Social Worker- HUD-VASH

Overview

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). The EDRP provides a student loan payment reimbursement program. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit the 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.

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

Note: This description reflects current requirements and does not create contractual obligations.

• Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with applicable policy.
• English Language Proficiency. Proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by policy.
• Education. Have a master s degree in social work from a school fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates of schools in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until fully accredited. A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master s degree. Verification of the degree may be checked with the CSWE accreditation resources.
• Licensure. Must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master s degree level. See state licensure requirements in regional guidance.
  • Exception: The licensure/certification requirement may be waived for GS-9, pending completion of state prerequisites. For GS-11 and above, licensure/certification is required ervisors will provide requirements and deadlines for licensure/certification, including consequences for not obtaining by the deadline.
  • For GS-9 appointments, individuals not licensed at the time of appointment must become licensed at the independent master s level within three years. States may have prerequisites that vary; VHA provides extensions within state requirements as applicable.

May qualify based on the Grandfathering Provision described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees in this occupation who meet criteria).

Social Worker, GS-9

(1) Experience, Education, and Licensure:
None beyond the basic requirements.

(2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
In addition to the above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following:

• (a) Ability to utilize a Veteran-centric approach when providing interventions and counseling for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.
• (b) Ability to assess psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and their families, and to formulate and implement a treatment plan identifying problems, strengths, coping skills, and needed assistance.
• (c) Ability to implement treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups to achieve goals, using supportive, problem-solving, or crisis intervention techniques.
• (d) Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and community agency representatives.
• (e) Fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures, including acute, chronic, and traumatic conditions, common medications and effects, and medical terminology.

Social Worker, GS-11

(1) Experience and Licensure:
Appointment requires at least one year of post-MSW experience at the GS-9 level and licensure/certification at the independent practice level.

Note:

See policy for appointment licensure/certification at this level.

OR

(2)

Education:

Doctoral degree in social work may substitute for one year of experience in a clinical setting, in addition to basic requirements.

(3) KSAs:
In addition to the experience above, demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

• (a) Knowledge of community resources and ability to coordinate referrals.
• (b) Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and interventions for diverse populations.
• (c) Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures to formulate a treatment plan.
• (d) Skill in implementing various treatment modalities for individuals, families, and groups with a range of psychiatric, medical, and social problems.
• (e) Ability to provide consultation to new social workers, students, and staff on psychosocial needs and impact on health care and treatment compliance.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please review the relevant VA standards (no URL included).

The full performance level of this vacancy is 11. The actual applicant selection range is 9 to 11.

This position is primarily sedentary with some bending, walking, and stooping. Work may occur in patient homes and community…