Caregiver Support Social Worker

Quick Facts

• Role: Caregiver Support Social Worker

• Focus: Caregiver support services for Veterans and caregivers (PCAFC and PGCSS)

Description

The Caregiver Support Social Worker helps implement and ensure compliance for a caregiver support program for the assigned area. The role conducts initial eligibility assessments, provides counseling and clinical interventions to caregivers, and coordinates with interdisciplinary teams and community partners while educating program participants and staff. The position may include home visits when caregivers cannot access the facility.

Responsibilities

• Assist with development and implementation of a caregiver support program for Veterans and caregivers

• Participate in eligibility assessments for PCAFC and PGCSS

• Conduct caregiver and Veteran contacts to identify caregiver stress, burden, and social/psychiatric needs

• Provide individual counseling and support; perform home visits when appropriate

• Advise and collaborate with interdisciplinary care teams on caregiver issues

• Provide education and in-service training to staff, Veterans, families, and caregivers

• Facilitate caregiver support groups and educational programs (face-to-face or VANTS)

• Distribute educational materials from VA and national/local caregiver organizations

• Conduct clinical interventions to address stress, psychiatric illness, emotional distress, and social needs

• Refer to VA and non-VA services, benefits, community-based social services, and other entitlements; may support referral/consult/admission to other VA programs as appropriate

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship

• Proficiency in written and spoken English

• Background/security investigation required

• Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school (doctoral degree cannot replace the master’s degree for basic requirement)

• State licensure/certification to independently practice social work at the master’s level (GS-9 exceptions may apply; GS-11 requires independent practice level)

• Selective Service registration for eligible males

• Pass pre-employment physical; position includes driving

• Seasonal influenza vaccination participation required for VA Health Care Personnel

• Complete required onboarding and application documents; trial period of 1–2 years after acceptance