The Clinical Social Worker will be assigned to the Ponce VA, OPC. The selected Clinical Social Worker will be an essential team member of the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). The BHIP provides consultation and treatment services to Veterans referred from all services of the VA Caribbean Health Care System (VACHS) who present with symptomatic moderate to severe mental illness and benefit from an interdisciplinary and recovery-oriented treatment approach. Recommendations and/or treatment are individually tailored for patient's needs, considering standardized therapies and measurement-based care. Collaborative work among interdisciplinary team members, medical and other behavioral health sciences programs is expected. The MSW will be required to demonstrate excellent teamwork approach, advanced teaching, individual therapy modalities, and group facilitation skills such as motivation-based strategies, interactive teaching, and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Some of the other duties include, but are not limited to; Develops psychosocial treatment plans in coordination with interdisciplinary team members, including goals for psychosocial clinical treatment. Responsible for participating in the development of the initial individualized treatment plan and setting treatment goals as identified by Veteran with SMART objectives that will be specific, measurable, achievable and relevant for the Veteran/family. . Provide the Veterans, their family/significant others and caregivers with ongoing evidence based therapeutic interventions (individual, group, family and couples therapy). Use the Measurement Based Care (MBC) tools as part of the screening, evaluation and monitoring of patient symptoms and response to interventions. Social worker will facilitate response and proper management of documents related with the State Mental Health Law 408 for involuntary services, this includes but is not limited to, writing of reports, case discussion with the interdisciplinary team and promote family involvement in the process. The social worker will collaborate with interdisciplinary team in reassessing the Veteran's needs. The social worker is responsible for educating the Veteran and/or caregiver of the available services and assisting them in establishing the appropriate referrals. The social worker is responsible for using the current social work resource file of VA and community social service programs and enhancing the content to the benefit of veterans. The social worker will refer the veteran to needed services. Social worker act as an advocate when it serves the best interest of the Veteran/family. When appropriate and feasible, social worker will educate and encourage the Veteran/family to advocate on own behalf, thus fostering a sense of independence and empowerment. In the event of a medical or psychiatric crisis, the social worker will coordinate any required service, in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team as needed and with other VA Programs; as well with Local Government and Community Partners according with VA Policies and Law requirements. Community visits may be required in some cases to assure patient safety, to assess any psychosocial need and adequate living conditions In the event of a medical or psychiatric emergency, staff will follow the protocol of the Program. The MSW works in collaboration with Suicide Prevention Program - Case Managers for the wellbeing of the Veteran. Community visits may be required as needed and as determined by the interdisciplinary team. During the response of an emergency, the social worker is considered essential personnel and will be ready to assist in any capacity given by de Incident Commander. Social worker provides education related to VA and community resources, entitlements, Advance Directives/Living Will and will refer veterans/families to the appropriate interdisciplinary team member for identified health education needs. MSW will also educate the Veteran on treatment modalities available at the BHIP and Behavioral Health Sciences Programs. The Social worker will review the progress notes from the other providers to accurately determine the strengths and limitations of each veteran being referred for mental health services. Social worker will educate the veteran, their families and the team of all the options available to them and will collaborate with the Veteran and family on the preferred option. The Social worker will enter all veteran/family contacts in the electronic record. Participation in in-service training programs within affiliated training programs will be required as the need and demand arise. The incumbent may also supervise social work intern and practicum students. Incumbent shall also participate in intra and extra-VA educational programs. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule for the position at San Juan location: Tuesday- Saturday, 7:30am to 4:00pm Work Schedule for the position at Ponce location: Monday - Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm Functional Statement Title: Clinical Social Worker, BHIP. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.