| The VA Palo Alto Health Care system is currently recruiting for multiple GS-12 Senior Social Workers for the Domiciliary Operations Service. A relocation/recruitment incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified applicant. This position may be eligible for student loan repayment through the VA Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). CLICK HERE for more information. Senior Social Worker as the ability to provide independent and expert clinical psychosocial and case management services in the specialized area of practice, HUD-VASH, under the Domiciliary Service to Veterans who tend to have serious and severe crises, may lack any familial and community support, may be poor self-monitors, may frequently fail to comply with instructions and treatment, or may have major deficits in coping skills and require continuing professional psychological support. The Senior Social Worker has specialized knowledge of practice related to homeless, at-risk and justice-involved Veterans. The Senior Social Worker has an increased depth and breadth of practice skills; has expertise in participating in the professional development of colleagues through mentorship, teaching or providing orientation to less experienced social workers; provides clinical supervision for social work licensure or certification; demonstrates leadership in developing and expanding professional intervention strategies; demonstrates leadership in defining and attending to professional practice issues; and has the ability to expand the conceptual knowledge of the profession. Major duties include: Serves as a Health Care System point of contact for the National HUD/VASH Program, Office of Mental Health Services, VACO. The incumbent assists with data collection, administrative record keeping, and monitoring patient or program clinical indicators, thresholds, and performance measurements. Additionally, the incumbent develops working relationships and agreements with other organizations and directly coordinates with the designated PHA regarding the housing voucher application and award process for each veteran. Conducts and participates in outreach activities including field interviews, assessments and referrals for homeless veterans contacted in the community, shelters, and "on the streets," as well as those who are referred by VA residential programs, medical centers or outpatient clinics. The incumbent maintains current and establishes new relationships with other community-based service providers for the homeless, and when appropriate, represents VA at community service provider meetings. Evaluates the veteran's situation, abilities, and capabilities, and arrives at a reasoned conclusion including an assessment of vulnerability and prioritization for admission. Assesses at-risk factors and develops a preliminary plan, involving the veteran and family or significant others, and performs an insightful assessment of serious and complicated cases involving psychiatric illness which may also include, catastrophic medical condition, dementia, traumatic brain injuries, and other high risk diagnoses. Provides referral to VA medical and mental health inpatient and outpatient treatment and to other VA services including VA benefits, as well as community-based social services and other non-VA entitlement programs. Work Schedule: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Telework, if approved, would be regularly scheduled throughout the week, but this is not a remote or virtual position. This announcement will remain open until 9/30/2021 or an applicant is selected. Applicants who apply before midnight EST of 2/25/2021 will be referred to the hiring manager first. Applicants who apply after that date will be referred to the hiring manager every three weeks. |
