The SW Clinical Whole Health Coach integrates practices/modalities with Whole Health Coaching competencies as they partner with Veterans, caregivers, and significant others with complex needs and challenges. This relationship supports and fosters the achievement of Veteran self-identified goals and shared medical goals. The Whole Health Coach supports Veterans' self-optimization of their health through behavior change. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education. Have 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. A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master's degree in social work. Licensure. Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-0185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Determinations:\ Social Worker, GS-11 Level Experience and Licensure: Appointment to the GS-11 grade level requires completion of a minimum of one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the field of health care or other social work-related settings, (VA or non-VA experience) and licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level. OR; Education: In addition to meeting basic requirements, a doctoral degree in social work from a school of social work may be substituted for the required one year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services. Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational and other diversified backgrounds. Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities and treatment procedures (i.e. acute, chronic and traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications and their effects/side effects, and medical terminology) to formulate a treatment plan. Skill in independently implementing different treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical, and social problems to achieve treatment goals. Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers, social work graduate students, and other staff about the psychosocial needs of patients and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and compliance with treatment. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-39The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11. Physical Requirements: The work requires sitting, bending, stooping and walking consistent with the delivery of services in the office, hospital and community. The position may entail lifting of no more than 25 pounds on an occasional basis. Whenever possible, carts and dollies will be utilized as an alternative to lifting. In carrying out responsibilities, operation of a motor vehicle with a valid driver's license is required. The social worker must meet the requirements to use a government vehicle in accordance with VHA directive 2008-020. It will be necessary for the social worker to travel throughout the Altoona VAMC catchment area where they conduct interviews with Veterans, family members, representatives of community health, welfare and law enforcement agencies. ["Whole Health Coaching duties and responsibilities: Knowledge and skills in health coaching and motivational interviewing principles. Ability and knowledge in utilizing a variety of community resources. Promotes Veteran Centered Care by providing personalized, proactive Veteran-driven health care, incentivize measurable improvement in health outcomes, and align resources to deliver sustained value to the Veteran through Whole Health Coaching. Partners with Veterans, caregivers, and significant others in establishing a caring, ongoing relationship where readiness for change will be assessed and documented and the individual's Mission, Aspiration and Purpose (MAP) will be identified along with addressing and documenting the components of health and well-being. Maintains a safe space and partner with Veterans with complex needs as they continue to utilize self-discovery/exploration and action planning as they craft SMART (Specific, Measurable, Action oriented and Timed) Goals and/or shared medical goals and measure against self-expressed desired outcomes. Facilitates achievement of the Veterans' attainment of desired goal(s) and co-create a means of determining and evaluating both short- and long-term desired goals and outcomes. Determines the need for and refer Veteran(s) to other health care professionals and services including community as appropriate. Understands and demonstrates knowledge of basic management practices and principles. Awareness of the biopsychosocial and cultural factors and the impact of illness on the patient, his/her family, and the community. Demonstrates competence in the principles and procedures of medical record keeping. Assesses and evaluates patients' responses to services provided, treatment, and medication. Works independently in the absence of supervision. Communicates clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Applies basic time management and patient care coordination skills to effectively provide coaching services. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Meets the qualification standard for the GS 11 Social Work as defined in VA Handbook 5005/120, Part II Appendix G39, Social Worker Qualification Standard GS-185 VHA. The GS-11 position requires completion of a minimum of one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the field of health care or other social work related setting, (VA or non VA experience) and licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level CUSTOMER SERVICE REQUIREMENT: Incumbent must meet the needs of customers while supporting VA missions; consistently communicate and treat customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner; provide customer with consistent information per established policies and procedures; and handle conflict and problems in dealing with customers constructively and appropriately. Work Schedule: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday thru Friday Telework: ADHOC Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
