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Mental Health services to the Veteran population enrolled at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) Mental Health Clinic. Services include provision of high-quality case management, clinical treatment, advocacy, and coordination of linkages to other appropriate VA or community service providers and/or agencies as needed by the client. This is accomplished in collaboration with other members of the MHC Team or other interdisciplinary treatment teams as appropriate. 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. Basic Requirements: Qualifications: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: Master's degree in social work (MSW) 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 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 master's degree in social work. Licensure: Full, unrestricted license or certification by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. EXCEPTION: VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification examinations. This exception only applies at the GS-9 grade level. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). 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: Social Worker, GS-11 Experience and Licensure: Appointment to the GS-11 grade level requires completion of a minimum of one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the field of health care or other social work-related settings, (VA or non-VA experience) and licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level. OR Education: In addition to meeting basic requirements, a doctoral degree in social work from a school of social work may be substituted for the required one year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services. (b) Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational and other diversified backgrounds.(c) Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities and treatment procedures (i.e. acute, chronic and traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications and their effects/side effects, and medical terminology) to formulate a treatment plan.(d) Skill in independently implementing different treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical, and social problems to achieve treatment goals.(e) Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers, social work graduate students, and other staff about the psychosocial needs of patients and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and compliance with treatment. Assignments: This is the full performance level. Social workers at this level are licensed or certified to independently practice social work. Incumbents are assigned to all program areas, including but not limited to: The Social Worker acts as an advocate when appropriate and feasible while encouraging the veteran and family to advocate on their own behalf thus fostering a sense of independence and empowerment. Treatment planning includes collaboration with interdisciplinary teams such as OIF/OEF/OND case manager, substance abuse staff, Psychiatry (inpatient/outpatient), Homeless Program, Physicians and Vet Centers. The social worker provides independent consultation and makes recommendations to interdisciplinary team on course of treatment. These decisions are based on the social worker's advanced practice skills, professional judgment and expertise regarding the veteran's condition and treatment. Social worker is responsible for educating 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 surrogate decision-maker All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to demonstrate your experience in your resume may result in disqualification. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G39 dated September 10, 2019.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 11. Physical Requirements: The work requires the social worker to be mobile throughout the medical center as needed, involving standing, walking, bending, pushing, and lifting (moderately heavy). The social worker should be capable of prolonged standing/walking and be physically capable of pushing equipment, wheelchairs, and patient stretcher. ["VA Careers - Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:\na. Responsible for the overall function of program development, recruitment of Veteran patients, case management, networking with community resources, and coordination of care with the psychiatrist and medical staff on site as well as various departments at CAVHCS and community facilities in the primary service area.\nb. Coordinates and/or conducts screening of Veterans for specific programs to determine the appropriate level of care needed for patients not in treatment and the ability to understand the variety of clinical options available through the medical center and local community.\nc. Document independently in CPRS electronic medical records, including psychosocial assessments, treatment, progress notes, follow up and referrals.\nd. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams such as OIF/OEF/OND case manager, substance abuse staff, Psychiatry (inpatient/outpatient), Homeless Program, Physicians and Vet Centers.\ne. Provide psychoeducation and clinical feedback regarding symptoms of the mental health condition to patients served. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #:\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nPCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Not Required"]