Senior Social Worker (VJO)

The clinical social work responsibilities for this position are conducted primarily in community settings in conjunction with police encounters, correctional facilities, including county jails, work release centers, and local criminal justice courts. The program coordination responsibilities for this position are conducted at the local and VISN level. This position requires an advanced level of practice and the ability to work independently.

The clinical social worker assigned to this position will provide outreach and treatment services to a highly complex and high risk population in contact with the justice system, including those in contact with local police, those served by the courts, and those detained in secured, city or county jail facilities. Duties include but are not limited to: - Collaborating with justice system including police officers, sheriff's deputies, court judges, classification officers, probation officers, reentry staff, public defenders and private attorneys. - Interacting with both Veterans and the attorneys representing Veterans to determine if VA intervention and treatment is viable and appropriate. - Participating as an active member of a court team. - Coordinating outreach services with city and county jail facilities. - Conducting community outreach. - Administering psychosocial and other clinical assessments. - Providing case management, including direct referrals to VA programs and non-VA programs. - Providing clinical treatment using evidence-based models such as: Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), Seeking Safety, and Motivational Interviewing. - Maintaining patient database and program statistics. - Tracking population trends and program performance measures. - Conducting expert consults with facility staff. - Coordinating care with VA and community providers. The justice-involved population presents with health care and psychosocial problems that are complex and require a high degree of clinical oversight and creative problem-solving. Professional services include evaluation and assessment, crisis counseling, treatment planning, patient and family education, case management/care coordination involving VA and non-VA community resources, clinical treatment using evidence based practices specific to a justice population, public relations, community education, and documentation of clinical data in Veterans' medical records. Written reports and policies are also included in the duties. Program Coordination Responsibilities: - Provides training to law enforcement personnel regarding identifying Veterans, eligibility for VHA and VBA benefits, as well as issues regarding TBI, PTSD and other mental health diagnoses. - Establishes formal agreements and partnerships with courts regarding identification of and access to Veterans, and access to use of appropriate assessment information for treatment planning. - Develops Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) when appropriate. - Meets with court administrators and staff on a regular basis to develop and maintain appropriate policies and procedures required to co-managing Veterans' care. - Collaborates with county probation officers, state attorney's office public defenders, hired attorneys, judges and community health and mental health agency staff to develop a treatment plan that offers alternatives to incarceration. Clinical Service Responsibilities: - Establishes respectful, effective relationships with Veterans, and with the clinical, custodial, and administrative staff from a range of institutions and agencies involved in Veterans' treatment. - As appropriate completes release of information, and assists with completion, submission and follow-up regarding VA eligibility (DD214) and enrollment (10- 10EZ) and other VA Forms or application for benefits through VBA. - Identifies and interviews Veterans involved in the justice system to conduct a clinical assessment and determine appropriate referrals, linkage and coordination for VA and non-VA services to enhance the success in the community. - Provides Veterans information on VA services and community resources. Coordinates Veteran care with all VA programs as well as non-VA community programs and resources. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8am to 4:30pm, May vary depending on deployment and/or assigned facility needs Telework: Not Available Travel: Up to 50% may be required. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

NOTE: Prior to accepting a final employment offer, all selected applicants will be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding regarding deployment responsibilities You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination and maintain CDT physical readiness. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Must be able to meet physical demands which include strenuous physical activity to include carrying persons and equipment, walking long distances over difficult terrain, running, climbing, working long hours in primitive or arduous conditions, long periods of standing, and bending and stooping. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.