Senior Social Worker - Substance Use Disorder

The Social Worker practices in the VA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System (VAECHCS) assigned to the outpatient Substance Use Disorders Clinic under the Mental Health Service. The incumbent participates as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team. This is a multi-discipline announcement and can be filled by either a Psychologist, Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor and Social Worker.

Senior Social Worker duties include, but aren't limited to the following: The Senior Social Worker actively implements evidence-based treatments within the SUD Clinic. The Senior Social Worker, in addition to the functions listed below, provides clinical supervision towards licensure in social work or addictions counseling and/or actively represents the SUD Clinic in facility or VISN-level workgroups/committees. The Senior Social Worker provides clinical consultation to other members of the workgroup, as needed. The Senior Social Worker provides administrative and/or clinical coverage in the absence of the Program Manager, Detox/MAT Coordinator, or as other clinical needs indicate. The incumbent, being trained and experienced in the assessment and treatment of substance use and co-occurring disorders completes all components of the intake and assessment process and develops a treatment plan pertaining to all assessed needs. The incumbent, being trained and experienced in case management, serves as case manager for a panel of patients, the size of which is commensurate with other clinicians on the staff of the SUD Clinic. As case manager, the incumbent attends to a broad range of patient needs that are not fully met directly through the clinical services provided by the SUD Clinic itself, including but not limited to those needs dealing with physical health, employment, finances, family, social support, and housing. The incumbent, being trained and experienced in crisis management, provides same-day services, as needed, for Veterans, including referring patients for emergency medical treatment, psychiatric medication evaluation, SUD specialty care or non-medical detoxification as well as coordinating the admission of patients to the inpatient psychiatric unit of the nearest VA Medical Center or local non-VA facilities. The incumbent, being trained and experienced in the treatment of patients with substance use disorders, and cooccurring disorders, provides a range of treatment services, including but not limited to individuals and group treatment. Group treatment includes psycho educational as well as psychotherapeutic groups. The incumbent utilizes evidence-based treatment methods whenever possible. They employ Motivational Interviewing skills and techniques, as clinically indicated, and applies, as clinically indicated, interventions based on both abstinence and harm reduction approaches to substance use disorders. The incumbent assesses patient interest in and eligibility for Medication Assisted Therapies and provides referrals for evaluation for these treatments. The incumbent participates in triage services through the daily same-day access clinics and assists with drug and alcohol monitoring, as needed, in conjunction with psychosocial services. The incumbent is responsible for timely follow up with Veterans on their case load who prematurely drop out of treatment in compliance with any VA policies or SOPs. The incumbent actively participates in weekly staff meetings and team huddles regarding clinical, administrative, and staff development issues. The incumbent maintains up-to-date charting in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS), documenting all assessment, treatment and case management contacts with patients. Documentation meets all local, state, and national guidelines and is completed in a professional and timely manner. The incumbent actively participates in program planning and development, making recommendations for changes in policies and procedures as needed, as opportunities arise. The incumbent takes responsibility for meeting continuing education requirements and completing all mandatory trainings including those accessed on the Talent Management System (TMS). The incumbent participates in the planning and executing of specific staff-development projects, attends seminars and other training events, and participates in the training programs of other disciplines (psychology, psychiatry, nursing, addiction counseling) as requested. General knowledge of Veterans' benefits and services relating to special programs, service-connected compensation, and non-service-connected pension is required. The incumbent facilitates referrals based upon veterans needs and eligibility. The incumbent may provide services in Community Based Outpatient locations other than their assigned duty station and/or may provide services to these locations over Telehealth, including VA Video Connect and other technology. Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm Monday-Friday Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 54772-A

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 dentification 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.