Social Worker (Operation Enduring Freedom/ Operation Iraqi Freedom (Oef/Oif) Job in Worldwide - 97969890 - ZAZQTZ8SJS5UA

Job Title:
Social Worker (Operation Enduring Freedom/ Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF)

Department:
Department Of Veterans Affairs

Agency:
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration

Job Announcement Number:
11-198060CM

SALARY RANGE:
$56,172.00 - $88,349.00 /year
Salary to be determined by Professional Standards Board upon evaluation of experience and education

OPEN PERIOD:
Tuesday, March 22, 2011 to Wednesday, March 21, 2012
SERIES & GRADE:GS-0185-00/00

POSITION INFORMATION:
Full-Time Permanent

PROMOTION POTENTIAL:
11

DUTY LOCATIONS:
1 vacancy - Martinez VA Outpatient Clinic, Martinez, CA

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:
Applications will be accepted from US Citizens, from current and former competitive service Federal employees, and people eligible under special hiring authorities.

JOB SUMMARY:

Grade level to be determined by Professional Standards Board upon evaluation of experience and education. 

Closing Date:  Initial Cut Off Date is 04/11/2011, applications will be referred bi-weekly thereafter 

Tour of Duty:  M-F, day shift, hours negotiable

Bargaining Unit Position:  Yes

THIS POSITION IS IN THE EXCEPTED SERVICE AND DOES NOT CONFER COMPETTITIVE STATUS

The Department of Veterans Affairs Northern California Health Care System (VA NCHCS) is an integrated health care delivery system, offering a comprehensive array of medical, surgical, rehabilitative, primary, mental health and extended care to veterans in northern California.

VA NCHCS operates the Sacramento VA Medical Center (VAMC), outpatient clinics in Oakland, Martinez, Vallejo, Fairfield, McClellan (Sacramento), Chico and Redding, and a rehabilitation and extended care center in Martinez.

The Sacramento VAMC is a new 45-bed, state-of-the-art, inpatient facility offering a full range of comprehensive health care services including medical, surgical, primary and mental health care.  The medical center houses a cardiac catheterization lab, gastrointestinal & endoscopy suite, angiography capability, a General Clinical Research Center, and 16,000 square-feet of research laboratory.  The medical center also offers a wide range of outpatient and diagnostic services, including mammography, MRI, CT, and PET scanning.  The Sacramento VAMC is one of the primary teaching hospitals for the University of California,  Davis, School of Medicine.

VA NCHCS also has 80 other affiliation agreements with educational institutions for undergraduate and graduate training in nursing and other allied health professions. 

VA NCHCS maintains an active research and development (R&D) program overseeing protocols in the area of human, animal and basic laboratory research.

Additional Duty Location Info:
1 vacancy - Martinez VA Outpatient Clinic, Martinez, CA


Responsibilities/ Position Summary:   The Incumbent, as a journeyman social worker, is assigned to the Veterans Administration NCHCS Mental Health program at Martinez, CA and functions as part of an interdisciplinary team.  Social Work Services are carried out in full accordance with specific program goals and broad objectives of the VA health care system.  Responsibilities include providing outreach, education, assessment, treatment, and appropriate referrals to Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) returnees and combat veterans. .  The incumbent provides initial diagnostic assessments to determine the need for services, with particular regard to PTSD, military sexual trauma, traumatic brain injury and substance abuse.  Incumbent will provide treatment and/or referrals in an effort to improve or resolve the identified problems.   The incumbent provides appropriate referrals to VHA services and acts as liaison for veterans needing assistance accessing programs.  The incumbent will have a therapeutic understanding of family interactions including marital, parent-child and child-child relationships to diagnose the dysfunctional aspects of the familial relationships.  The incumbent records information, in the patient's medical record, related to the patient's data base, psychosocial diagnosis.  Interdisciplinary collaboration with clinic personnel including acting as consultant on socio-emotional issues and community resources.   The incumbent establishes contact with returning OEF/OIF returnees and veterans.   Incumbent will contact local Guard and Reserve units as well as community organizations providing support to military in order to identify local OEF/OIF veterans.  Incumbent will also partner with OEF/OIF veteran representatives at local VA Medical Centers, Vet Centers, State Veteran Affairs Departments, and local veteran service organizations to ensure all local OEF/OIF veterans are identified.   The incumbent develops written materials and a variety of community based educational activities designed to promote resilience through healthy living choices and adaptive coping skills. Collaboration with community, health, welfare, and service agencies.  Submits statistical information as required.  Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Qualification Standards Used:  Applicants must meet all of the requirements for the position as stated in VA Handbook 5005/23, Part II, Appendix G39.  These standards are available for review in the local HR Office.

