Social Worker Associate
What you'd do
The Social Work Associate (SWA) duties are performed in support of and under the direct supervision of a social worker. Work is performed across the Fargo VA Health Care System in the various Service Lines/Services that social workers are assigned to.
Major duties
***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** Duties: Provides non-clinical support to Veterans and their significant others, serving as a primary point of contact for those seeking information, assistance with benefits, or access to community and VA services. Responds to referrals from social workers and other interdisciplinary staff, returning calls, meeting with Veterans, and addressing identified non-clinical needs such as transportation coordination, assistance with Medicaid and other benefit applications, and support in accessing housing, food, clothing, lodging, or other community resources. The SWA conducts interviews in person, by telephone, or in community settings to gather background information and clarify service needs. Helps Veterans understand available agency and community resources, explains how to access them, and makes appropriate referrals to additional sources of assistance. While performing these duties, will evaluate the nature and urgency of each situation and promptly notifies appropriate clinical staff when potentially serious behavioral, emotional, or safety concerns are identified, including threats of harm, acute distress, suspected intoxication, or disruptive behaviors. Independently monitors for delays or barriers in service delivery, identifies obstacles, and takes appropriate action to resolve issues and facilitate timely access to needed services or benefits. Organizes and maintains administrative, resource, and training materials, ensuring that manuals, program handbooks, directories, and related documents are current and well organized. Researches out, compiles, and provides information as requested on topics such as transportation, housing, and identification documents. The position includes responsibility for accurately tracking and entering guardianship documentation and Advance Directive paperwork into the electronic medical record, ensuring compliance with facility procedures and regulatory requirements. As service needs allow, the SWA may be assigned to support any area within Social Work Service to ensure continuity. Performs other related duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30 am - 4:00pm OR 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Authorized Telework: This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Ad-Hoc telework may be available at Supervisors discretion.
What you need to qualify
GS-8: To qualify for this position, applicant(s) must possess all of the following qualifications: ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position. -AND- BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: A bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited college or university in a major field of study such as: social welfare, sociology, psychology, public administration, philosophy, education, anthropology, history, economics and/or English. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcript with your application. Education cannot be credited without documentation. -AND- VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE: Current and valid State Driver's License NOTE: We cannot accept photographs. Therefore, please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your current, valid driver's license. -AND- SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years of experience as a social welfare worker or social work assistant in a voluntary, public, social, or health agency. At least one (1) year of this experience must have been in a medical setting. At least one (1) year of the qualifying experience must have been equivalent to the GS-7 level (or higher) in the Federal service. Qualifying experience includes: conducting interviews; helping customers complete applications; explaining programs and regulations; resolving complaints; referring clients to community programs and benefits to obtain assistance with housing, finances, transportation, or other psychosocial needs; assisting with determining eligibility for programs and benefits; performing medical record documentation and records management procedures; selecting, assembling, and distributing reports concerning assigned technical or administrative topics; and working with Microsoft Office programs, including Word and Excel. (EXPERIENCE MUST BE SUPPORTED BY YOUR RESUME.) NOTE: Your experience must be fully documented in your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
Before you apply
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