 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 http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/T38Hybrid/. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of this position involve light lifting, light carrying, walking, standing, use of both eyes, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades, hearing aid (permitted). The environmental factors of this position involve being able to work outside and/or inside, to work with others, and to work alone. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). GRADE DETERMINATION: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Senior Social Worker, GS-12 Experience/Education. The candidate must have at least two (2) years of experience post advanced practice clinical licensure and should be in a specialized area of social work practice of which, one (1) year must be equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. Senior Social Workers have experience that demonstrates possession of advanced practice skills and judgment. Senior Social Workers are experts in their specialized area of practice. Senior Social Workers may have certification or other post-masters training from a nationally recognized professional organization or university that includes a defined curriculum/course of study and internship or equivalent supervised professional experience in a specialty. Licensure/Certification. Senior Social Workers must be licensed or certified by a state at the advanced practice level which included an advanced generalist or clinical examination, unless they are grandfathered by the state in which they are licensed to practice at the advanced practice level (except for licenses issued in California, which administers its own clinical examination for advanced practice) and they must be able to provide supervision for licensure. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Skill in a range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities used in specialty treatment programs or with special patient populations. --This includes individual, group, and/or family counseling or psychotherapy and advanced level psychosocial and/or case management. Ability to incorporate complex multiple causation in differential diagnosis and treatment within approved clinical privileges or scope of practice. Knowledge in developing and implementing methods for measuring effectiveness of social work practice and services in the specialty area, utilizing outcome evaluations to improve treatment services and to design system changes. Ability to provide specialized consultation to colleagues and students on the psychosocial treatment of patients in the service delivery area, as well as role modeling effective social work practice skills. Ability to expand clinical knowledge in the social work profession, and to write policies, procedures, and/or practice guidelines pertaining to the service delivery area. Preferred Experience: Experience, training, and/or certification in multiple evidence-based practices for treatment of mental health issues (depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, anxiety disorders, psychosis, etc.) Comfortable with working effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced, high volume clinic. Experienced in dealing with acute mental health patients, clinical supervision experience, and knowledge of education/research best practices. Diligent, independent clinician who works well with multidisciplinary team members within a demanding mental health clinic. *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. References: VA Handbook 5005/120 Part II Appendix G39, Dated September 10, 2019. ["Duties for this position may include but are not limited to: Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in the provision of comprehensive health care services to Veterans and ensures equity of access, service, and benefits to this population. Educates the Veteran and/or caregiver of the available services and assisting them in establishing the appropriate referrals based on the Veteran's preference or that of his/her surrogate decision-maker. Understands the intimidation of bureaucracy, and will act as an advocate within the VA system when it serves the best interest of the Veteran/family. Makes rapid assessments and developing crisis management plans for admission to mental health inpatient programs, in collaboration with the PEC Psychiatrist. Collects, develops, and analyzes data using appropriate clinical indicators and monitoring activities to assure that the care provided is of the highest quality. Serves as a liaison with community agencies, assist Veterans with referrals for services from community and government agencies, and help coordinate these services (e.g., (San Diego Police, Psychiatric Emergency Response Team, crisis houses, Emergency Department Social Worker, etc.). Performs psychosocial assessment, treatment planning, and coordination of care for patients in the program areas served. Performs individual and group psychotherapy. Consults with other services, as needed. Provides end of life and/or goals of care counseling. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.\nTelework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.\nEDRP Authorized: Contact Miriam.Ubiles@va.gov or Natasha.Brant@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]