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The Social Worker may be assigned to the Pain Management clinic with a wide range of acute activities, at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center (CNVAMC). Clinical services include but are not limited to: providing inpatient and outpatient services and treatment for patients in Pain Management Clinics. The Pain Management Social Worker will perform extensive outpatient case management. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. Education: Have a master's degree in social work (MSW) from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). 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. Verification of the degree can be made by going to the CSWE website (www.cswe.org) to verify if that social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a master of social work. Licensure: Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree levels. 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. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Preferred Experience: Demonstrates an ability to effectively works with various disciplines and treatment teams. Certified Lean Six Sigma and demonstrates an ability to conduct performance improvement efforts based on systems engineering principles. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Social Worker, 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, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs below. (1). Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services. (2). 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. (3). 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. (4). 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. (5). 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 https://vaww.va.gov/ohrm/Directives-Handbooks/Documents/5005.pdf The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the GS-11. Physical Requirements: Extended periods of standing, bending and carrying light items such as books, medical records and paper is required. Walking long distance throughout the medical center, or units and between divisions is required. Conducting patient encounters in a community setting or in the patient's home environment may be required. Position often places the incumbent in a position of stress. Due to the nature of the work, the incumbent may come in contact with Veteran patients who are confused, intoxicated or have a contagious condition. Ability to drive a car and have a valid state license is required. Exposure to dangerous situations in the community from traffic accidents to crime is also possible. ["Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Incumbent will provide comprehensive psychosocial assessments/treatment planning to Veterans in the Pain Management Clinic. Incumbent must have knowledge of outpatient social work services and coordination of care to include hospice/palliative care, CHF, dialysis referral/home health and nursing home placement. Incumbent will facilitate outpatient community care services to include but not limited to nursing home placement and other forms of alternate placements. Incumbent will provide psychosocial care to Veterans receiving services in the Pain Management Clinic. Incumbent will serve as the SME for all specialty care social work services and collaborate with the Acute Care Team. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Functional Statement #: Social Worker/FS00421 Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required"]

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