As an independent practice level social worker, functions as the Grant and Per Diem Liaison in the Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program for Veteran Health Indiana (VHI) within the continuum of homeless programs. The GPD program is a transitional housing collaborative between the Department of Veterans Affairs and community agency grantees to provide supportive housing and case-management to Veterans experiencing literal homelessness that have complex medical and psychosocial needs. Requirements: 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. Indiana requires Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Specialized Experience: Appointment to the GS-11 grade level requires completion of a minimum of one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 (graduate/developmental) grade level in the field of health care or other social work-related settings, (VA or nonVA experience) and licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level. or, Additional 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. In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate, in their resume, all of the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: (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. 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). Preferred Experience: Knowledge of working with vulnerable populations, Experience with Motivational Enhancement/Interviewing skills, knowledge/experience in working with individual with substance use and mental health disorders, case-management experience, licensed clinical social worker. References: VA Handbook 5005/120 PART II APPENDIX G39 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 11. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the position involve standard office requirements such as using the telephone, retrieving files, writing reports, data entry and maintenance of computer databases, etc. Work is typically performed sitting at a desk and using a computer. This position may require occasional travel and use of a government vehicle. The incumbent must have a valid driver's license. The position requires periods of walking, standing, sitting and bending. ["VA Careers - Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU Duties of the Grant & PerDiem (GPD) Liaison Social Worker are to include, but not limited to: Screening/Assessment - The GPD provider is responsible for completing a psychosocial assessments and screening eligible Veterans upon entry to the program to ensure all strengths and barriers have been identified that would inform the community grantee treatment/care plan. The GPD Liaison will work closely with the Veteran, and community housing grantee provider to evaluate information pertinent to treatment planning and goal setting, and with the Veteran's consent, the GPD Liaison will gather and evaluate information from collateral sources. Treatment Planning/Goal Setting - The GPD Liaison works closely with their clinical supervisor, the Veteran and GPD Provider to develop a mutually agreed upon treatment/service plan. This plan builds on the analysis of information gathered in their assessment of the strengths and perceived barriers identified by the veteran. The GPD Liaison will work with the Veteran and provider to develop goals and objectives that are specific, measurable, realistic, and time limited. Case Management - While the GPD Liaison's primary role is not providing direct case management, the incumbent will oversee the coordination of services in which the homeless Veteran participates, both through VA and community agencies. When indicated, The GPD Liaison may provide direct case management services as well as being identified as the Primary Mental Health Provider for the Veteran, overseeing the Veteran's care in Psychiatry Service and ensuring that he or she accesses the most appropriate level of treatment in the least restrictive environment. Referral to service providers - Throughout the course of treatment the GPD Liaison has a wide range and developing knowledge of VA and/or community resources. The GPD Liaison will collaborate with other service providers in reassessing the Veteran's needs. The GPD Liaison is responsible for ensuring that the GPD providers are educated on the available VA and community services/resources, and for assisting the Veterans in accessing those services and resources based on the Veteran's preferences, or those of the surrogate decision-maker. Resource Usage/Development - The GPD Liaison is responsible for using and updating the social work homeless Veteran's resource guide of VA and community social service programs and enhancing the content to the benefit of Veterans. Coordinating with the GPD partners, the GPD Liaison will assist the Veteran with usage of various resources, including but not limited to social security, VA benefits, TANF and food stamps. Advocacy - The GPD Liaison understands the intimidation of bureaucracy and will act as an advocate when it serves the best interest of the Veteran/family. By availing the Veteran of his or her choices in complex decisions and by guiding the Veteran through complicated enrollment procedures and bureaucratic processes, the GPD Liaison facilitates the best possible outcome for the Veteran. When appropriate and feasible, the GPD Liaison will educate and encourage the Veteran and his or her family/caregiver to advocate on his/her own behalf, fostering independence and empowerment. Crisis Intervention - The GPD Liaison will work closely with their clinical supervisor to assess and intervene in any medical or psychiatric crises presented by the Veteran and participate in developing crisis management and safety plans to minimize the event of future crises. The GPD Liaison 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 social worker will follow the protocol of the mental health clinic at the Indianapolis VAMC. Additionally, the GPD Liaison will work closely with the GPD Program providers, responding to crises developing at the providers' facilities. Education/Health promotion and prevention - The GPD Liaison provides education related to VA and community resources, entitlements, Advance Directives/Living Will and will refer Veterans/families to the appropriate interdisciplinary team member for identified health education needs. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm, No weekends/holidays Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual/remote position. Functional Statement #: 91676-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Travel: must possess valid driver's license and be able to operate a government owned vehicle"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
