Senior Social Worker (Caregiver Support Program)

Quick Facts

• Position: Senior Social Worker (Caregiver Support Program / PCAFC)
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30am–4:00pm
• Telework: Ad hoc only as needed (not a virtual position)
• Travel: Occasional (up to ~50%)
• Grade: GS-12
• EDRP: Eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). Apply within four months of appointment; award amount up to $200,000 and eligibility period typically 1–5 years (determined after complete application review)

Description

The Senior Social Worker supports the Caregiver Support Program by providing comprehensive, high-quality health care services to Veterans and their caregivers and ensuring compliance with caregiver support initiatives. The role delivers clinical interventions, facilitates caregiver support groups and education, conducts home visits, responds to caregiver hotline inquiries, and provides leadership, training, and consultation to staff and stakeholders. You will also advise interdisciplinary teams and coordinate referrals to VA and community-based services.

Responsibilities

• Assist with day-to-day Caregiver Support Program (CSP) operations and ensure compliance and collaboration with VA initiatives
• Provide leadership, orientation, coaching, in-service training, staff development, and continuing education
• Develop and facilitate caregiver support groups and caregiver education programs; distribute educational materials
• Conduct direct caregiver and Veteran contacts to assess caregiver stress/burden and guide directed clinical interventions
• Provide caregiver and family clinical interventions related to caregiver stress, psychiatric illness, emotional distress, and social needs
• Conduct regular home visits to Veterans and caregivers enrolled in PCAFC; respond to hotline and program inquiries
• Advise and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on caregiver issues
• Create educational tools, develop programs, and implement training for VAMC employees, Veterans, families, and caregivers
• Provide ongoing consultation and support to colleagues on caregiver support services and issues
• Build relationships with CSP stakeholders; provide referrals to VA medical/mental health and benefits services and to community social services
• Stay informed on federal/state legislation affecting caregiver support; serve as a liaison between VA and community agencies
• Participate in community and state caregiver support activities and committees
• Assist with coordination of National Family Caregivers Month events and support data monitoring for program efficacy

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school; doctorate cannot substitute for the master’s degree
• State license/certification to independently practice social work at the master’s level; advanced practice level license/certification required for Senior Social Worker (unless grandfathered per state rules)
• Two years of experience post advanced practice clinical licensure, including one year equivalent to GS-11
• Ability to provide supervision for licensure
• Proficient in written and spoken English
• Subject to background/security investigation; complete VA onboarding and pre-employment requirements (including physical exam)
• Pre-employment urinalysis drug screening (if selected)
• Seasonal influenza vaccination requirement for VA Health Care Personnel
• 1–2 year trial period requirement with written certification upon completion

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal benefits package (eligibility depends on position type)
• EDRP eligibility with up to $200,000 potential student loan repayment (subject to application review)