The Social Worker works for the Amarillo VA Health Care System Mental Health Care Line in Lubbock, TX or Clovis NM. The Social Worker is a member of this multidisciplinary treatment team and will participate in all aspects of the mental health/substance use disorder programs and is responsible for the delivery of treatment to the Veteran. 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. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in written or spoken English. 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/. This vacancy is being recruited at the full performance level. There is no licensure exception at this grade level. Preferred Experience: At least one year conducting assessment of patients needs in a health care setting. Experience in working with a multidisciplinary treatment team (at least 1 year) At least one year experience in electronic medical record documentation of health and behavioral issues. At least one year experience in working with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD Experience in EBP's (evidenced based psychotherapies) Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met for each grade level. GS-11: Experience and Licensure: Appointment to the GS-11 grade level requires completion of a minimum of one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the field of health care or other social work-related settings, (VA or non- VA experience) and licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level, OR, in addition to meeting basic requirements, a doctoral degree in social work from a school of social work may be substituted for the required one year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting. In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services. (b) 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. (c) 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. (d) 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. (e) 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/120 Part II Appendix G39, September 10, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds) Heavy carrying, (45 pounds and over) Pushing (up to 1 hour) Reaching above shoulder Use of fingers Both hands required Walking/Standing (1-2 hours) Repeated bending (1-2 hours) Climbing, use of legs and arms both legs required Operation of a crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other Both eyes required Depth perception Ability to distinguish basic colors Ability to distinguish shades of colors Hearing (aid permitted) Emotional and Mental Stability ["The Mental Health Clinic utilizes a broad range of treatment modalities and the incumbent will perform a variety of counseling and service assignments which requires specialized knowledge in the nature and impact of mental health/substance use on the Veteran and family system. The position requires an individual with comprehensive professional competence and judgment. The clinical objectives and activities to be supported by the incumbent include:\na. Improved mental health outpatient treatment.\nb. Improved mental health assessments and case management.\nc. Improved referrals for patients with mental health needs.\nd. Improved individualization of outpatient treatment.\ne. Improved mental health patient follow-up and aftercare. Plans Effective Treatment\nDevelops appropriate treatment plan. Completes an initial, comprehensive assessment and provides resources and referrals based on this assessment. Independently develops an effective intervention utilizing treatment matching to insure best outcome for individual. This will include referrals for community resources which may include nursing home care, assisted living environments, intensive outpatient treatment and other appropriate interventions. Of utmost concern will be the safety of the Veteran and assurance of effective outcomes for stabilization. Implements Treatment\nProvides clinical services to clients. Provides counseling, guidance, support and other assistance as identified. Assists clients in individual and/or family counseling. Provides referrals to VA and community resources. as needed (i.e. transition to halfway houses, shelters, etc.). Addresses comprehensive needs of clients including those with serious psychiatric instability. Implements motivational and counseling skills to encourage clients to utilize effective interventions. Utilizes professional skills in addressing Veterans who are unstable or indifferent to treatment and demonstrates empathic engagement skills to assist Veterans in mental health and substance use recovery. Utilizes comprehensive case management skills to address all aspects of psychosocial strengths and challenges to assist with barriers to effective care. Evaluates/Follows Up; Adjusts Treatment as Necessary\nEstablishes a continuing relationship with the client, evaluating progress towards goals, performing follow-up after referral or if the client misses a counseling session, and adjusts treatment plan as needed. Monitors client's progress, maintains comprehensive case documentation, and assesses effectiveness of treatment and adjusts interventions accordingly. Provides psychoeducation to Veteran and family to assist with greater understanding of illness and treatment expectations. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Social Worker (Behavioral Health)/PD000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]