The incumbent works for the Central Virginia VA Health Care System in Charlottesville, Virginia, as a direct report to the Mental Health Service, and is assigned to the Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) program.
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 from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master's degree in social work. Experience/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. **NOTE: Richmond VA Medical Center Bylaws, state that Social Workers MUST have an LCSW license in order to work in Mental Health*** In addition to the above, the following experience must be demonstrated: 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 5005/120 PART II APPENDIX G39 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.
Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) is a component of the interdisciplinary Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT). The PCMHI Collaborative Care Management (PCMHI CoCM) Social Worker (SW) works collaboratively with Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) providers, providing evidence-based, condition specific, protocol driven services to treat mental health and behavioral health concerns in a primary care setting. PCMHI CoCM services include patient education, activation, behavioral interventions, monitoring of medication adherence and response, as well as other protocol-driven interventions. PCMHI CoCM Social Workers function as part of a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary team and are located within outpatient primary care clinics. PCMHI CoCM Social Work duties include, but are not limited to: - Patient outreach and engagement in treatment (face to face, telephone, VVC). - Complete comprehensive initial assessment of the Veteran utilizing structured interviews and validated patient reported outcome measures. - Develop individualized treatment plan using standardized algorithms to guide treatment recommendations and support evidence-based decision making. - Provide consistent patient follow-up, track engagement in PCMHI CoCM protocols, and monitor treatment response. - Provide education and brief interventions using evidence-based techniques such as behavioral activation, motivational interviewing, and other focused treatment strategies. - Monitor Veteran progress using validated patient reported outcome measures (measurement-based care). Performs other directly related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 7:45am - 4:30pm Recruitment Incentive: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position.