Social Worker-Substance Use Disorder-SUD-Provider Job in Aurora, CO

Vacancy No. CBSU-12679205-25-JMW Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $72,591.00 to $114,171.00 Grade 9 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/31/2025 Close Date 2/12/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Aurora, CO


Summary

The Eastern Colorado Health Care System VA Hospital is currently recruiting for one GS-9 target 11 Social Worker to work for the Substance Use Disorder, SUD, Program. This position is assigned to the outpatient Substance Use Disorders (SUD) Clinic under the Mental Health Service.


This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This is an EXTERNAL job announcement open to the public. Current, permanent Department of VA employees, current or former VA Health Professional Trainees, HPTs and other current, permanent federal employees MUST apply to INTERNAL job announcement number CBSU-12679204-25-JMW.

Duties

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf
Social Work: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Social-Worker-Career-Flyer.pdf

The full performance level of the Social Worker Substance Use Disorder, SUD, duties include, but are not limited to the following:

Completes all components of the intake and assessment process and develops a treatment plan pertaining to all assessed needs
Provides same-day services, as needed, for Veterans enrolled in the SUD Clinic, including referring patients for emergency medical treatment, psychiatric medication evaluation, or non-medical detoxification as well as coordinating the admission of patients to the inpatient psychiatric unit of the nearest VA Medical Center or local non-VA facilities
Provides a range of treatment services to Veterans with substance use and co-occurring disorders, including but not limited to individual, family, and group psychotherapy. Group treatment includes psycho educational as well as psychotherapeutic groups. The incumbent utilizes evidence-based treatment methods wherever possible. They employ Motivational Interviewing skills and techniques, as clinically indicated, and applies, as clinically indicated, interventions based on both abstinence and harm reduction approaches to substance use disorders
Assesses patient interest in and eligibility for medication assisted therapies and provides referrals for evaluation for these treatments
Participates in triage services through the daily same-day access clinics and assists with drug and alcohol monitoring, as needed, in conjunction with psychosocial services
Participates in staff meetings and team huddles regarding clinical, administrative, and staff development issues
Maintains up-to-date charting in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS), documenting all contacts with patients in accordance with local policies and procedures
Actively participates in program planning and development, making recommendations for changes in policies and procedures as needed, as opportunities arise
Is responsible for improving the skills of other professionals in the SUD Clinic, participating in the planning and executing of specific staff-development projects, attending seminars and other training events, and participating in the training programs of other disciplines (social work, psychology, psychiatry, nursing, addiction counseling) as requested
Has general knowledge of Veterans' benefits and services relating to special program, service-connected compensation, and non-service-connected pension is required. The incumbent facilitates referrals based upon veterans needs and eligibility
May provide training to staff through didactic presentations
Assures compliance w/ Joint Commission standards
Complies w/ national & local performance measures
Complies w/ all documentation procedures, including timeliness standards according to policies
Performs complex Care Management and has Consultation responsibilities
Participates in educational activities, completes unit based in-services, & mandatory educational activities in a self-directed manner by deadlines
Demonstrates positive, effective communication skills & professional behavior that promote cooperation & teamwork
Practices good customer service & demonstrates VA I-CARE values
Participates in unit-based quality of care performance improvement activities, unit based performance improvement measures & results
Perform other duties as assigned

Work Schedule: 7:30-4:00pm or similar schedule, can discuss during interview
Compressed/Flexible:Available
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
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)
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: Available-as determined by the agency policy.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: PD53863A
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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.
  • 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

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:
  • Citizenship Must be US citizen Non-citizens only appointed when it's not possible to recruit qualified US citizens
  • English Language Proficiency Must be proficient in spoken & written English
  • Education
  • Education. Have a master's degree in social work from social work school fully accredited by Council on Social Work Education, CSWE Graduates of social work schools in candidacy status don't meet requirement until social work school is fully accredited Doctoral degrees in social work may not be substituted for master's degree in social work Degree verification can be made by going to http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation to verify the social work degree meets accreditation standards for masters of social work
Licensure. Persons hired/reassigned to social worker positions in GS-0185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at master's degree level. Current state requirements may be found by going to http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/T38Hybrid/.

