Social Worker; Mental Health

Overview

The Social Worker position reports to Social Work Service in conjunction with the Chief of Outpatient Mental Health and is located in the Mental Health Clinics (MHC) at Lyons, East Orange and supporting CBOCs, which are part of the Mental Health & Behavioral Science (MH&BS) Service, VA NJHCS.

• Psychosocial Assessments - The Social Worker interviews the Veteran, family member and/or significant other to establish facts about the Veteran's current situation. In collaboration with the Veteran, family member and/or significant others, the Social Worker completes an accurate psychosocial assessment considering the effects of acute, chronic, traumatic illnesses/injuries, and common medications. The assessment reflects the Veteran's strengths as well as primary concerns and/or challenge/s.
  
  The assessment outlines any hindrances for the Veteran obtaining optimal health as well as internal/external supports and needs for Veteran to achieve success.
• Treatment planning/goal setting - The Social Worker, in collaboration with the Veteran, develops a treatment plan. This may also be done in collaboration with the outpatient mental health treatment team. The plan is based on the Veteran's goals (needs and/or preferences) using his/her own language. If the Veteran is not present, the Social Worker (and/or team) makes every effort to reflect the Veteran's language, goals, etc.,
  
  based on the psychosocial assessment. The treatment plan is person-centered, holistic, non-linear and strengths based. The Veteran's goals are obtainable and measurable.
• Provision of clinical services - The incumbent provides current and advanced range of treatment techniques for the treatment of the adult Veteran patient population while being sensitive to human growth and development, age-appropriate needs and concerns of the Veteran. The Social Worker provides clinical services (i.e. individual and/or group psychotherapy, and marital or family counseling), case management services (i.e. refers to or coordinates with VA and community services) and psycho-educational services to Veterans, family members and/or significant others in support of the Veteran's treatment goals and within their scope of practice.
• Liaison/Advocacy/Consultation - The Social Worker will serve as a liaison, advocate and/or consultant for the Veteran, family member and/or significant other throughout the VA NJ Healthcare System (VANJHCS) and in the community to promote efficient practice and improve Veteran outcomes.
• Referrals - The Social Worker uses the VA and community's service systems to interpret data and identify viable treatment options. Veterans can be assisted in choosing from an array of services with appropriate intensity and flexibility. Services are matched with the Veteran's needs and goals. Referrals to those services are made in a timely manner. The Social Worker is responsible for educating the Veteran and family members/significant others 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.
• Evaluation of Treatment - The Social Worker establishes and maintains a continuing relationship with the Veteran, family member and/or significant other, evaluating progress towards the Veteran's goals and adjusting the treatment plan as appropriate. The Social Worker meets with the Veteran, via regularly scheduled meetings, to assess accomplishments and re-establish goals if needed. The Social Worker monitors Veteran's progress, maintains comprehensive documentation, and displays clinical competence through the psychosocial diagnosis, treatment plan and the decision to adjust/terminate treatment when appropriate.
• Documentation - The Social Worker documents all visits with the Veteran, family member and/or significant other electronically through the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) and complete encounter forms for each visit.
• Additional duties - Additional duties as assigned.

Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm

Not Available

This is not a virtual position.

21M13-A

Requirements