The incumbent is a social worker and serves in a full-time capacity within the Mental Health Service (MHS) within the VA Detroit Healthcare System. The social worker is part of the Homeless Programs Section. The social work coordinator's duties are conducted in correctional facilities, including county jails, work release centers, and criminal justice courts across the medical center's catchment area (Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Sanilac, and St. Clair Counties).
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). 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 http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation to verify that the social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a masters of social work. Licensure/Certification. Individuals assigned as social worker program coordinator must be licensed or certified at the advanced practice level, and must be able to provide supervision for licensure. Grade Determinations: At the GS-12 grade, you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level. Experience must demonstrate possession of advanced practice skills and judgment, demonstrating progressively more professional competency. Candidate may have certification or other post-master's degree training from a nationally recognized professional organization or university that includes a defined curriculum/course of study and internship, or equivalent supervised professional experience. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs below: Knowledge of program coordination and administration which includes consultation, negotiation, and monitoring. Knowledge and ability to write policies, procedures, and/or practice guidelines for the program. Ability to supervise multidisciplinary staff assigned to the program. Skill in organizing work, setting priorities, meeting multiple deadlines, and evaluating assigned program area(s). Ability to provide training, orientation, and guidance within clinical practice. Preferred Experience: Prior Experience within the legal system; State Courts; county jails/MDOC; community and street outreach Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the GS-12. Physical Requirements: This position will involve driving a motor vehicle (with a valid driver's license), walking, climbing stairs, and carrying light objects while assisting Veterans in the Contract Residential agencies in the community. The ability to hear and communicate verbally with Veterans is essential. Work will take place indoors and outdoors. The work involves working closely with others.
Administrative Responsibilities Develops, implements, and maintains all established and new regulations for Veteran Justice Outreach Advocates on behalf of Veterans' service in MHS before local, state, regional, and federal justice-involved entities Monitors the clinical care of justice-involved Veterans within the VJO program Assesses and monitors the compliance of courts, prisons, and jails that participate in VJO to regulations and protocols as established by statute and/or MOU. Verifies Veteran status and eligibility for participation in the VJO Program Reviews, approves, and/or disapproves admissions, readmissions, and extensions of care. Collects and submits participant information to required databases including HOMES and HMIS. Meets with judges, officers of the court, correctional administrators, and staff on a regular basis to design and/or maintain appropriate policies and procedures required for each setting. Attends justice system staff training relevant to working with offenders and high-risk populations Represents the VA at community meetings, seeking or maintaining members on relevant boards, councils, and task forces. Collaborates with other Justice Outreach clinicians to support engagement in care for eligible Veterans recently discharged from correctional institutions. Facilitates Memoranda of Understanding between the VA Medical Center, Veteran Courts, and Correction Facilities. Creates and maintains working relationships with a network of referral resources. Coordinates the Veteran Justice Program's Legal Clinics with VA stakeholders and community providers. Clinical Responsibilities Serves as ongoing case management for justice-involved Veterans who are being monitored by the courts and correctional facilities. Serves as an active member of the court treatment team, providing or coordinating the provision of clinical treatment using evidence-based models. Collaborates with county probation officers, prosecutors, public defenders, private attorneys, retained counsel, and parole officers as warranted to develop a post-release plan and/or community-based alternatives to incarceration. Identifies viable treatment options for justice-involved Veterans May perform work in maximum, medium, or minimum security correction institutions usually under a "no hostage" policy. Observes established VA safety precautions while working in correctional, court, and/or community settings. Works with individuals with psychiatric and physical illness and disabilities, which may include acute infections, violent or aggressive behavior, and/or chronic psychiatric and medical problems. Provides crisis intervention Facilitates and reviews the development of treatment/care plans for justice-involved Veterans Assists Veterans in making and maintaining appointments at the VA Medical Center and other community agencies as warranted to ensure Veteran's justice goals are accomplished. Participates in treatment team meetings. Documents all clinical contact as warranted including notations in the electronic health record. Coordinates the Deflection Service to facilitate coordination between interdisciplinary teams, community law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders. Education & Research Responsibilities Conducts justice-related staff development programs for mental health and other program staff. Trains courts, police, and other community partners to educate them on the care of justice involved Veterans Provides clinical supervision to social work trainees Is involved in the training of medical students, medical and psychiatric residents, nursing students, fellows, and other graduate or post-graduate trainees, as appropriate. Stays abreast of current theory and treatment modalities by reading professional journals and other relevant publications, and attending conferences, clinical seminars, and digital conferences. Other duties as assigned Other Significant Responsibilities The social worker serves on Medical Center or Healthcare System, VISN, and/or National VA committees or task forces, as assigned by the Supervisor or the Associate Chief of Staff for Mental Health. The social worker represents social work on decision-making committees at the Medical Center or Healthcare System, as assigned by the Supervisor or the Associate Chief of Staff for Mental Health. The social worker represents the Medical Center or Healthcare System at professional/program community groups/events and committees. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Telework: Ad Hoc Only Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 938730 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized