Social Worker

We're Looking for a skilled Social Worker in the Veterans Health Administration based in Martinsburg, West Virginia. 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. Education: Have a masters degree in social work (MSW) from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Licensure: Must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the masters degree level. Physical Requirements: Must be willing to undergo a preemployment physical examination. Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoke and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 Part II chapter 3 section A paragraph 3j Grade Determinations: The GS11 full performance level requires completion of a minimum of 1 year of postMSW degree experience in the field of health care social work (VA or nonVA experience) and 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 1 year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting. In addition the candidate must demonstrate 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. Ability to independently assess the psychosocial functioning and needs of patients and their family members and to formulate and implement a treatment plan identifying the patients problems strengths weaknesses coping skills and assistance needed in collaboration with the patient family and interdisciplinary treatment team. Ability to independently conduct psychosocial assessments and provide psychosocial treatment to a wide variety of individuals from various socioeconomic cultural ethnic educational and other diversified backgrounds. This requires knowledge of human development and behavior (physical and psychological) and the differential influences of the environment society and culture. Knowledge and experience in the use of medical and mental health diagnoses disabilities and treatment procedures. This includes acute chronic and traumatic illnesses/injuries common medications and their effects/side effects and medical terminology. Knowledge of psychosocial treatment and ability to independently implement treatment modalities in working with individuals families and groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric medical and social problems to achieve treatment goals. This requires independent judgment and skill in utilizing supportive problem solving or crisis intervention techniques. Ability to independently provide counseling and/or psychotherapy services to individuals groups and families. Social workers must practice within the bounds of their license or certification. For example some states may require social workers providing psychotherapy to have a clinical level of licensure. Ability to provide consultation services to other staff about the psychosocial needs of patients and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and compliance with treatment. Ability to provide orientation and coaching to new social workers and social work graduate students. Ability to serve as a field instructor for social work graduate students who are completing VHA field placements. Ability to independently evaluate his/her own practice through participation in professional peer review case conferences research studies or other organized means. Knowledge and skill in the use of computer software applications for drafting documents data management and tracking especially those programs in use by VHA. References: VA Handbook 5005/23 Part II Appendix G39 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS9 to GS11. Physical Requirements: A preemployment physical examination is required. Selected candidates must meet the following: Near vision correctable at 13 to 16 to Jaeger 1 to 4 Other (specify): Clear Speech Hearing (aid permitted).

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.