Suicide Prevention Social Worker

Quick Facts

• Role: Suicide Prevention Social Worker (Veterans Health Administration, Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences)

• Schedule: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, Monday–Friday

Description

Coordinate and monitor suicide-prevention services for Veterans identified as high risk for suicide. Serve as a transitional care coordinator under immediate supervision while ensuring care continuity across VA programs and community resources. Provide counseling and clinical/therapeutic interventions, respond to hotline consults, coordinate enhanced care, and document progress toward goals and treatment-plan adjustments.

Responsibilities

• Collect data, maintain administrative records, and monitor clinical indicators, thresholds, and performance measures in line with VA Central Office guidelines

• Coordinate with VA mental health, primary care, emergency department, specialty clinics, CBOCs, homeless programs, residential/community care, and domiciliary programs to support contiguous referral and follow-up across the service continuum

• Interview Veterans, families, and significant contacts to determine condition, environment, supports, eligibility, and psychosocial impact; make/refine referrals to appropriate programs and resources

• Provide counseling and therapeutic interventions (individual, group, and/or family) for Veterans, caregivers, family members, and/or significant others

• Respond to consults from the National Veteran Suicide Hotline and ensure appropriate follow-up

• Contact the primary therapist to coordinate monitoring, track appointments, and coordinate enhanced care as needed; stay current on suicide treatment options and recommend new options when available

• Maintain ongoing relationships with Veterans, evaluate progress toward goals, adjust treatment plans appropriately, and ensure comprehensive clinical documentation

• Recommend care and changes to the interdisciplinary treatment plan

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship

• Selectively register with the Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959)

• Proficiency in written and spoken English

• Subject to background/security investigation

• Complete VA onboarding and pre-employment requirements (including I-9 acceptable identification)

• Seasonal influenza vaccination requirement for VA Health Care Personnel

• Master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited school (doctoral degree cannot substitute)

• State licensure or certification to independently practice social work at the master’s level (may have limited GS-9 conditional pathways)

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases, with possible higher step based on qualifications

• Paid Time Off: 37–50 days annually (annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays)

• Parental leave: up to 12 weeks paid after 12 months of employment

• Child care subsidy eligibility after 60 days (income- and cost-based)

• Retirement: federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contributions

• Insurance: federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care options (many can carry into retirement)

• Telework: not available