Social Worker (Program Coordinator)

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. Proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Hold 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. Note: A doctoral degree in Social Work may NOT be substituted for the master’s degree in social work. Licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master’s degree level. 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). Grade Determinations: GS-12 Social Worker (Program Coordinator) Licensure: Must be licensed or certified at the advanced practice level, and able to provide supervision for licensure. GS-12 ASWB Examination: Must have completed and passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) advanced generalist or clinical examination. GS-12 Social Worker (Program Coordinator) Experience: Must possess 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. Examples of specialized experience at the GS-11 include, but are not limited to: assessing and documenting identified behaviors or symptoms of abuse, neglect, exploitation and/or intimate partner violence; use of clinical social work skills; maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality per policies, handbooks or directives; acting as an advocate with appropriate community service providers and agencies when it serves the best interest of the patient and family members/caregiver; independently assessing the psychosocial functioning and needs of patients and their family members, identifying the patient’s strengths, weaknesses, coping skills, and psychosocial acuity. GS-12 Social Worker (Program Coordinator) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to meeting the licensure and experience for the GS-12 level, you must possess the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of program coordination and administration which includes consultation, negotiation, and monitoring. Knowledge and ability to write policies, procedures, and/or practice guidelines for the program. Ability to supervise multidisciplinary staff assigned to the program. Skill in organizing work, setting priorities, meeting multiple deadlines, and evaluating assigned program area(s). Ability to provide training, orientation, and guidance within clinical practice. Preferred Experience: Home Health, Medical Social Work, and Program Coordination experience is preferred. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: Traveling throughout the medical center and the community is required, as is performing activities involving sitting, walking, standing, bending, and carrying such items as books, papers, and files. In carrying out responsibilities, it may be necessary for the incumbent to travel into the community where he/she conducts interviews with the Veterans, their families, representatives of community health and welfare agencies and law enforcement agencies. The incumbent must possess a current Driver’s License and drive a government vehicle in carrying out professional duties when deemed necessary.
Incumbent is administratively responsible for the Veteran Directed Care program. Incumbent provides direct patient care services in the program area. Incumbent manages the daily operation of the program, develops policies and procedures for program operation, and prepares reports and statistics for facility, VISN, and national use. The social worker manages and controls the use of data related to this program regarding day-to-day functioning and program evaluation.