Social Worker (Community Living Center)

This professional Social Worker is assigned to the Community Living Center (CLC) with responsibility to provide social work services to adult and geriatric Veterans (including hospice and those with dementia) receiving care in at the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System. This Social Worker will provide services to Veterans seeking these services and timely response to individuals in psychosocial crisis in the CLC, as well as supporting the behavioral health needs of those in crisis.

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Incumbent is a professional social worker assigned to support Social Work Service programming and must possess the knowledge of implementing treatment modalities; and how to do the following: 1) identify level of functioning, degree of impairment in occupational, social, academic, interpersonal and family area; 2) evaluate and assess lethality, 3) perform mental status exams (MSE), 4) identify psychiatric manifestations of various medical conditions, 5) assess and intervene with patients of suspected abuse and provide counseling or psychotherapy for individuals, families and groups. They need to possess the knowledge of the criteria and state laws for legal commitment and involuntary hospitalizations. In addition, incumbent has working knowledge and understanding in the use of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures in working with diverse populations and circumstances. This includes acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses/injuries, psychiatric, medical, and social problems, common medications and their effects/side effects and medical terminology. Major duties include, but are not limited to: Referrals typically originate from professional staff, from Veterans and/or their families seeking assistance, and from community professionals. Determines the presenting problem, psychosocial factors impacting the problem, and obstacles to treatment and/or follow through with recommended treatments. Provides social work case management coordination with members of the treatment team, to ensure a collaborative effort to meet the treatment goals for a Veteran. Acts as a liaison with community professionals regarding needed services for Veterans and/or their families. Establishes and maintains effective therapeutic relationships with Veterans and/or their families with proficiency. Works with Veterans and their families experiencing a wide range of complicated medical, psychiatric, emotional, behavioral, and psychosocial problems. Completes thorough psychosocial assessments to determine the mental health diagnosis, psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and/or their families. Utilizes assessment in developing and implementing a comprehensive treatment plan for attainment of the highest level of independence that is possible and practicable. Uses demonstrated knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures, which includes acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications and their side effects, and medical terminology. Conducts psychosocial assessments of high-risk patients to identify suicidality through use of the Suicide Risk Assessment (SRA) and other appropriate tools independently. Participates actively as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team through collaboration with Veterans and family, in the development and implementation of treatment goals and interventions. Facilitates action for community placements through collaboration with Veterans and their families as well as interdisciplinary treatment team members to ensure that appropriate community placements are completed in a timely manner. Implements psychotherapeutic treatment modalities, provide educational classes, and/or treatment and supportive groups for Veterans and families based on knowledge and ability. Provides consultation and education to Veterans and their families regarding community resources, VA benefits and specialty programs, and advance directives, which includes the process for accessing and/or coordinating community-based services, information, and referral for additional services from other VA programs, other government programs, and community programs. Provides consultation to other treatment team and staff members regarding psychosocial needs of Veterans and/or their families and the impact of the identified psychosocial problems on the Veteran's health care planning and compliance with treatment. Maintains knowledge of Veteran's benefits and services, community resources, and process for making appropriate referrals to community and other governmental programs or agencies. Must possess and demonstrate ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with people from varied backgrounds. Perform other assigned duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): May be authorized for highly qualified candidates Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): May be authorized for highly qualified candidates Telework: ADHOC- May be available for highly qualified candidates Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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.