Career Center

The Social Worker reports to the PTSD Supervisory Social Worker in conjunction with the Chief of PTSD Services and is located in the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Program, Outpatient PTSD Clinic which is part of Mental Health & Behavioral Science (MH&BS) Service. The Social Worker is expected to split his/her office hours between both campuses, Lyons and East Orange, to cover the needs of Veterans in New Jersey. The Primary function of the Social Worker is to provide specialty care for veterans with PTSD including evidence-based trauma-focused treatments, with a focus on veterans with a history of Military Sexual Trauma (MST). Through psychological and family assessment, the Social Worker identifies the social, emotional, interpersonal, and environmental needs of the veteran that may interfere with his/her mental health, and/or impede the veteran from obtaining mental health recovery goals. The Social Worker exercises appropriate judgement and decision making when formulating a diagnosis and treatment plan. The Social Worker provides ongoing assessment of the patient's progress and treatment. The Social Worker must also have extensive skills in utilizing VA and community resources. Clinical Duties The incumbent maintains a caseload primarily with Veterans with a history of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and may see others with combat PTSD as needed. Social Worker is responsible for completing psychosocial assessments, developing and implementing treatment plans, and providing direct care such as individual and group psychotherapy, including evidence-based psychotherapies, family supportive counseling, case management, psychoeducation to Veterans and their family members/significant others, and referrals. Psychosocial Assessments The Social Worker interviews the Veteran, family member and/or significant other to establish facts about the Veteran's current situation. In collaboration with the interdisciplinary team members, the Veteran, family member and/or significant others the Social Worker will complete a thorough biopsychosocial assessment. The assessment will reflect the Veteran's strengths as well as primary concerns and/or challenge/s. Treatment planning/goal setting The Social Worker in collaboration with the Veteran will develop a treatment plan. This may also be done in collaboration with the outpatient mental health treatment team. The plan will be based on the Veteran's goals (needs and/or preferences) using his/her own language. The treatment plan will be person-centered, holistic, non-linear and strengths based. The Veteran's goals will be obtainable and measurable. Provision of clinical services The incumbent demonstrates an understanding of the range of treatment and skills needed for all adult patients, is sensitive to human growth and development, age-appropriate needs and concerns of the veteran, and is able to provide current and advanced techniques in the treatment of this veteran population. The Social Worker provides clinical services, case management services and psycho-educational services to Veterans, family members and/or significant others in support of the Veteran's treatment goals and within their scope of practice. Referrals The Social Worker has knowledge of the VA and community's service systems and how to access them. With this knowledge, as well as the Social Worker's clinical training, insight, experience, ability to interpret data, and identify viable treatment options, Veterans can be assisted in choosing from an array of services with appropriate intensity and flexibility. Services will be matched with the Veteran's needs and goals. Referrals, to those services, will be made in a timely manner. Evaluation of Treatment The Social Worker will establish and maintain a continuing relationship with the Veteran, family member and/or significant other, evaluating progress towards the Veteran's goals and adjusting the treatment plan as appropriate. The Social Worker meets with the Veteran, via regularly scheduled meetings, to assess accomplishments and re-establish goals if needed. Documentation The Social Worker will document all visits with the Veteran, family member and/or significant other electronically through the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) and complete encounter forms for each visit. Education, Supervision, Coaching, and Mentoring The Social Worker is responsible for working within his/her scope of practice in his/her assigned area and uphold the profession's standards of treatment and ensure that all services provided are recovery- oriented in nature. The Social Worker may also clinically supervise social work students, general licensed Social Workers, and Licensed Clinical Social Workers as needed. Administrative Duties The Social Worker attends all administrative and programmatic meetings. He/she may perform other duties as assigned by the Social Work Mental Health Program Manager and Chief, Social Work Service, in collaboration with the Chief of PTSD, and ACOS of MH&BS, when needed and appropriate. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 8:00am-4:30pm (2 evenings required per week) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #:Social Worker/PD21R42O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required