Social Worker (Program Manager)

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.
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• Licensure. Full, unrestricted license or certification by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level.
• Education. Master's degree in social work (MSW) 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 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 master's degree in social work.

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).

Grade Determinations:
Social Worker (Program Manager), GS-14

• Licensure. Licensed or certified at the advanced practice level, and able to provide supervision for licensure.
• Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Examination. Completed and passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) advanced generalist or clinical examination.
• Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the GS- 13 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to: Oversee the administrative and clinical aspects of a major specialty treatment program located at one facility or multiple divisions of a facility; responsible for coordinating interdisciplinary staffing, work assignments, budget, treatment services provided, and admission criteria for the program; have full responsibility for all phases of service delivery for a major specialty program; responsible for the program's resource and fiscal management, monitoring control points developing the annual budget, operating within that budget, and accounting for appropriated funds. Experience must demonstrate possession of advanced practice skills and judgment, demonstrating progressively more professional competency.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
  • Skill in large scale program coordination and administration across multiple sites, which includes consultation, negotiation, and monitoring.
  • Ability to translate management goals and objectives into well-coordinated and controlled work operations.
  • Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems and to develop and implement solutions that result in sound operation of the program.
  • Ability to collaborate with internal and external partners to further program goals and enhance patient centered care.
  • Ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed; performance evaluations selection of staff, training, and recommendation of awards, advancements, and when appropriate, disciplinary action
  • Ability to oversee the fiscal matters of the functions supervised (including fund controls, contracts, and equipment expenditures), forecast resource and equipment needs, and administer the allocated budget.
  • Skill in developing policies, procedures, and/or practice guidelines for the program and in participating in national program development.
  • Ability to collaborate with internal VHA partners, locally and on a national level, as well as external community partners to further program goals and enhance patient centered care.

Preferred Experience: Experience working with veteran homeless population, experience in supervisory and program management, and experience with organizational business practice is preferred.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G39 - Social Worker Qualification Standard. Additional information regarding the assignments at the GS-14 Social Worker (Program Manager) can be found in the appendix referenced above.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-14.

Physical Requirements: Physical demands of the work are generally minor and are generally sedentary in nature but may require occasional travel and walking outside when visiting Veterans in the community. When outside depending on the time of year, it is possible for it to be very warm. Physical activity involves sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, climbing stairs, and carrying light items such as papers, books, or other supplies. The incumbent uses a computer and standard office equipment to complete tasks. The emotional demands can be stressful in working with the Veteran/Patient population and their families/caregivers. A level of self-awareness is essential. As needed, the incumbent drives GSA vehicles safely off station to various locations, such as other VA locations, community agencies, patient homes, etc. Transportation of other staff and/or patients may be needed occasionally. You must have a valid driver's license and be able to drive a government vehicle.