Social Worker - Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI)

This position is within the Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) program. The incumbent functions as a Collaborative Care Manager (CoCM) and provides support for the delivery of evidence-based care within primary care. This includes providing case management support to patients with behavioral health concerns, monitoring patient progress, and coordinating care between the primary care provider, collocated collaborative provider (CCC), and psychiatric consultant (PwPP).

The Social Worker position is located in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Southeast Network (VISN 7), VA Augusta Health Care System (VAAHCS) in Augusta, GA located in the Mental Health Service. The Social Worker serves as a Collaborative Care Manager (CoCM), supporting delivery of evidence-based, measurement-driven mental health services within primary care settings. Working as part of an interdisciplinary team that includes the primary care provider, collocated collaborative provider (CCC), and psychiatric consultant (PwPP). The Collaborative Care Manager uses clinical expertise to coordinate care, monitor progress, provide psychoeducation, and deliver brief interventions to Veterans with mild-to-moderate behavioral health conditions. Social Worker duties include but not limited to: Serves as a key point of contact for patients enrolled in the collaborative care model, conducting structured assessments, facilitating measurement-based care, and ensuring follow up and continuity. Coordinates care between primary care, mental health, and psychiatry team members, ensuring alignment with clinical recommendations and timely treatment adjustments. Reviews and interprets clinical assessments, provider documentation, and psychiatric recommendations to support integrated treatment planning. Provides patient education related to mental health conditions, medication adherence, coping strategies, and self-management techniques. Communicates directly with PCPs and psychiatric consultants to relay clinical updates and recommend treatment changes based on measurement-based outcomes. Documents all contacts and clinical decisions thoroughly and in compliance with local and national documentation standards. Participates in interdisciplinary case reviews, team huddles, and ongoing consultation processes. Engages in quality improvement initiatives, program evaluation activities, and supports efforts to improve access, coordination, and veteran outcomes within PCMHI. May provide consultation and mentorship to trainees or less experienced staff participating in PCMHI services. Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). 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. Functional Statement #: 60060F, 60061F 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. 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.