Social Worker Job at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Tucson

Overview

Social Worker role at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This position is full-time and requires working Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide clinical social work services within accepted standards, including biopsychosocial assessments, social determinants of health screenings, Advance Directives, Goals of Care, case management, crisis intervention, risk/suicide assessments, documentation, safety planning, abuse/neglect/exploitation reporting, psychoeducation, discharge planning, and related services.
• Assess and report patient safety concerns promptly, implement discharge care planning through casework, referrals, and collaboration with patients, decision makers, and the multidisciplinary team.
• Facilitate patient self-determination and self-management through advocacy, informed decision making, counseling, health education, and arrangement of discharge to appropriate placements with follow-up care.
• Provide education on coping with health conditions, VA/community resources, entitlements, advance directives, life-sustaining treatment options, guardianship, insurance, and co-pays; refer Veterans/families to VA staff and community resources.
• Apply evidence-based care guidelines and use appropriate social work models; maintain competence in case management and health and human service delivery.
• Provide consultation, training, and education to VA staff on social work roles, resources, and related research.
• Serve the Medical Center and social work profession in various capacities (committees, workgroups, special assignments) to meet program goals and VA Mission.

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.

Compensation and Benefits

• EDRP: Eligible for Education Debt Reduction Program; eligibility and award amount determined by VHA policy.
• Pay: Competitive salary with potential step increases for higher qualifications.
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days per year (annual leave, sick leave, Federal holidays) with possible credit toward annual leave based on prior experience.
• Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks after 12 months of employment.
• Child Care Subsidy: Potential subsidy after 60 days of employment for eligible families.
• Retirement/Insurance: Federal pension and 401K with employer contributions; health/vision/dental/long-term care insurance options.
• Telework: Not Available. Virtual: Not a virtual position.

Requirements and Qualifications

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Proficient in written and spoken English; subject to background/security investigation.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination and complete online onboarding requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for all VA Health Care Personnel.
• Transcript/education documentation may be required; verify recognition by the U.S. Department of Education for qualifications.

Basic Requirements

• United States Citizenship or eligible non-citizen status as defined for VA hiring.
• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited CSWE program; doctoral degree not a substitute.
• State license or certification to independently practice social work at the master’s level (exception: GS-9 may have licensure prerequisites deferred and require completion within three years).

Grade Determinations

• GS-09: Entry requirements with KSA demonstration for working with Veterans and families, psychosocial assessment and treatment planning, treatment modalities, and collaboration skills.
• GS-11: One year of post-MSW experience or Doctoral degree; knowledge of community resources, psychosocial assessments, treatment modalities, and ability to provide consultation.

Note: This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages applicants with disabilities to apply.

Reference: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G39 - Social Worker Qualification Standard. The full performance level is GS-11; the selectee could be at GS-9 to GS-11 depending on experience and qualifications.