Social Worker - Primary Care Mental Health Integration; PCMHI

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 includes award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years), determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after a 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.

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 that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the School of Social Work is fully accredited; a doctoral degree in social work may not substitute for the master's degree
• Verification:
  Degree verification can be made at http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). to verify that the social work degree meets accreditation standards for a master of social work
• Licensure:
  Must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's level;
  Indiana requires LCSW exception; VHA may waive licensure for otherwise qualified individuals pending completion of state prerequisites (only at GS-9). For GS-11 and above, licensure is required
• Experience/KSAs:
  At GS-11, requires one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to GS-9, plus licensure/certification; may substitute with a doctoral degree in social work. Demonstrate KSAs including veteran-centric interventions, psychosocial assessment, treatment planning, and ability to work with individuals, families, and groups
• Additional KSAs:
  Knowledge of community resources, independent psychosocial assessments, knowledge of medical/mental health diagnoses and treatments, and ability to coordinate services
• Appointment and grade:
  The full performance level is GS-11; actual hiring range is GS-9 to GS-11

Other listed requirements include physical requirements, travel expectations, and the ability to perform duties typical of a primary care/interdisciplinary team environment.

• The incumbent functions as part of an interdisciplinary primary care team serving Veterans, primary care providers, and PACT members
• Functions as a Collaborative Care Manager (CoCM) or Co-located Collaborative Care (CCC) to deliver evidence-based care for primary care patients with emotional, psychiatric, and behavioral health concerns
• Conduct functional assessments, monitor patients, provide education, intervention, and support; advise primary care providers and collaboratively make care decisions
• Screening/Assessment with 20-30 minute appointments; triage/referral to specialty care as appropriate
• Routine assessments (PHQ-9, PCL, AUDIT-C, etc.) using available Behavioral Health Laboratory Software or equivalent
• Develop treatment goals in collaboration with the Veteran/family and PACT
• Coordinate referrals and maintain knowledge of community resources; triage to specialty mental health services as needed
• Develop and maintain social work programs; stay current with service delivery systems for individuals, families, and groups
• Provide crisis intervention, risk assessments when self-harm is suspected, and support safety planning
• Initiate intake procedures for inpatient psychiatry when necessary for safety
• Provide education on mental health and consult with physicians and clinical staff regarding patient needs
• Consult with other staff about psychosocial needs and impact on health care and treatment adherence
• Advocate for Veterans and families; assist in obtaining medical, financial, and social resources
• Willingness to address barriers to service using psychosocial theories; participate in multi-disciplinary conferences
• Work schedule:
  
  Monday-Friday, day shift; holidays/weekends not typically included; telework may be eligible within VA policy
• Eligibility to work within specified geographic area; some conditions related to remote work and relocation may apply

• Virtual:
  This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment
  
  Incentives:
  
  Not Authorized
• PCS:
  Not Authorized
• Appraisal/Notification: VA Careers information and total rewards references available