Exception. VHA may waive licensure or certification requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification examinations. Exception only applies for GS-9 grade levels; GS-11 grade levels & above must be licensed or certified. At the time of appointment, supervisor, chief social work or social work executive provides unlicensed/uncertified social worker w/ written requirements for licensure or certification, including time by which the license or certification must be obtained & consequences for not becoming licensed or certified by the deadline

For GS-9 appointments: VHA social workers who aren't licensed or certified at time of appointment must become licensed or certified at independent, master's level w/in 3 years of their appointment as social worker Most states require 2 years post-MSW experience as a prerequisite to taking licensure/certification exam & VHA gives social workers 1 additional year to pass licensure/certification exam In states such as California, Washington & others where prerequisites for licensure exceed 2 years, social workers must become licensed at independent, master's level w/in 1 year of meeting full state prerequisites for licensure Social workers who don't have a license to allow independent practice must be supervised by a licensed independent practitioner of same discipline who's a VA staff member & who has access to electronic health records

Failure to Obtain License or Certification. In all cases, social workers must actively pursue meeting state prerequisites for licensure or certification starting from appointment date Failure to become licensed or certified w/in prescribed deadlines results in removal from GS-0185 social worker series & may result in employment termination.

Loss of Licensure or Certification. Once licensed or certified, social workers must maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license or certification to remain qualified for employment. Loss of licensure or certification will result in removal from the GS-0185 social worker series and may result in termination of employment.

Grade Determinations: Candidates must possess following grade determination requirements in addition to basic requirements

GS-9 Experience, Education, and Licensure. None beyond basic requirements

AND

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills & Abilities, KSAs Candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs in addition to experience above:

1) Ability to work w/ Veterans/family members from various socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, educational & other diversified backgrounds using counseling skills
2) Ability to assess psychosocial functioning needs of Veterans/family members & create/implement treatment plans, identifying Veterans' issues, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills & needed assistance
3) Ability to implement treatment modalities working w/ individuals, families & groups to achieve treatment goals; requires judgment & skill using supportive, problem solving or crisis intervention techniques
4) Ability to establish/maintain effective working relationships & communicate w/ clients, staff & community agencies representatives
5) Fundamental knowledge of medical/mental health diagnoses, disabilities & treatment procedures; includes acute, chronic & traumatic illnesses/injuries; common medications & their effects/side effects & medical terminology

GS-11

Experience and Licensure. Appointment to GS-11 grade requires completion of minimum of 1 year post-MSW experience equivalent to GS-9 grade level in health care field or other social work-related settings, VA or nonVA experience & state licensure or certification at independent practice level

OR

Education. Doctoral degree in social work from social work school may be substituted for required 1 year professional social work experience in a clinical setting in addition to meeting basic requirements

Demonstrated KSAs Candidates must demonstrate all following KSAs in addition to experience above:

1) Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community & other governmental agencies for services & ability to coordinate services
2) Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments & treatment interventions to a diverse individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational backgrounds
3) Knowledge of medical & mental health diagnoses, disabilities & treatment procedures, i.e. acute, chronic & traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications & their effects/side effects & medical terminology to formulate treatment plans
4) Skill in independently applying various treatment modalities working w/ individuals, families & groups who're having variety of psychiatric, medical & social problems to reach treatment goals
5) Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers, social work graduate students & staff about psychosocial client needs & psychosocial problems impact on health care & adherence to treatment

Preferred Experience: Experience providing range of treatment services to patients w/ substance use & co-occurring disorders, including but not limited to: individual, family & group psychotherapy, experience using motivational interviewing skills & techniques & abstinence based interventions & harm reduction approaches to SUDs

Reference please visit ttps://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ for qualification standards information

Vacancy full performance level is a GS-11. Applicants may be selected for grades GS-9-GS-11s for this vacancy

Physical Requirements:

Lift/carry <15 lbs, use computer equipment, sit, walk, stand, bend, carry papers, books, laptop/other items, rapid mental/muscular coordination, climb/descend stairs & complete, pass & maintain Basic Life Support certification

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Transcripts can be unofficial transcripts, but must include your name, the school's entire name, the name of the course, date course taken, grade received for the course, amount of credits earned for the course, date degree conferred, and name of degree received.

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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, 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.

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.

Please be clear and specific in describing your experience, or any information in your resume or any attachments you provide. We will not make assumptions regarding any information provided regarding your experience on your resume or any information contained in your application materials. Your application, résumé, 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
  • Transcript


The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. 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.

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • If applicable, please upload a copy of your current & original LCSW license or certificate.
  • Resume
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

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 Eastern Standard Time on 02/12/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12679205.

  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, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, 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 19 HR Contact Center
Address
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
1700 N Wheeling St
Aurora, CO 80045
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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