Social Worker Program Coordinator - Care in the Community Job in Durham, NC

Vacancy No. CBTA-12733146-25-BRW Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $103,905.00 to $135,072.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/9/2025 Close Date 5/20/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Durham, NC


Summary

The Non-VA Care Social Work Coordinator is a critical member of the Transfer Center team, working closely with interdisciplinary Non-VA Care Staff. The incumbent assists with effectively identifying and linking Veterans seeking or receiving approved non-VA care in the community, with appropriate social work services or resources at the time and place needed by the Veteran.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This position is open to current permanent employees of Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

Duties

VA Careers - Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU

The Non-VA Care Social Work Coordinator applies social work interventions with a high degree of autonomy, exercising independent judgment, creative thinking and initiative in carrying out social work functions and in applying social work values and ethics. The incumbent provides advance level medical, behavioral, and crisis intervention services to Veterans pre-screened by the Transfer Team or referred by colleagues.

Functions:

  • The incumbent provides medical and behavioral social work services for Veterans who are identified and referred by the CITC transfer teams.
  • The incumbent screens referred patients for potential psychosocial considerations, needs or barriers, then provides options to OSH Case Manager, Veterans, caregivers, assisting them with accessing services if case management is necessarily.
  • The incumbent collaborates with Social Work, rehab services, contract programs, VA long term care coordinators, Primary Care, transfer coordinators, and Nursing Service to facilitate acute rehabilitation admission, transfer to a skilled nursing facility, initiation or resumption of skilled or nonskilled homemaker/home health services, respite, and/or referral to other VA and/or community programs.
  • The incumbent applies case management principles to their patient population to ensure appropriate utilization of resources and level of care.
  • The incumbent facilitates patient flow by identifying and resolving barriers which may hinder effective patient care directly from a non-VA or OSH setting.
  • The incumbent engages in process improvement activities that are focused on efficient care delivery and promote positive clinical and quality outcomes including avoiding and reducing unnecessary admissions, and getting Veterans directly linked to psychosocial and disposition services and care they need.
  • The incumbent must have Knowledge of:
    • Community skilled and long-term care treatment and rehabilitation
    • Physical and psychosocial implications for the individual and family
    • Appropriate clinical interventions, including crisis management
    • Processes for Prosthetic services and needs, Physical Medicine & Rehab Services, Pharmacy, Social Work Service Contract programs and VA transportation system
    • VHA directives affecting Veterans receiving Non-VA Care in the Community
    • VA benefits and other government entitlement programs for treatment, rehabilitation and service
    • Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance medical benefits and processes
    • Community resources and services for the disabled
    • Local peer counseling programs or groups
    • Federal laws or regulations regarding the disabled
Psychosocial Screening and Assessment:
  • The incumbent works with OSH Case Managers and service providers to complete psychosocial screens and/or assessments of the Veteran, in collaboration with the Durham VAHCS Transfer Center interdisciplinary team, the Veteran, family members and significant others.
  • The incumbent will assess for functional and cognitive status, syndromes, illnesses, and impairments of vulnerable and elderly Veterans.
Psychosocial Treatment and Intervention:
  • The incumbent works closely with Veterans receiving CITC to identify and support their preferences in care and personal treatment goals, and offers resources and support tailored to the uniquely expressed needs and desires of the Veteran
  • The incumbent serves as the key link for education and psychosocial support for Veterans, families, caregivers or/and outside hospital community partners
  • The incumbent participates in the creation of the Veteran's treatment and/or admission plan, with special attention to the psychosocial elements and interventions of the treatment and/or admission plan.
Specialized Case Management and Care Coordination:
  • The incumbent serves as a champion for Care Coordination and Integrated Case Management.
  • The incumbent provides intensive and comprehensive psychosocial case management and care coordination for Veterans referred by CITC team and Transfer Center.
  • The incumbent serves as the subject matter expert on VA and community resources related to the needs of the Veteran, family, and/or caregiver
Other Duties:
  • The incumbent participates in the training of Social Workers, Peer Support Specialists, volunteers, and students; participates as required and requested in orientation, training and staff development programs involving Social Workers across the Health Care System.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00a.m.-4:30p.m.
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Telework: May be available at the discretion of the Service Chief or equivalent
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:000000
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. 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).

