Incumbent is assigned to the University Drive, Emergency Department of VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. This individual functions as a social worker responsible for the implementation of social work programs. These assignments primarily will be as an observation unit social worker but may be outpatient, clinics or other specialty programs. 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. Verification of the degree can be made by going to http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation to verify that the social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a masters of 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. Current state requirements may be found by going to http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/T38Hybrid/. Exception: VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification examinations. This exception only applies at the GS-9 grade level. For the GS-11 grade level and above, the candidate must be licensed or certified. At the time of appointment, the supervisor, chief social work or social work executive will provide the unlicensed/uncertified social worker with the written requirements for licensure or certification, including the time by which the license or certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming licensed or certified by the deadline. 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-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: 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 G39 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Must be able to walk/stand for at least 8 hours a day; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); clear speech; will be outside and inside; possible excessive noise, intermittent; work closely with others. Must be able to pass drivers physical. ["Major duties include, but may not be limited to: Identifies patient's/family's psychosocial, financial or legal concerns that affect patient care management and interacts with patient/family/interdisciplinary team to facilitate the patient care process; improves patient and/or family understanding of and adjustment to the medical/psychiatric diagnosis to maximize benefits of medical intervention and enhance patient/family functioning throughout the course of illness; ensures that the patient/families are involved in all phases of the patient care process; intervenes with appropriate individuals, departments, agencies regarding delays in service that may have an impact on quality of patient care, length of stay or inappropriate patient admissions; utilizes appropriate interventions with the Area Agency on Aging for Emergency Placement for those Veterans presenting with only placement needs; assesses patient's/family's adaptation to patient illness and ability to provide for patient's care needs and provide resources in areas that are identified as areas for improvement; maintains current knowledge of and identifies needs in service delivery within social, governmental and legal agencies; maintains effective working relationships with medical/psychiatric staff, nursing staff, and case management to work collaboratively to provide for the health care needs of patients. Serves as a resource to the interdisciplinary team for community based social service agencies and VA programs. Work with Emergency Department Nurses and Physicians actively making recommendations and comments on the Veteran's needs regarding psychosocial problems and discharge needs Reviews patient information for Veterans consulted on for psychosocial or behavioral health needs, determines anticipated need for further behavioral health treatment and/or safety to return to the Veterans' current living situation in collaboration with the care management team, patient, and family Interacts with home care staff, community agencies and facilities to ensure safe and timely discharge Ensures coordination of the communication process with patient/family concerning the discharge plan, including coordination of family meetings Work Schedule: 7:00am - 3:30pm / 9:00am - 5:30pm / 2:30pm - 11:00pm / 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Sunday - Saturday; includes holidays (4-8 hrs per week)\nTelework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000 / Social Worker Float\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until June 07, 2022. Qualified applicants will be referred bi-weekly until positions are incumbered."]