Social Worker

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

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. Major duties include but are not limited to: The Social Worker will develop an assessment of the Veteran in collaboration with the Veteran, family members, significant others, and the interdisciplinary treatment team. Is responsible for developing the treatment plan, and setting achievable treatment goals with the Veteran/family. Responsible for providing appropriate evidence-based treatment for a variety of mental health disorders. Throughout the course of treatment, the Social Worker is the subject matter expert on VA and/or community resources. Responsible for using the current social work resource file of VA and community social service programs and enhancing the content to the benefit of Veterans. When appropriate and feasible, the Social Worker will educate and encourage the Veteran/family to advocate on their own behalf, thus fostering a sense of independence and empowerment. Making rapid assessments and developing crisis management plans for admission to mental health inpatient programs. Provides education related to VA and community resources, entitlements, and Advance Directives/Living Will, and will refer Veterans/families to the appropriate interdisciplinary team member for identified health education needs. Will review the progress notes from the other providers to accurately determine the strengths and limitations of each Veteran being referred for mental health services. Will provide the Veteran with evidence-based psychotherapies designed to deal with mental health concerns stemming from the psychosocial impact of their military experiences, traumatic events, transition difficulties, coping with chronic/disabling illness(es), onset of a catastrophic illnesses, etc. Will enter all Veteran/family contacts in the electronic record using appropriate formats and templates. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc at supervisory discretion. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact vhavisn23edrp@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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.