The Transition and Care Management Program position of Transition Patient Advocate (TPA) and Case Manager, has the primary responsibility to assist with the short and long-term needs of the severely injured and ill service members, Veterans and their families. 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. Grade Determinations: GS-11 Experience 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: (a) Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services. (b) 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. (c) 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. (d) 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. (e) 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. Preferred Experience: Post 911 program knowledge. References: VA Handbook 5005/120, Part II, Appendix G39 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires periods of sitting, walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, pushing and reaching over head. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements; such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. Incumbent may be exposed, on a short-term basis to fumes, dust and other debris. Some positions require rotation of tours or indefinite work on non-administrative tours as established by the immediate supervisor. - Lifting 50 pounds - Repetitive motions, i.e. typing - Ability to read; reading 80% of the time on computers ["VA Careers - Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU Duties of the Transition Patient Advocate, includes but is not limited to: Assists severely injured and ill Post 911 active duty service members and Veterans, as requested by the VA Liaison for Health Care at the MTF and the Transition Program Manager, when the service member or Veteran is ready to transition from the MTF to a VA health care facility. Serves as an advocate for the service member, Veteran, and family across episodes and sites of care by helping them access needed services at the facility and in the community. Provides information and assistance to service members, Veterans, and family members regarding benefits and health care eligibility. Recognizes and removes institutional obstacles to providing optimum quality health care and patient satisfaction. Works closely with the Program Manager and other Case Managers to coordinate services. Documents significant contacts with Veterans and their families which helps the team members to identify and track issues, concerns, goals, progress, and actions taken on all assigned severely injured and ill Veterans. Participates and assists with planning and executing outreach events as assigned by the Program Manager. This may include but not limited to military sponsored events, community sponsored events and VA sponsored events. May serve on committees, work groups, and task forces at the facility, VISN, and/or VA Central Office levels. Is responsible for supporting the mission, policies, and procedures of VA, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the appropriate Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), and the facility. Protects data from unauthorized release and from loss, alteration or unauthorized deletion. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7:30 AM -4:00 PM or 8:00 AM -4:30 PM\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]