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The Incumbent provides Outpatient Mental Health services to the Veteran population enrolled at the Syracuse VA Medical Center. Services include provision of high-quality individual therapy, case management, crisis intervention and advocacy. coordination of care to other appropriate VA or community service providers/agencies and group therapy as needed by the client. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: Social workers must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part. Education Requirement: Master of Social Work: Must possess a master's degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Note: Graduates of schools of social work that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the school of social work is fully accredited. A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master's degree in social work. COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED. Licensure Requirement: Appointment at the GS-11 Full Performance Level: Persons hired or reassigned to full performance social worker positions in the GS-0185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. GS-11 Experience and Licensure. Appointment to the GS-11 grade level requires completion of a minimum of one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the field of health care or other social work-related settings, (VA or non-VA experience) and licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level. OR Education. In addition to meeting basic requirements, a doctoral degree in social work from a school of social work may be substituted for the required one year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the applicant's resume must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services. Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational and other diversified backgrounds. Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities and treatment procedures (i.e. acute, chronic and traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications and their effects/side effects, and medical terminology) to formulate a treatment plan. Skill in independently implementing different treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical, and social problems to achieve treatment goals. Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers, social work graduate students, and other staff about the psychosocial needs of patients and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and compliance with treatment. References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II, Appendix G39 Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items. ["Services include the provision of high-quality individual psychotherapy, case management, crisis intervention, advocacy, coordination of care to other appropriate VA or community service providers/agencies, as needed based on the unique needs of the Veteran. This is accomplished in collaboration with members of the Outpatient Mental Health treatment team and other interdisciplinary treatment teams, as appropriate. Knowledge of the Social Determinants of Health that may affect a wide range of health and quality of life risks and outcomes; the implications on a Veterans wellness, treatment implications, stability, and recovery is important. The Social Worker demonstrates an understanding of the range of treatment and skills needed for all adult patients, being sensitive to human growth and development, age-appropriate needs and concerns of the Veteran, and be able to provide current and advanced techniques to the treatment of this Veteran population. Psychosocial assessment, treatment planning, electronic medical record use are required. The Social Worker works within a multidisciplinary treatment team and provides extensive liaison activities with other treatment teams as required to provide continuity of care for the Veterans in order to optimize the Veteran's functional status. Throughout the course of treatment, the Social Worker is the subject matter expert on VA and/or community resources. Services are given to Veterans diagnosed with mental health-related disorders, couples, and family-related challenges. Common related disorders may include co-occurring mental health diagnoses such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Mood Disorders, and Personality Disorders; couples and family concerns including domestic/intimate partner violence, and chronic pain. Awareness of the impact of substance abuse on the Veteran's mental health and family system is important. The Social Worker requires specialized knowledge of psychiatric emergency assessment, suicide and homicide risk assessments, crisis intervention, chronic and acute mental health conditions, community resources, and appropriate treatment interventions. The Social Worker will adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics, all local social work policies, and maintain an unrestricted, unsuspended license to practice social work. The Social Worker will facilitate treatment via telemental health when appropriate based on Veteran need/access. The Social Worker reports directly to the OMH Team Lead. May participate in a rotation of on-call social workers, including modification of tour of duty to accommodate patient care needs on weekends. May provide supervision to a Social Work intern or be generally involved in the MSW training program. May provide orientation and/or consultation to less experienced Social Workers. The incumbent is also responsible to the Social Work Executive for professional practice issues. The incumbent is expected to participate in professional activities with his/her respective discipline and, when needed, consults with the Social Work Executive regarding discipline specific concerns. Work Schedule: M-F, 8AM-4:30PM (ET) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 21P36-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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