Social Worker - Amarillo, United States - VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

Description

Summary

The Social Worker (ICMHR - Intensive Community Mental Health Recover ICMHR) (PC - Program Coordinator) oversees planning, establishing, and implementing policies and procedures, establishing program goals and objectives as well as monitoring, evaluating, and coordinating services. They may also provide direct clinical services and travels for home visits and community outreach sites (GSA vehicles will be used for this purpose) and provide supervision for licensure to subordinate staff.

This job is open to

• Federal employees - Competitive service
  
  Current or former competitive service federal employees.
• Federal employees - Excepted service
  
  Current excepted service federal employees.
• Internal to an agency
  
  Current federal employees of this agency.
• The public
  
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to (Current & Permanent) Federal Employees and U.S. Citizens. Note:
38 U.S.C. 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans preference to external applicants for appointments made from this announcement.

Videos

Duties

VA Careers - Licensed Clinical Social Worker:

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-

Social Work:

The Social Worker (ICMHR - Intensive Community Mental Health Recover ICMHR) (PC - Program Coordinator) oversees planning, establishing, and implementing policies and procedures, establishing program goals and objectives as well as monitoring, evaluating, and coordinating services. They may also provide direct clinical services and travels for home visits and community outreach sites (GSA vehicles will be used for this purpose) and provide supervision for subordinate staff to qualify for licensure.

The Program Coordinator:

• Ensures the Social Workers and Nurses whom they supervise are aware of, adhere to all current directives of VHA, The Joint Commission (TJC), Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), State licensure standards, and VA-Office of Inspector General (OIG) expectations.
• Conducts ongoing performance reviews and appraisals to ensure the accomplishment of objectives and adherence to standards set by the governing body.
• Provides administrative, technical, and clinical supervision necessary for accomplishing the work of their program. This includes planning, organizing, implementing, directing, and evaluating a comprehensive range of Behavioral Health Services at the Amarillo Texas Veterans Health Care System.
• Selects appropriate treatment interventions based on the Veteran's needs and ability to respond to such treatment.
• Identifies and addresses major issues in the program and ensures compliance of local, VISN, and national program requirements including policy, procedure, mandates and legislation at the local, VISN, and national levels.
• Applies and monitors systems and practice analysis techniques to monitor, evaluate and improve organizational efficiency and accessibility and is actively involved with ensuring compliance with TJC/CARF standards (e.g., design tracer tool to evaluate medical records for quality, safety and value).
• Evaluates, oversees and delegates responsibilities according to strategic priorities for the Behavioral Health Leadership Team (BHLT), utilizing knowledge of internal and external interrelationships and interdependencies among various Behavioral Health Programs as well as those in an external environment to the BHSL.
• Writes policies and procedures for the program, utilizing knowledge and skill in management and administration including supervision, consultation, negotiation, and monitoring.
• Independently plans work to be accomplished by subordinates, sets and adjust short-term priorities, and prepare schedules for completing work.
• Organizes, sets priorities, meets multiple deadlines, and evaluates their program. Completed work is reviewed for effectiveness in meeting VACO and overall administrative management objectives of data reliability for accurate quality.

Duties are continued in the Education Section of this announcement.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized

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 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 #:

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

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.
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in written or spoken English.
• 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 be substituted for the master's degree in social work. Verification of the degree can be made by going to to verify that the social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a masters of social work.
• Licensure: Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-0185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. Current state requirements may be found by going to *Must be able to provide clinical supervision
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services.

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

Preferred Experience:

• At least one year conducting assessment of patients' needs in a healthcare setting.
• At least one year working with a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• At least one year in electronic medical record documentation of health and behavioral issues.
• At least one-year working with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD.
• EBP's (evidence-based psychotherapies)

Grade Determinations: GS-13:

Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. Experience must demonstrate possession of advanced practice skills and judgment, demonstrating progressively more professional competency. Candidates may have certification or other post-master's degree training from a nationally recognized professional organization or university that includes a defined curriculum/course of study and internship, or equivalent supervised professional experience.

NOTE: to be equivalent to the GS-12 level, experience must be earned while having an advanced practice license in a U.S. State or Territory.

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

(a) Skill in coordinating and implementing one or more specialty program(s), across the facility.

(b) Skill in local policy and practice development, procedures, and/or practice guidelines for the program as prescribed by the program handbook or national directive.

(c) Skill in organizing work, setting priorities, meeting multiple deadlines, and evaluating assigned program area(s).

(d) Ability to collaborate with internal and external partners to further program goals and enhance patient centered care.