Qualifications

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 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 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).
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).

Social Worker (Program Coordinator), GS-12:

(1) Experience and Education. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. Experience must demonstrate possession of advanced practice skills and judgment, demonstrating progressively more professional competency. Candidate 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.
(2) Licensure/Certification. Individuals assigned as social worker program coordinator must be licensed or certified at the advanced practice level, and must be able to provide supervision for licensure.
(3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • (a) Knowledge of program coordination and administration which includes consultation, negotiation, and monitoring.
  • (b) Knowledge and ability to write policies, procedures, and/or practice guidelines for the program.
  • (c) Ability to supervise multidisciplinary staff assigned to the program.
  • (d) Skill in organizing work, setting priorities, meeting multiple deadlines, and evaluating assigned program area(s).
  • (e) Ability to provide training, orientation, and guidance within clinical practice.
(4) Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Program coordinators at the GS12 grade level are administratively responsible for a clinical program providing treatment to Veterans in a major specialty area, such as but not limited to: Spinal Cord Injury, Homeless Continuum Veteran Program, Hospice and Palliative Care Program, Suicide Prevention Program, Veterans Justice Outreach, Caregiver Support Program and Community Nursing Home Program. The program coordinator may be the sole practitioner in this specialty at the facility and typically provide direct patient care services in the program area. The program coordinator oversees the daily operation of the program, develop policies and procedures for program operation, and prepare reports and statistics for facility, VISN, and national use. They may be responsible for the program's budget, developing and monitoring staff compliance with practice, standards and guidelines on documentation, workload, data entry, ethical practice and service delivery. The program coordinator provides analysis and evaluation of clinical program data and computerized programs to identify system-wide trends and needs to enhance the quality of service. They may be responsible for, or contribute to, the program's resource and fiscal management, monitoring control points developing the annual budget, operating within that budget, and accounting for appropriated funds. The program coordinator is administratively responsible for the clinical programming and prepares reports and statistics for facility, VISN, and national use. They provide 14 leadership, direction, orientation, coaching, in-service training, staff development, and continuing education programs for assigned staff. They initiate and conduct a variety of program or service audits and complete designated clinical practice audits and reports, including productivity assessments. They oversee program operations and evaluations, identifying areas for improvement, gathering relevant data, assessing the data, developing and implementing ideas for improvement and evaluating efficacy of improvement efforts

Preferred Experience:
  • Advanced practice clinical social work licensure with at least 2 years of experience, post licensure.
  • Experience with identifying and linking Veterans seeking or receiving approved non-VA care in the community, with appropriate social work services or resources at the time and place needed by the Veteran.
  • Must have knowledge of:
    • Community skilled and long-term care treatment and rehabilitation
    • Physical and psychosocial implications for the individual and family
    • Appropriate clinical interventions, including crisis management
    • Processes for Prosthetic services and needs, Physical Medicine & Rehab Services, Pharmacy, Social Work Service Contract programs and VA transportation system
    • VHA directives affecting Veterans receiving Non-VA Care in the Community
    • VA benefits and other government entitlement programs for treatment, rehabilitation and services

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005, PART II, APPENDIX G39

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12

Physical Requirements: Must be in overall good health, able to sit at a desk working at a computer, engage in light to moderate physical activity including sitting, walking, bending, and carrying supplies. The Social Worker must be able to perform primarily light and sedentary duties with occasionally moderate physical demands, exercise patience, and control emotions, with reasonable accommodation if necessary, without endangering the health and safety of the Social Worker or others.

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: 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/.

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.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

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.

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.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

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
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action


The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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)
  • PCS Orders
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


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 05/20/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12733146.

  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.

Agency contact information

Brian Watt
Address
Durham VA Medical Center
508 Fulton Street
Durham, NC 27705
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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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