Senior Licensed Clinical Social Worker; Emergency Department

Senior Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Emergency Department)

Join to apply for the Senior Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Emergency Department) role at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. Applicants must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit their 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 a complete review of the application.

Applicants pending completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

• United States Citizenship:
  Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency:
  Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• Education:
  
  Must possess a master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE‑accredited school of social work. A doctoral degree in Social Work does not substitute for the master’s degree.
• Licensure/Certification:
  Must be licensed or certified by a state at the advanced practice level (advanced generalist or clinical examination). Grandfathered status may apply only to current VHA employees meeting VA Qualification Standard criteria.
• Experience:
  
  At least two years post‑licensure practice, with one year at the GS‑11 grade level, demonstrating advanced practice skills and judgment.
• Specialized Training:
  May include certification or post‑masters training from a nationally recognized professional organization or university in a specialty area.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
  Must demonstrate advanced skills in specialized interventions, differential diagnosis, outcome evaluation, consultation, policy development, and clinical leadership.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

• Provide comprehensive psychosocial assessment services and psychiatric diagnoses of mental disorders, including tele‑mental health, to complex or unusually difficult patients.
• Offer 24‑hour on‑site mental health clinical services in Emergency Departments with high utilization, risk patients, and specialized units.
• Respond to crisis calls, complete suicide risk assessments and safety plans, and provide evidence‑based psychotherapy (individual, family, group).
• Consult with psychiatry regarding admissions, ED consultations, and plans of care.
• Provide specialized consultation to VA staff and community providers on assessment findings and treatment plans.
• Function independently, assume professional responsibility for assessment findings, care decisions, and documentation.
• Interview veterans and families to develop a comprehensive psychosocial assessment.
• Interpret and explain VA treatment and benefit programs.
• Assess high‑risk factors, acuity, and service needs.
• Support the mission, policies, and procedures of VA, VHA, VISN, and the facility.
• Mentor and orient less experienced social workers and mental health clinicians; serve as a field instructor for graduate‑level social work students.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Base Pay: $ – $ per year.
• Competitive salary with regular salary increases; higher step rate may apply for unique qualifications.
• Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days per year (13‑26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays). Prior work or military service may earn additional leave credit.
• Parental Leave:
  Up to 12 weeks paid after 12 months of employment for birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
• Child Care Subsidy:
  For eligible full‑time employees with family income below $144,000, up to 25% of childcare costs up to $416.66 per month.
• Retirement:
  Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution.
• Insurance:
  Federal health/vision/dental, term life, long‑term care, and other federal benefits.

3:00 PM – 12:00 AM or 12:00 AM – 8:00 AM, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

• Sign‑On Bonus:
  May be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
• Relocation Assistance:
  May be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
• EDRP Authorized:
  Former EDRP participants are ineligible for the incentive.

For questions or assistance, contact VISN9

HREDRP – the EDRP Coordinator.

Functional Statement #: 51096‑F