Works for the Central Virginia VA Health Care System, Health Care Center (FxHCC), in Fredericksburg, Virginia, as a direct report to the Mental Health Service, and is assigned to the Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) program. Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) is a component of the interdisciplinary Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT). Conducts functional assessments and mental health triage and provides brief, evidence-based interventions, and education to Veterans.
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.
The incumbent provides consultation services to PACT, serving as a mental health subject matter expert within primary care. The incumbent works collaboratively within PACT to promote prevention, early identification, and treatment of mild to moderate mental health and health behavior concerns as part of routine primary care. PCMHI visits are brief (generally, 30 minutes or less), limited in number (1-6 visits), and structured so that the patient views meeting with the behavioral health provider as a routine primary care service. The incumbent integrates their practice into the fast-paced primary care clinic, engaging in a variety of team-based activities including huddles, case review, consultation, and education. Direct service delivery occurs via brief, focused interventions for up to 8-10 patients daily, with a large percentage of those being seen via warm handoff within PACT to ensure same day access. Performs other directly related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am - 4:30pm Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Not Authorized Telework: Not authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position.