The Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program Coordinator (IPVAP-C) is a Social Work Program Coordinator whose primary responsibilities are to develop and coordinate programming for Veterans, their intimate partners and VA staff impacted by intimate partner violence (IPV) in compliance with VHA Directive 1198, Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP). The Social Work Program Coordinator performs duties independently, reporting to the designated supervisor in their service line. 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-12 Level Experience and Licensure: Appointment to the GS-12 grade level requires completion of a minimum of one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to the GS-11 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-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-12. 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 beutilized 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. ["Oversees the daily operation of the program and works with leadership to ensure IPVAP is implemented in accordance with the VHA Directive 1198 and other related national policies and guidance. Writes policies, procedures, and/or practice guidelines for the program in accordance with local and National guidance. Provides formal or informal supervision for multidisciplinary staff assigned to the IPVAP. Serves as the subject matter expert (SME) for addressing the needs of Veterans, their intimate partners, caregivers and VA employees experience relating to IPV, as well as enhancing the quality of service provided. Ensures compliance with IPV screening, identification and documentation protocols in accordance with the IPVAP program guidance. Works collaboratively across systems and departments to establish effective processes to address a positive Relationship Health Screening (RHS) in accordance with national and local written policies and ensures those who disclose experiencing IPV are assessed for risk during the same episode of care in which the disclosure is made. Creates and distributes educational tools, develops programs and implements training focused on specific IPV needs/issues. Oversees and directs the program's budget and various control points assigned to the program within the assigned areas. Works closely with local budget and fiscal staff to report status and changes to the national IPVAP and responds timely to requests for fiscal reports from the VISN and the National IPVAP. Completes the annual IPVAP Program Implementation and Evaluation (PIE) and other requested program evaluation actions and submits data and reports as required to the National IPVAP. Develops local methods to collect and review data regarding IPV screening, referrals and services rendered within the medical facility to identify needs and opportunities for program improvement. Incumbent also tracks and monitors referrals for Veterans who experience or use IPV. Establishes partnerships with the Workplace Violence Prevention Committee, the Disruptive Behavior Committee, as well as any efforts to provide supportive services for those who are experience and/or use violence. Develops and establishing linkages and collaborates on VA IPVAP efforts with community healthcare and social service agencies. Organizes work, sets priorities, evaluates assigned program area and is able to meet multiple deadlines. Provides training, orientation and guidance within clinical practice guidelines on IPV and IPV-related issues to staff within the health care system as needed. Provides outreach presentations to community agencies, National Guard and Reserve units, Veteran Service Organizations and other stakeholders on VA IPV assistance programs and services. Promotes the VA IPVAP Program in coordination with the local VA Public Affairs Officer through interviews with local print, voice and media. Coordinates events and programs for the annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month every October that includes announcement and advertising of month-long activities, mobilization of participants and educational sessions Develops and maintains a community of practice, including establishing relationships with internal and external stakeholders to assist in the coordination of support services for Veterans impacted by IPV who may be eligible for VA or community resources. Clinical Functions Conducts psychosocial assessments to assess IPV risks as well as assess for psychiatric illness, emotional distress and social needs. Participates (directly or in consultation with other clinical staff) in safety planning with individuals at risk for IPV. Incumbent identifies resources and additional needs for clinical interventions. Develops, coordinates and implements evidenced-based interventions, as well as support groups and educational programs. Provides consultation and oversight to facilitators. Provides education, referrals, and consults to VA services and programs as appropriate when meeting directly with Veterans. Provides clinical consultation and support to colleagues regarding IPV assistance, including IPVAP trauma-informed approaches to service delivery and documentation guidelines to mitigate risk. This may include providing direct follow-up, safety planning, clinical assessment or guiding facility employees on options for responding to positive screenings. May conduct chart reviews and evaluate clinical competence and compliance. Work Schedule: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday thru Friday Telework: Available 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"]
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.
