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.
- Language: Must be proficient in written and spoken English as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
- Education: Must have a a master's degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED)
- Licensure: Must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level.
Current VHA Social Workers may qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation..
GS-12 Grade Determinations:
Licensure/Certification: Must be licensed or certified at the advanced practice level, and must be able to provide supervision for licensure.
AND
Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. This experience must demonstrate possession of advanced practice skills and judgment, demonstrating progressively more professional competency. Experience includes: Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services. Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational and other diversified backgrounds. Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities and treatment procedures (i.e. acute, chronic and traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications and their effects/side effects, and medical terminology) to formulate a treatment plan. Skill in independently implementing different treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical, and social problems to achieve treatment goals. Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers, social work graduate students, and other staff about the psychosocial needs of patients and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and compliance with treatment.
AND
In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to independently organize work, set priorities, and meet multiple deadlines.
- Knowledge of supervisory duties which includes clinical supervision, consultation, negotiation with other departments and quality improvement.
- Ability to ensure provision of clinical social work services.
- Ability to provide staff training and development.
- Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers.
Preferred Experience: At least two years Mental Health and Supervisory Experience
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary. Physical demands do not exceed those of a typical office setting. There may be some walking, standing, twisting, turning, sitting, pushing, bending, and repetitive keyboarding, or carrying of light items.