Senior Social Worker (MHICM)

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

The Mental Health Intensive Case Management team provides services to Veterans diagnosed with serious mental illnesses resulting in challenges functioning with frequent psychiatric hospitalizations. At least 75% of the service is provided to the Veterans in the community. The program is based on the evidenced-based Assertive Community Treatment model which has proved effective with the SMI population. This position supports Sierra Vista, AZ and serves the surrounding areas in Cochise County. Duties include, but are not limited to: The MHICM Senior Social Worker demonstrates possession of advanced practice skill and judgment. At least 2 years should be in an area of specialized social work practice including advanced experience working with the Seriously Mentally Ill population. The Mental Health Intensive Case Management team provides services to Veterans diagnosed with serious mental illnesses resulting in challenges functioning with frequent psychiatric hospitalizations. At least 75% of the service is provided to the Veteran in the community. The program is based on the evidenced-based Assertive Community Treatment model which has proved effective with the SMI population. The incumbent performs psychosocial assessments, diagnosis, and treatment planning (recovery plans), individual, family and group psychotherapy. Collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to provide advanced level case management services, coordination of care, referrals, advocacy, psycho-education, transition, and discharge planning for Veterans admitted to the MHICM program. The incumbent will share responsibility for managing the after-hours crisis phone. The incumbent will follow all guidance concerning completion of all documentation. The incumbent will manage all aspects of their assigned caseload and assist other team members, as needed. The incumbent will participate in scheduled interdisciplinary team meetings, monthly care-line social work meetings, CARF, JC meetings, and conference calls. The incumbent will be able to demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities' (KSA's): a.) Skill in a range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities used in specialty treatment programs or with special patient populations. This includes individual, group, and/or family counseling or psychotherapy and advanced level psychosocial and/or case management; b.) Ability to incorporate complex multiple causation in differential diagnosis and treatment within approved clinical privileges or scope of practice; c.) Knowledge in developing and implementing methods for measuring effectiveness of social work practice and services in the specialty area, utilizing outcome evaluations to improve treatment services and to design system changes; d.) Ability to provide specialized consultation to colleagues and students on the psychosocial treatment of patients in the service delivery area, as well as role modeling effective social work practice skills; e.) Ability to expand clinical knowledge in the social work profession, and to write policies, procedures, and/or practice guidelines pertaining to the service delivery area. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. work schedule (Arizona Time), but work schedule may be adjusted to meet the needs of the service. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov, for questions/assistance. Learn more 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: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.