Educational Requirements:   Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.  Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.  Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website:  www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html  All education claimed by applicants will be verified by HRMS accordingly.

Basic Requirements:  The basic requirements for employment as a VHA social worker is prescribed by statute in 38 U.S.C. 7402(b)(9), as amended by section 205 of Public Law 106-419, enacted November 1, 2000.  To qualify for appointment as a social worker in VHA, all applicants must:

a. Citizenship.  Be a citizen of the United States. 

b. Education.  Have a master's degree in social work (MSW) 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.   

A list of college courses and hours or a copy of college transcript(s) must be submitted with your application.  If selected for this vacancy, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to appointment.

c. Licensure.  Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level.  Please submit a copy of current licensure with application. 

(1)  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 up to the full performance level.  For grade levels above the full performance level, the candidate must be licensed or certified.

(a)  For grades below or at the full performance level, VHA social workers who are not licensed or certified at the time of appointment must become licensed or certified at the independent, master's level within 3 years of their appointment as a social worker.  Most states require 2 years of post-MSW experience as a pre-requisite to taking the licensure/certification exam, and VHA gives social workers one additional year to pass the licensure/certification exam.  In California, where the prerequisites for licensure exceed two years, social workers must become licensed at the independent, master's level within one year of meeting the full California prerequisites for licensure.

(b)  It is VHA policy that a VHA social worker who does not yet have a license that allows independent practice must be supervised by a licensed independent practitioner of the same discipline who is a VA staff member and who has access to the electronic health record.

(2)  Failure to Obtain License or Certification.  In all cases, social workers must actively pursue meeting state prerequisites for licensure or certification starting from the date of their appointment.  Failure to become licensed or certified within the proscribed amount of time will result in removal from the GS-185 social work series and may result in termination of employment.

(3)  Loss of Licensure or Certification.  Once licensed or certified, social workers must maintain a full, valid and unrestricted independent license or certification to remain qualified for employment.  Loss of licensure or certification will result in removal from the GS-185 social work series and may result in termination of employment.

NOTE:  If social workers covered under the grandfathering provision of the 1991 Federal law regarding licensure or certification of VHA social workers leave the GS-185 social work series, they lose the grandfathering protection.  If they choose to return at a later date to the GS-185 series, they must be licensed or certified to qualify for employment as a social worker.

d. English Language Proficiency.  Social workers must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j.   

Grade Requirements:  a.  Creditable Experience

(1)  Knowledge of Current Professional Social Work Practices.  To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics associated with current professional social work practice.  The experience or education must be post-MSW degree.  Experience and education satisfying this requirement must be active professional practice, which is paid/non-paid employment as a professional social worker, as defined by the appropriate state licensing board.

(2)  Quality of Experience.  Experience is only creditable if it is obtained following graduation with a master's degree in social work and if it includes work as a professional social worker directly related to the position to be filled.  Qualifying experience must also be at a level comparable to social work experience at the next lower level.

(3)  Fellowships or Post-Graduate Training.  Fellowship and post-graduate training programs are typically in a specialized area of clinical practice, i.e., group or family practice.  Training as a fellow or post-graduate may be substituted for creditable experience on a year-for-year basis.

(4)  Practicum in a VA Setting.  A VHA practicum experience may not be substituted for experience, as the practicum (field placement) is completed prior to graduation with a master's degree in social work.

b. Grade Determinations.  In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.

GS-09:

(a)  Experience, Education and Licensure.  GS-9 is the entry level grade for the GS-185 social work series and is used for social workers with less than one year of post-MSW experience and for social workers who are not yet licensed or certified at the independent practice level.  Social workers at the GS-9 level are working toward completion of prerequisites for licensure or certification. 

GS-11: 

(a)  Experience, Education and Licensure.  Full performance level requires completion of a minimum of 1 year of post-MSW degree experience in the field of health care social work (VA or non-VA experience) and licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level              

   OR 

In addition to meeting basic requirements, a doctoral degree in social work from a school of social work may be substituted for the required 1 year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting.

Citizenship Requirements:   Must be a United States Citizen. Non-citizens may be appointed when no qualified citizens are available in accordance with current regulations.

