Social Worker

We're Looking for a skilled Social Worker in the Veterans Health Administration based in Lexington, Kentucky. Read through the job description to see if it matches your current experience.

The Successful Applicant

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Noncitizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) Must hold a masters 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 masters degree in social work. Must be currently licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the masters degree level Grade Determinations: GS11 Social Worker (Full Performance Level): In addition to meeting the basic requirements to qualify for the GS11 you must have completed a minimum of one year of postMSW experience equivalent to the GS9 grade level in the field of health care or other social workrelated settings (VA or nonVA experience) and must possess licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level. OR 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 In addition to meeting the basic requirements specified above to qualify for the GS11 you must demonstrate all of the following knowledge skills and abilities: Knowledge of community resources how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services and ability to coordinate services. Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions to a wide variety of individuals from various socioeconomic cultural ethnic educational and other diversified backgrounds. 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. 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. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G39 Physical Requirements: A high level of physical energy is required as the incumbent is expected to meet with many people in many different locations during a workday. The nature of the job requires travel throughout an assigned geographical area away from the work setting.

What’s on Offer

The role offers excellent opportunities for top performers to further develop their competencies as a social worker and improving the lives of people.