Summary
Greater Los Angeles Health Care System is recruiting for a Senior Social Worker for its Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Bakersfield, California. The social worker will provide services to Veterans in Primary Care on the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT). This is a comprehensive team which delivers primary care to veteran patients in a longitudinal fashion, and focuses on prevention, health promotion, coordination and chronic disease management.
Duties
The Social Worker functions as a Case Manager and Care Coordinator to primary care panels and ensures that health care provided meets the needs defined by the Veterans. Duties include, but are not limited to: Assesses and treats the complicated psychosocial problems of Veterans, families and significant other. Reaches out to Veterans with high risk cohort's issues and offers case management in a proactive effort designed to prevent psychosocial crises. Provides education and training related to the referral process and services provided. The primary focus is on the acuity level and case management with an understanding for reduction in the acuity level using evidence-based practice that is continuous, accessible and integrated. Provides assessment of psychosocial problems that cause distress, can include adjustment to the current medical condition and/or functional status, untreated or under-treated mental health or substance abuse condition, economic instability, legal problems, and inadequate social supports, housing and transportation. Assists Veteran and family to understand the contributing factors to their problem(s), will discuss with them the pros and cons of possible short-term and long-term solutions, encouraging them to make positive and lasting changes to reduce stressors Makes referrals for assistance to community agencies and will participate in coordinating with VA programs/staff and community agencies to assist in problem solving as needed. Engages in case management services with members of the outpatient interdisciplinary team to meet the agreed upon treatment goals. Conducts comprehensive assessments of Veterans and develops treatment plans that are sensitive to Veterans' diverse needs and abilities. Independently performs a full range of clinical services including Individual, Group and Family interventions. Provides on and off site crisis intervention and outreach (individual sessions, assist and coordinate hospitalizations in conjunction with the physician when required, coordination of treatment with collaterals (family, housing programs, nursing homes, mental health etc.) to maximize the successful stabilization and integration of Veterans in the community both in crisis and non-crisis situations. Develops and implements methods for measuring effectiveness of social work practice and services in specialty areas, utilizing outcome evaluations to improve treatment services. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Telework: Ad hoc telework as determined by agency policy and supervisor discretion Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Authorized
Requirements
You must be a US 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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Education
IMPORTANT: 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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
How you will be evaluated
When describing your experience, be clear and specific. We cannot make assumptions about your qualifications. Your application, resume, CV, and any supporting documents will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully, errors or omissions may affect your employment consideration. 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.