Applicants must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements within 2 weeks of the closing date of this announcement.

You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for this position.

You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed into this position.

Applicants for this position must pass a pre-employment medical examination.
HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

Rating/Ranking Procedures (KSA's):  Applicants who meet the licensure, educational, basic AND grade requirements listed above will be further evaluated by determining the extent to which their work or related experience, education, training, awards, outside activities, and supervisory appraisal, etc., indicate they possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) of the position.  All applicants should provide clear, concise examples that show the level of accomplishment or degree to which they possess the KSA on a separate sheet of paper or VA Form 4676a.  Incomplete, vague or contradictory information may affect the rating.  In addressing your KSAs give examples of how the knowledge, skill and/or ability has been used in your various jobs, volunteer work, organizational duties, etc. 

IN ORDER TO BE ACCURATELY RATED YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH KSA LISTED BELOW.

1.  Knowledge of County, State and Federal welfare laws and health care delivery systems including laws and regulations pertaining to the VA structure of service systems to clients.

2.  Knowledge of theories of personality development, human behavior and psychopathology.

3.  Knowledge of casework, group work, family counseling, and other appropriate intervention methods used in preventing and treating health care problems in general and mental health problems in particular. 

4.  Knowledge and skill in systems analysis concepts as these apply to specific client populations, particularly the emotionally dysfunctional, both on the acute and chronic level.

5.  Ability to conceptualize and prioritize the problems of the emotionally ill veterans and determining their needs. 

6.  Ability to supervise the work of others and to provide social work graduate field instruction. 

7.  Ability and skill in speaking and writing descriptively, clearly, and concisely. 

Determination of "Best Qualified" is based on the degree to which applicants possess the above knowledge, skills and abilities.

BENEFITS:You may participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, with costs shared with your employer. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#FEHB.

Life insurance coverage is provided. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#life

Long-Term Care Insurance is offered and carries into your retirement. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#ltci

New employees are automatically covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). If you are transferring from another agency and covered by CSRS, you may continue in this program. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#retr

You will earn annual vacation leave. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#VACA

You will earn sick leave. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#SKLV

You will be paid for federal holidays that fall within your regularly scheduled tour of duty. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#HOLI

If you use public transportation, part of your transportation costs may be subsidized. Our human resources office can provide additional information on how this program is run.

Qualified federal employees may be covered by our child care subsidy program or dependent care flexible spending account. Our human resources office can provide additional information on eligibility. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#CCRS

You can use Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts for expenses that are tax-deductible, but not reimbursed by any other source, including out-of-pocket expenses and non-covered benefits under their FEHB plans. More Info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#FSA
OTHER INFORMATION:

You must submit all required information by the closing date. If materials are not received, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible.

The materials you send with your application will not be returned.

If you fax your application, we will not consider it.

Send only those materials needed to evaluate your application. Please do not place your application in a notebook or binder.

Other Requirements and Information:

This is a Bargaining Unit Position.

For positions covered by the Bargaining Unit:   First consideration will be given to employees of this facility.

Personal Characteristics:   Position usually requires frequent contact with patients and/or with professional and/or supportive personnel who provide patient care.  Applicant must be able to deal effectively with a variety of people, work as a team member, exercise good judgment, and maintain a friendly and positive attitude at all time.

English Language Proficiency:  Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).

Physical Requirements:  Must meet physical standards for employment, as indicated in VA Directive & Handbook 5019.  

Tuberculin Skin Testing:  All employees of NCHCS are required to have an initial PPD screening prior to appointment and annual screenings from thereafter IAW infection control policy, Federal OSHA and the Centers of Disease Control.

Background Investigation:    New Appointees will be subject to a background investigation to determine suitability.  Applicants must not be listed on the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Inspector General Sanctions database.

Interviews:  Management will be using Performance Based Interview (PBI) questions during the interview process.  For a sample of PBI questions, or to find additional information regarding PBI, visit the following website:  www.va.gov/pbi

• Exaggeration or misstatements may be cause for your disqualification or later removal from service.


• Candidates selected at the lower grade level may be promoted to the grade(s) indicated in Promotion Potential on the first page without further competition when legal and regulatory requirements are met and satisfactory performance of the duties is demonstrated.  Selection does not guarantee promotion to higher grade level(s).


• Extensions of temporary actions, up to full period allowed, may be made without further competition.


• Salary payments for new employees must be made through Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.


