Senior Social Worker - Inpatient Float

Overview

The Inpatient Float Social Worker provides flexible coverage across acute inpatient medicine and psychiatric units - delivering essential psychosocial care to veterans.

• Basic 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 in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until fully accredited; a doctoral degree may not be substituted for the master's degree; verification of degree may be made at http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./Accreditation
• Licensure:
  Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-0185 series must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level
• Loss of Licensure or Certification:
  Must maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification to remain qualified; loss may result in removal from the GS-0185 series and may result in termination of employment
• English Language Proficiency:
  Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
• Grandfathering Provision:
  May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard (applicable to current VHA employees in this occupation who meet criteria)
• Grade Determinations:
  Senior Social Worker - GS-12: at least two years of post-advanced practice clinical licensure experience; one year at the GS-11 level; possess advanced practice skills and judgment; may have certification or post-masters training
• Licensure/Certification (Senior):
  Must be licensed or certified at the advanced practice level (unless grandfathered) and able to provide supervision for licensure
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
  Demonstrate all KSAs including advanced interventions, differential diagnosis considerations, outcome measurement, consultation, policy development, and ability to teach and model effective practice
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, visit https:// Standards/
• Full performance level: 12
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Pre-employment examination or evaluation may be required; questions about physical demands or environmental factors addressed at evaluation

• Core duties include comprehensive assessments, crisis intervention, and discharge planning to ensure safe, timely transitions
• Coordinate post-acute placements, navigate insurance coverage, and assist with Medicaid applications to address financial and eligibility barriers to placement
• Work with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans that integrate medical, psychiatric, and social needs
• On medical units: focus on chronic illness support, housing stability, and end-of-life planning
• In psychiatric settings: perform risk assessment, therapeutic engagement, and linkage to outpatient mental health and substance use services
• Maintain strong knowledge of VA and community resources, insurance processes, and placement requirements
• Float position requires adaptability, clinical judgment, and the ability to manage complex cases in a fast-paced environment
• Advocate for and coordinate resources to promote veteran-centered care and successful transitions
• Engage in treatment planning with other disciplines to ensure psychosocial needs of patients and families are considered
• Provide counseling services independently, including individual and family counseling, to support patients and families coping with disability, terminal illness, and death
• Offer consultation and education to veterans and families on community resources, advance directives, and VA benefits
• Liaise between the VA and community resources; may perform marketing and public relations duties when needed
• Maintain data and statistical reports to comply with JCAHO, VA, and Medical Center policies and procedures
• Document social work interventions clearly in patient records to…