(e) Ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties including assignment of work to be performed; performance evaluations; and selection of staff, training, and recommendation of awards, advancements, and when appropriate, disciplinary action.

(f) Ability to oversee the fiscal matters of the functions supervised (including fund controls, contracts, and equipment expenditures), forecast resource and equipment needs, and administer the allocated budget.

(g) Knowledge of organizational structure and impact on program operations.

Advanced Practice Licensure. Social Worker (Program Coordinators) must be licensed or certified by a state at the advanced practice level which included an advanced generalist or clinical examination, unless they are grandfathered by the state in which they are licensed to practice at the advanced practice level (except for licenses issued in California, which administers its own clinical examination for advanced practice) and they must be able to provide supervision for licensure.

References: VA Handbook 5005/120 Part II Appendix G39, September 10, 2019

The full performance level of this vacancy is 13.

Physical Requirements: There are no established physical requirements for this position.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit:

Note: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. If your school was accredited by CSWE at the time of graduation, but is no longer listed on the CSWE website Accreditation Directory | CSWE, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

Duties continued:

• Assigns work to subordinates based on priorities, selective consideration of the difficulty and requirements of assignments, and the capabilities of employees.
• Evaluates work performance of subordinates.
• Give advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters. Interviews candidates for positions in the unit; recommends appointment, promotion, or reassignment to such positions.
• Hears and resolves complaints from employees, referring group grievances and more serious unresolved complaints to higher level supervisor or manager.
• Effects minor disciplinary measures, such as warnings and reprimands, recommending other action in more serious cases.
• Identifies development and training needs of employees, providing or arranging for needed development and training.
• Finds ways to improve production or increase the quality of work directed.
• Develops performance standards and monitors competency reviews.
• Stays up to date on new issues, trends, and treatment techniques pertinent to the area of social work practice to ensure continued modernization of practice.
• Maintains familiarity with social work community practice standards and current trends in social work assessment and treatment.
• Utilizes a variety of techniques for data collection/analyses, workload capture, practice review, evaluation, and fact-finding.
• May be responsible to: Advise Service Chiefs, MH Directors, Executive Leadership, or VISN Liaisons; Serve as liaisons to the facility committees and councils; Provide monthly, Quarterly or annual reports on implementation progress, as requested.
• Participates in conference calls to coordinate medical center or network and implementation of VHA policies and procedures related to the program assigned.
• Monitors competency of staff assigned and competency folders/requirements.
• Reviews professional licensure of staff assigned; Monitors time and leave and leave approvals of staff to assure coverage; and continuity within section or program.
• Monitors staff level of productivity and quality consistent with facility and Social Work standards and the complexity of the assignment.
• Holds section meetings monthly or as required.
• Completes minutes and program dashboards as needed or requested; and performs other related coordination or program duties as assigned. Duties are subject to change depending upon the need of the service.
• Personal contacts are with physicians, social workers, nurses, technologists, technicians, and other medical care personnel and administrative personnel from other departments as well as patients and their families, and service and technical representatives. Supervisory and administrative contacts include meetings with the Chiefs of Service, Chief of Staff, and Director's office. Occasional contact with VISN representatives and Regulatory Agencies such as TJC, CARF and OIG may be required in order to provide requested information and/or data.Information is shared verbally or in writing with these contacts regarding budget process, clinical issues, patient concerns and/or data on the clinic and such outcomes.
• Exercises fiscal responsibility and oversight in the preparation and execution of the programming budget, managing expenditures, and recommending reallocation of funds based on program needs.
• Applies various guidelines to govern fiscal management, purchasing equipment and application of workflow require the position to use judgment and discretion for the program.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive , VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  Review our benefits
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  Review our benefits
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
  • Resume
  The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklistto ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • Other (2)
  • Other (3)
  • PCS Orders
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript
  Note: 38 U.S.C. 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans preference to external applicants for appointments made from this announcement.
  
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
  
  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
  schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  
  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
• How to Apply
  
  All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/03/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click
  
  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
  NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
  
  To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, , select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
  
  Email
  
  Address
  
  Thomas E Creek VA Medical Center
  
  6010 Amarillo Boulevard, West
  
  Amarillo, TX 79106
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
  
  You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
  
  NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklistto ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• Other (2)
• Other (3)
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Note: 38 U.S.C. 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans preference to external applicants for appointments made from this announcement.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/03/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, , select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

VISN 17 SSU USAS Group

Email

Address

Thomas E Creek VA Medical Center

6010 Amarillo Boulevard, West

Amarillo, TX 79106

US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Criminal history inquiries
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request