Social Worker - Health Care for Homeless Veterans Referral Specialist

The Social Worker serves as a Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Referral Specialist, responsible for coordinating care and referrals for homeless Veterans. Key responsibilities include: Assessment and Case Management: Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments to evaluate the needs, strengths, and challenges of homeless Veterans and their families. Develop and implement individualized treatment plans, identifying problems, coping skills, and required assistance. Utilize supportive, problem-solving, and crisis intervention techniques to achieve treatment goals. Referral Coordination: Manage referrals to community agencies, housing programs, and VA services to ensure timely access to care. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including medical and mental health providers, to coordinate holistic care. Maintain effective working relationships with community partners to facilitate resource linkage. Direct Services: Provide counseling to Veterans and family members from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and educational backgrounds. Implement treatment modalities for individuals, families, and groups to address psychosocial issues. Monitor progress and adjust care plans as needed to promote stability and self-sufficiency. Documentation and Communication: Maintain accurate clinical records and documentation in accordance with VA policies. Communicate effectively with clients, staff, and external agencies to ensure continuity of care. Participate in team meetings and case conferences to discuss complex cases and share best practices.

**Basic Requirements:** - U.S. Citizenship. - Proficiency in spoken and written English. - Master's degree in social work from a school fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). A doctoral degree in social work cannot substitute for the master's degree. - Licensure or certification by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. For GS-11 and above, licensure is required; GS-9 may have a temporary exception pending completion of state prerequisites. **Grade Determination (GS-9):** - No experience beyond basic requirements. - Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs): - Ability to work with Veterans and families from diverse backgrounds using counseling skills. - Ability to assess psychosocial functioning and formulate treatment plans. - Ability to implement treatment modalities for individuals, families, and groups. - Ability to establish effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and community agencies. - Fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses and their impact on psychosocial functioning. **Additional Requirements:** - All requirements must be met within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. - Transcripts showing conferred degree and copy of license required for GS-11.

The Veterans Health Administration operates the VA St. Louis Health Care System, providing comprehensive healthcare services to veterans. This role involves executive leadership in patient care services.