Social Worker; BHIP Therapist - EDRP approved

Overview

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

• Plans Effective Treatment:
  Completes an initial, comprehensive assessment utilizing the DSM-V to address symptomatology and make an initial diagnosis, problem list, and synthesis of the problem priorities using the Veteran and family input as much as possible. Addresses and develops preliminary goals for treatment based on initial assessment and patient and family input. Provides resources and referrals based on this assessment including referrals for internal services and community resources.
  
  Of utmost concern will be the safety of the Veteran and assurance of effective outcomes for stabilization. Provides psychoeducation to Veteran and family to assist with greater understanding of illness and treatment expectations. Addresses all clinical reminders that apply during the initial assessment, including critical suicide risk assessments.
• Implements Treatment:
  Provides clinical services to clients with supervision from a licensed social worker in the program. Provides brief counseling, guidance, support, and other assistance as identified. Provides referrals to VA and community resources as needed (i.e., transition to halfway houses, shelters, etc.). Addresses comprehensive needs of clients including those with serious psychiatric instability. The incumbent timely assesses at risk patients in crisis to identify immediate needs, evaluate risk, and initiate safety plan as appropriate.
  
  Implements motivational and counseling skills to encourage clients to utilize effective interventions. Utilizes professional skills in addressing Veterans who are unstable or indifferent to treatment and demonstrates empathic engagement skills to assist Veterans in mental health and substance use recovery. Utilizes effective case management skills to address all aspects of psychosocial strengths and challenges to assist with barriers to effective care.
  
  The incumbent will assist with same day access when available.
• Documentation responsibilities:
  In addition to completing an initial comprehensive assessment the incumbent will complete all necessary clinical reminders, suicide risk screens, safety plan, and any other documentation due at the time of the encounter. Documentation should occur the same day but no more than 24 hours after the visit occurs in accordance with Behavioral Health policy.

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m.

- 4:30 p.m.

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus):
Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance):
Not Authorized

EDRP Authorized:
Contact vhaedrpprogramsupport, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

Pay:
Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.

Parental Leave:
After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy:
After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement:
Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance:
Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Telework:
Not available.

Virtual:
This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #:
Social Worker (BHIP Therapist)

Permanent Change of Station (PCS):
Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required

References to EDRP and related program details are provided above. The description consolidates duties, responsibilities, and benefits as outlined in the original posting.