Social Work Associate

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Behavioral Health Care Line in the Domiciliary Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (DRRTP) at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), VA Medical Center, in Bath, NY.

The primary purpose of the Social Services Associate is to facilitate Veteran entry into DRRTP program, or referral to community agencies, so professional staff can triage their unique behavior, medical, substance abuse, PTSD, or homelessness needs.

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR (SCREEN-OUT) - A Selective Placement Factor (SPF) has been identified for this position.

Selective Placement Factors (SPF) are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for the position. Applicants who do not meet the SPF are ineligible for further consideration.

The SPF for this position is: Requires a certification in basic CPR and AED ~AND~ To qualify for this position at the GS-7 level, you must meet one of the following: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level, that equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.

Specialized experience is: experience in a program of direct social welfare services that required the application of program policy and operations knowledge in providing social welfare services and/or assisting social workers.

~OR~ EDUCATION: Graduate Education: Major study -- social sciences. One full academic year of graduate study is qualifying for GS-7.

Graduate education is not creditable for positions above the GS-7 level. ~OR~ COMBINATION: Equivalent combinations of graduate level education and specialized experience, as described above.

Note: only education in excess of the first 30 semester hours of a course of study leading to a graduate level degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements.

Two full academic years of study, or 60 semester hours, beyond the second year is equivalent to 1 year of specialized experience.

(Transcripts must be submitted at time of application) 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/.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The work is primarily sedentary, although some slight physical effort may be required WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is performed in an adequately lighted and climate controlled office.

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*** Major duties and responsibilities will include: Manages and tracks the entire intake screening process and manages a database of information pertinent to the screening process.

Receives and tracks all screening consultations until they are completed Tracks and ensures intake screening appointments are scheduled through the centralized scheduling department and admissions are scheduled and prioritized based on patient needs.

Receives and assembles all screening packets and ensures all required information is obtained.

Provides follow up to patients regarding status of screening committee decisions, if approved utilizes internal systems to coordinate admission.

Manages day-to-day of patient's requests Serves as the intake point of contact and provides case management to individuals, families, and internal and external referring agencies Explores needs of care for patients Provides consultation and education to patients, their families and referring agencies Serves as the primary point of contact for all referrals and inquiries during the screening process.

Evaluates referral information and asks clarifying questions Documents all interactions and counselors in the internal systems and databases Provides telephone and written follow up to patients who no-show screening or admission appointments, or who are deferred due to pending requirements.

Triages the needs of patents and suggests and refers to alternative resources if appropriate Connecting patients with appropriate resources and guides to meet all patient needs.

Provides para-professional counseling to patients Maintains regular contact with patients awaiting placement and provides non-professional counseling and guidance.

Collects required intake data used to determine eligibility for services Research and provides direction in assessing resources which may be available to assist with transportation Perform other related duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; Full - Time, 7:30am-4:30pm Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved