Location: Bronx,NY, USA
SummaryThe incumbent serves as a full assistant to the Chief of Social Work ( the Chief ) in planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, evaluating, and supervising major sections of social work operations and programs involving over 110 MSW staff throughout the main hospital, three community-based clinics and the Community Living Center comprising the James J. Peter VAMC. The incumbent must be licensed in a state at the advanced practice level and must be able to provide supervision for licensure.This job is open toInternal to an agencyCurrent federal employees of this agency. Clarification from the agencyArea of Consideration: current, permanent James J Peters Bronx VA Medical Center employees onlyVideosDutiesDuties will include, but not limited to:To assist the Chief in providing Social Work Executive functions for JJP VAMC, the incumbent will assist with the following responsibilities and duties:Developing and Maintaining Standards of Practice. This includes:Developing and monitoring compliance with Social Work practice standards and guidelines ondocumentation, workload, data entry, ethical practice, and service delivery.Overseeing facility Social Work scope of practice processes.In collaboration with Human Resources, overseeing the tracking process for the required licensure and/or certification for all social workers, including continuing education requirements, license/certification renewal, and other requirements social workers must meet to deliver appropriate care.Overseeing the credentialing process, including primary source verification of degree and license or state certification.Oversight of Professional Recruitment and Retention. This includes:Recruiting qualified social workers, which includes participating in interviewing, selection, and orientation.Overseeing orientation processes of new clinical staff regarding Social Work functions.Supervision of Social Work Service Staff in Outpatient Services/ Inpatient Services/CSP/ Clinic Services Programs. This includes:Providing direct clinical and programmatic supervision to Social Work Service (SWS) GS-12 supervisors within. Outpatient Services/ Inpatient Services/CSP/ Clinic Services Programs Providing direct clinical supervision to SWS GS-11 social workers within Outpatient Services/ Inpatient Services/CSP/ Clinic Services programs in the absence of a GS-12 supervisor.Consultation with other Services, program managers, or care line managers on issues pertaining to Social Work ethics, ethical dilemmas in the delivery of care, and ethical issues within the larger organization.Oversight of Education, Training and Career Development Processes. This includes:Assessing the continuing education requirements of social workers and developing plans for meeting the educational requirements for licensure/certification and clinical practice.Providing oversight of the professional continuing education process to include, journal clubs, case presentations, workshops, and conferences.Oversight of the Social Work Associated Health Trainee Program, including negotiation of Memoranda of Affiliation with schools of social work; requesting trainee positions through the Office of Academic Affiliations; selecting social workers to serve as field faculty (field instructors and preceptors); and ensuring that Social Work graduate student interns receive education and training consistent with the requirements of the affiliated school(s) of social work and with the Council on Social Work Education.Oversight of the Performance and Professional Competency. This includes:Development and implementation of a Social Work professional practice review system.Assessing the competency of each social worker.Ensuring the development of position descriptions and performance standards for social workers.Participating in and providing input into performance appraisals of social workers.Mediating professional and service line conflicts around Social Work professional roles, continuity of care, and quality of care, including referral of veterans across service or care lines during episodes of care.Risk Management Duties. This includes:Ensuring compliance with VHA, JCAHO and CARF standards applicable to Social Work processesand programs.Evaluating and assessing facility Social Work services and providing input to improve professional Social Work practice, and to assist Chief in planning to meet gaps in services, project anticipated needs, initiate new programs, determine program emphasis, and increase or decrease services and/or staff.Developing and implementing Social Work practice guidelines to streamline operations and increase the likelihood of positive patient outcomes to Social Work interventions.Resource Management Duties. This includes:Implementation, oversight, and analysis of Social Work productivity standards.Re-deploying or participating in decisions to re-deploy Social Work staffing resources based on patient need, productivity, and workload.Planning for optimal Social Work coverage in all program areas, including after-hours coverage, in conjunction with care line and program managers.Ensuring the review and resolution of complaints about social workers and their practice in consultation with care line managers.Ensuring the validation and consultation on Decision Support System (DSS) labor mapping and workload/cost reports for social workers.Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pmTelework: Not AvailableVirtual: This is not a virtual position.Functional Statement #: 21X02OPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not AuthorizedRequirements Conditions of EmploymentYou must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.Must be proficient in written and spoken English.You may be required to serve a probationary period.Subject to background/security investigation.Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.Must pass pre-employment health evaluationParticipation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See Additional Information below for details. QualificationsBASIC REQUIREMENTS. The basic requirements for employment as a VHA social worker are 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 meet the following:Citizenship. You must be a citizen of the United StatesEnglish Language Proficiency. You must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)Education and/or Experience Combination. You must possess 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. Note: 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 to verify that the social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a masters of social work.Grandfathering Provision. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services.Creditable Experience. The candidate must have 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-Masters of Social Work (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.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.Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.Social Worker (Assistant Chief), GS-13Licensure Requirement: You must be licensed or certified at the advanced practice level, and must be able to provide supervision for licensure.Experience Requirement: You must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to: Serving as a full assistant to the chief social work service for both administrative and professional practice of a small to moderately complex social work service within a healthcare organization; responsible for supporting clinical practice, program management, education, human resource management and supervision, and organizational stewardship for the social work program per the direction of the chief. Experience must demonstrate possession of advanced practice skills in administration, demonstrating progressively more professional competency skills and judgment.Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, you must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:(a) Knowledge of administrative and supervisory duties which includes personnel actions, clinical supervision, consultation, negotiation with other departments, and quality improvement.(b) Knowledge of legal, ethical, and professional standards applicable to social work practice.(c) Ability to develop, maintain, and oversee social work programs in all settings.(d) Knowledge of social work practice, policy, and accreditation standards across the continuum of health care.(e) Skill in providing consultation to facility leadership, managers, and other staff on social work qualification standards, practice, competency, productivity, and continuing education requirements.Preferred Experience. Preferred experience as an advanced License Clinical Social Worker with, direct services and administrative experience.Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.EducationIMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: informationDuring the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.BenefitsA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.BenefitsA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.Required DocumentsAs a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:Valid State Social Work advanced practice level LicenseResumeSF-50/ Notification of Personnel ActionThe following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklistto ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.ALL APPLICANTS must provide your most recent SF-50. SF-50's will be used to determine if you meet one-year of post MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade levels. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year of post MSW equivalent to the GS-9 grade levels, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50's that clearly demonstrates one-year of post MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade levels. Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying one-year of post MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level. Examples of appropriate SF-50's include Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.Cover LetterValid State Social Work advanced practice level LicenseResumeSF-50/ Notification of Personnel ActionTranscriptVeterans' Preference: Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.If you are relying on your education to meet qualification 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, provide only the attendance and/or degrees fromschools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.How to ApplyAll applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/02/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.Agency contact informationNyssa LewisPhone757-###-####...@va.govAddressBronx VA Medical Center130 West Kingsbridge Rd.Bronx, NY 10468USNext stepsOnce your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.Fair and TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.Criminal history inquiriesEqual Employment Opportunity (EEO) PolicyFinancial suitabilityNew employee probationary periodPrivacy ActReasonable accommodation policySelective ServiceSignature and false statementsSocial security number requestRequired DocumentsTo apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:Valid State Social Work advanced practice level LicenseResumeSF-50/ Notification of Personnel ActionThe following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklistto ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.ALL APPLICANTS must provide your most recent SF-50. SF-50's will be used to determine if you meet one-year of post MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade levels. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year of post MSW equivalent to the GS-9 grade levels, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50's that clearly demonstrates one-year of post MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade levels. Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying one-year of post MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level. Examples of appropriate SF-50's include Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.Cover LetterValid State Social Work advanced practice level LicenseResumeSF-50/ Notification of Personnel ActionTranscriptVeterans' Preference: Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.If you are relying on your education to meet qualification 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, provide only the attendance and/or degrees fromschools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.How to ApplyAll applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/02/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.Agency contact informationNyssa LewisPhone757-###-####...@va.govAddressBronx VA Medical Center130 West Kingsbridge Rd.Bronx, NY 10468USNext stepsOnce your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.Fair & TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.Criminal history inquiriesEqual Employment Opportunity (EEO) PolicyFinancial suitabilityNew employee probationary periodPrivacy ActReasonable accommodation policySelective ServiceSignature and false statementsSocial security number request