Duties
This position serves as the Assistant Chief of Social Work Service (SWS) for Mental Health and Homeless Programs at VANEOHS. In this role, the incumbent is primarily a clinical administrator for a large number of mental health and homeless programs including direct responsibility for over 200 interdisciplinary FTEE (including 15 subordinate supervisors, 4 program coordinators, and direct service staff) across 14 mental health and 9 homeless programs that are highly technical and complex. The incumbent also serves in direct clinical capacity through professional practice oversight, clinical supervision, and consultation on clinical matters. The incumbent manages services that are delivered at multiple VA sites throughout Northeast Ohio including the following: Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM), Community Residential Care (CRC); Community Assistance Program (CAP); BHIP; MST/IPVAP; inpatient psychiatry unit; PRRC; VARC; MH RRTP; TSES/CWT/TR; H-PACT; HUD-VASH; Grant and Per Diem; CRRC Cleveland; CRRC Akron; VJO. The incumbent provides leadership for services at multiple sites/divisions, Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), CRRCs, and other community-based locations across a broad geographic. Community-based locations include two Community Resource and Referral Centers (CRRC) where a multi-disciplinary team provides Veterans who are homeless or at risk with one-stop access to community-based, multiagency services to promote housing, health and mental health care, career development, and various benefits. The position is also responsible for the social work professional practice evaluation/oversight of clinical social workers assigned to the VISN 10 Clinical Resource Hub for both mental health and homeless services. The incumbent in this position also manages a limited clinical social work practice in one area of Mental Health or Homeless services at VANEOHS.
The duties of the Assistant Chief of SWS for Mental Health and Homeless Programs include, but are not limited to:
- Responsible for staffing, work assignments, budget, services provided, program criteria, day-to-day program operations, and all reporting requirements for the aforementioned.
- Provides analysis and evaluation of program data to identify trends and needs to enhance the quality of care.
- Develop and monitor staff compliance with practice, standards, and guidelines.
- Responsible for collaborating with the ACOS MH and other service Chiefs to develop the roles for social workers in all program areas, design a Social Work Plan of Care, and assure implementation of quality improvement measures and oversight of social work professional practice.
- Responsible for developing, planning, clarifying, administering and managing Social Work priorities and objectives, ensuring the supervision and evaluation of all social work staff, and is responsible for supervising and evaluating the performance of the program managers and supervisors in the section.
- Provides strategic planning, including establishment of long and short-range goals, and works with the Chief, Social Work Service in the development of policies and procedures to ensure goal attainment management of administrative and programmatic resources (including budget and line authority within the social work service), and outcomes monitoring, using data-driven quality assurance processes.
- Serves as the liaison to other services, other facilities, VISN offices and VHA Central Office, Veterans Benefits Administration Offices, other government agencies, and the community.
- Provides consultation to facility leadership, managers, and other staff on social work practice, program guidelines, and productivity within the respective MH and Homeless programs.
- Serves as a consultant, mentor, and advisor to subordinates, peers, and administration.
Work schedule: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday
Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available
Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required
Virtual: This is nota virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
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. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Driver's License
Qualifications
In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the requirement below within 30 calendar days of the closing date listed on the announcement.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS. The basic requirements for employment as a VHA social worker are prescribed by statute in 38 U.S.C. § 7402(b)(9), as amended by section 205 of Public Law 106-419, enacted November 1, 2000. To qualify for appointment as a social worker in VHA, all applicants must meet the following:
- 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 chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g this part).
- 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 http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation to verify that the social work degree meets the 3 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 http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/T38Hybrid/.
- English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
Social Worker (Program Manager), GS-14
- Experience and Education. One year of experience equivalent to the GS- 13 grade level. Experience must demonstrate possession of advanced practice skills and judgment, demonstrating progressively more professional competency. Individual 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.
- Licensure/Certification. Individuals assigned as social worker program manager must be licensed or certified at the advanced practice level, and must be able to provide supervision for licensure.
- Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
- (a) Skill in large scale program coordination and administration across multiple sites, which includes consultation, negotiation, and monitoring.
- (b) Ability to translate management goals and objectives into well-coordinated and controlled work operations.
- (c) Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems and to develop and implement solutions that result in sound operation of the program.
- (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 which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed; performance evaluations; 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) Skill in developing policies, procedures, and/or practice guidelines for the program and in participating in national program development.
- (h) Ability to collaborate with internal VHA partners, locally and on a national level, as well as external community partners to further program goals and enhance patient centered care.
References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G39. Social Worker Qualification Standard GS-0185
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-14.
Physical Requirements: The work of this position is primarily facility based and has no requirement for strenuous physical activity. The incumbent will sit, stand, walk, throughout the facility during the tour of duty. The incumbent may need to drive a government vehicle and requires a valid state driver's license. There may be requirement to travel within the catchment area, VISN, or nationally. Duties may require attendance at non-VA facilities and events in the community for the purpose of networking, supervision, and training of staff.
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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
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.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume (when listing previous employment please include month and year).
- Your most recent SF-50 that shows title, series and grade.
- If you have previously held a higher grade and are applying based on that grade, you must provide a copy of the SF-50 showing you held the higher grade in addition to your last or most recent SF-50 indicating proof of status. Note: Your SF-50 must reflect the grade and step information equivalent to or greater than the grade lower than the position you are applying to. This may not always be your most recent SF-50. You may need to submit more than one SF-50.
- Transcripts
- License showing you are certified at the advanced practice level, and must be able to provide supervision for licensure.
Please use this
checklist to 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.
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit
Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
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 06/16/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12746614.
- 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.
- 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.
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.