Social Worker (Housing Specialist)

Company: Veterans Health Administration
Location: Saint Louis
Posted on: April 9, 2021

Job Description:

Basic Requirements: To qualify for appointment as a social worker in VHA, all applicants must meet the following:
Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.
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.
English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grade Determinations for GS-11 Social Worker:
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
Education. 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G39, Social Worker Qualification Standard, GS-0185, dated September 10, 2019. Driving Requirement: The selectee must have a current, valid, and unrestricted drivers license prior to the firm/final employment offer. Physical Requirements: No special physical demands such as above average ability, dexterity, or strength are required to perform the work. Work is mostly sedentary, and the employee may sit comfortably. There will be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light to moderately heavy items (e.g., meeting materials), etc. Field work may involve traveling to conferences, meetings, and other sources for information. For more information, refer to VA Handbook and Directive 5019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

Keywords: Veterans Health Administration, St. Louis , Social Worker (Housing Specialist), Healthcare , Saint Louis, Missouri