The incumbent, a professional Social Worker, functions as a Case Manager for the Suicide Prevention Program. The Suicide Prevention Program serves to facilitate implementation of suicide prevention strategies for Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs).
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/28/2025. 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. Licensure. Persons hired or reassigned to 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. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Determinations: Social Worker, GS-11Experience 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: 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 G-39The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: The work requires sitting, bending, stooping and walking consistent with the delivery of services in the office, hospital and community. The position may entail lifting of no more than 25 pounds on an occasional basis. Whenever possible, carts and dollies will be utilized as an alternative to lifting. In carrying out responsibilities, operation of a motor vehicle with a valid driver's license is required. The social worker must meet the requirements to use a government vehicle in accordance with VHA directive 2008-020. It will be necessary for the social worker to travel throughout the Wilkes-Barre VAMC catchment area where they conduct interviews with Veterans, family members, representatives of community health, welfare and law enforcement agencies
FUNCTIONS OR SCOPES OF PRACTICE: Ability to utilize a variety of psychiatric treatment modalities such as individual and group therapy, sufficient to develop and demonstrate advance skills in applying therapeutic techniques. Advanced clinical skills in Suicide Risk Assessment and Interventions. Significant knowledge of research in the area of suicidality pertaining to demographics, risk factors and protective factors. Detailed knowledge of Substance Abuse problems, Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Poly-trauma and Chronic Pain Syndromes since they often exist/co-exist in patients at risk for suicide. Comfortable with and skilled in public speaking and teaching due to the importance of educating VA employees and the community at large in suicide prevention. Skill in relating constructively with members of an interdisciplinary team and experience working as a therapist with Veterans and family members. Skill in working with local agencies and community resources as well as Vet Centers to coordinate long-term objectives as necessary. Familiarity with clinical and administrative principles related to VA Systems. Ability to maintain records and reports for research and evaluation. Familiarity with ADP, computer security management, and fax equipment (basic data entry and retrieval will be required). Must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. Case management responsibilities include: Clinical contact for high-risk Veterans discharged from inpatient status following national guidelines. Clinical contact for Veterans deemed at high-risk for suicide following national guidelines, Coordination with mental health and primary care providers including active communication with all providers involved in the provision of comprehensive care to high-risk Veterans. Working knowledge of evidenced-based treatment to high-risk Veterans (i.e., group, individual CBT) Review/provision of comprehensive discharge planning and social service referrals to high-risk Veterans and families. Responding to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline and internal facility calls regarding suicidal Veterans. Participating in administrative committees associated with tracking and monitoring of high-risk Veterans and serving as back-up to Suicide Prevention Coordinator and other Suicide Prevention Case Managers as needed. The incumbent, a professional Social Worker, functions as a Case Manager for: Tracking all suicide attempts, completions and patients with serious suicide ideation at each facility. Tracking any no-show appointments by high-risk Veterans with follow-up. Providing case management services while utilizing professional skill, objectivity, insight, advanced clinical training, and experience to interpret data and identify viable treatment options and recognizing potential high-risk factors, acuity, and needs for services. Obtaining any relevant HIPAA clearances to allow transmittal of facility data on suicide attempts and individuals at risk and transmitting the data following cyber security requirements as applicable for this sensitive data. Ensuring that identified high-risk Veterans have a 24-hour resource number to call and ways to get assistance if an immediate crisis should occur. Developing and implementing an ongoing education plan for providers, Veterans, families and members of the community on risk factors and warning signs for suicide and treatment options. Performing other related duties as assigned Maintains a valid drivers license to conduct community outreach and education events. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 08:00am -4:30pm Telework: Not Available EDRP: Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Physical Requirements: Standing (up to 2 hours), walking (up to 6 hours), stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and turning; repositioning patients, assisting with transfers; pushing or lifting in excess of 45 pounds; visual (corrected to 20/30 or better with color discrimination); auditory acuity; arms above shoulder level; neck in a fully flexed or extended position; work on computers for extended periods of time. Work is primarily conducted in a well-ventilated, adequately heated and cooled building. May be exposed to inclement weather when traveling around medical center. May be exposed to normal office irritants - dust, pollen, noise, vibrations, or odors. May be exposed to therapy animals with and without advanced notice. May be exposed to patients and family in emotional upheaval or extreme pain. Must have emotional stability to properly care for usual patient population.