• The list of eligible candidates resulting from this announcement may be considered for filling appropriate vacancies for 90 days on bargaining unit positions and 180 days for non-bargaining unit positions.

HOW TO APPLY:

You must submit your application so that it will be received by the closing date of the announcement.

PLEASE REVIEW THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CAREFULLY and provide documentation that you meet all the qualifications required.  Failure to provide all required information may result in loss of consideration or a lower evaluation in rating and/or selection consideration.  Applicants will not be contacted for additional information if their applications are incomplete or inadequate.

The following materials, items A thru K as applicable, are available at our HR Offices above or on-line as indicated below.  All application packages must be must be received in HRMS by close of business on the closing date of this announcement.

NOTE:  Current VA employees applying for a bargaining unit position (please check the front of the announcement) may submit an "Application for Promotion or Reassignment" (VA Form 4078) to HRMS no later than close of business on the closing date of this announcement.  All other application material, items A thru K as applicable, must be received in HRMS by close of business seven (7) calendar days after the closing date. 

A.  All applicants:  A current "Application for Associated Health Occupations" (VA Form 10-2850c) available on-line at   www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf

B.  All applicants:  Current CV and/or resume describing your experience in detail.  Please provide beginning and ending dates (mm/yy) of employment, the average number of hours worked per week, and a description of the duties for each position listed on your application and CV/resume.  If you performed more than one position title, please indicate the percentage of time you spent performing each title's duties. 

C.  All applicants:  "Declaration for Federal Employment" (OF-306), available at www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of0306.pdf

D.  All applicants:  A statement addressing all of the above Rating/Ranking factors/KSAs on plain paper or "Employee Supplemental Qualifications Statement" (VA Form 4676a), available on-line at www.va.gov/vaforms/va/pdf/VA4676a.pdf

D.  All applicants:  Copy of your current registration/certification/licensure.

E.  All applicants:  Copy of your college transcript(s).  Certificates/diplomas are not acceptable.  If selected for this vacancy, you will be required to submit official college transcript(s) prior to appointment. 

F.  Optional:  Your most recent Performance Appraisal if directly related to the position for which you are applying OR a supervisory appraisal addressing all rating factors on plain paper OR VA Form 4667b  "Supervisory Appraisal of Employee for Promotion".

G.  All current or former Federal Employees - VA and non-VA:  "Notification of Personnel Action" (SF-50's) documenting permanent status (career or career-conditional), promotion action to highest grade held in the Federal government, and, if applicable, your separation SF-50. 

H.  All veterans:   "Military Discharge Certificate" for each enlistment (DD-214) Please include copy which shows type of discharge received.

I.   All 10 point preference eligible veterans:  SF-15 "Application for 10 point Veteran Preference" (SF-15) and supporting documentation stated on the SF-15.  This form is available on-line at www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf   Preference will not be granted without proper documentation.

J.  All Disabled Eligibles who want to be considered under the Schedule A appointment authority:  Letter from the State or Vocational Rehabilitative Service

K.  All displaced Federal Employees applying under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP):   ICTAP eligibles must attach a copy of their specific RIF separation notice and, if separated, their RIF separation SF-50.  Displaced employees must meet the following definition of well-qualified:  Well-qualified employees are eligible employees who satisfy all education, experience, and knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) Rating Factor(s) for the position and who meet the above average level range of a three level or four level crediting plan for all Rating Factor(s).

Faxed or electronically generated (email) materials will not be accepted.

Our facility does not access/accept on-line resumes or applications.

Application packages received in government postage-paid envelopes or from official government telefax machines will not be considered.

Where to Mail:

Department of Veterans Affairs
Northern California Health Care System
Human Resources Management Service (05)
10535 Hospital Way
Mather, CA  95665-4200 

Where to Hand-carry/Drop-off:

Martinez CA HRMS Office:

150 Muir Road    
Admin Bldg 21, Second Floor  

- OR -

Sacramento CA HRMS Office:

10535 Hospital Way, Bldg 707
Mather CA

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

Aaron Powell
Phone: (916) 843-9150
Email: Aaron.Powell2@va.gov Agency Information:
Department Of Veterans Affairs
Northern California Health Care System (05/SMAT)
10535 Hospital Way Bldg 707
Mather, CA 95655-4200
US

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:Once your complete application is received we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. Qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview.   We expect to make a selection within 30 days (or more) of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified of the outcome.