Social Worker

The Fargo VA Health Care System is recruiting for 1 full-time Mental Health Counselor for the Rural Access Network for Growth Enhancement (RANGE) program within the Mental Health Integrated Care Community (ICC). This vacancy will be filled by either a Social Worker or a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor.

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.

Applicants will be referred in the following order: FIRST - Fargo VAHCS (including satellites) and Veterans Health Administration current, permanent employees. SECOND - Department of Veterans Affairs current, permanent employees. THIRD - Other Federal employees, and the public. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

VA Careers - Social Work:

General Description of Assigned Duties:
To provide Mental Health services to the veteran population enrolled in the Rural Access Network for Growth Enhancement (RANGE) program within the Mental Health Integrated Care Community (ICC) at the Fargo VA Medical Center. Services include provision of high-quality case management, clinical treatment, advocacy, and coordination of linkages to other appropriate VA or community service providers and agencies as needed by the client. This is accomplished in collaboration with other members of the MHC Team or other interdisciplinary treatment teams as appropriate.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Respond timely to consults sent to the ICMHR/RANGE program by interviewing Veterans utilizing questionnaires and other measurement devices while assessing the Veteran's emotional, functional, and psychological condition as delegated by Range Coordinator or direct supervisor.
• Function as case manager for Veterans in the ICMHR program performing duties to facilitate independent community living by coordinating mental health and community care.
• Participate in development of a treatment plan for enrolled Veterans with measurable goals outlined based on relevant psychological, medical, and psychiatric information with the principles of treatment matching.
• Assist Veterans in the ICMHR program in the preparation of materials needed for applications to various agencies for entitlements, then, follow the process of the application until a determination has been made. Serve as the major consultant for information on negotiating the complex processes Veterans encounter when interacting with government and community agencies.
• Collaborate with members of the ICMHR team and other professional specialty clinics to provide comprehensive care to ICMHR enrolled Veterans. Conduct individual and family clinical interventions to facilitate the identification of substance abuse, psychiatric illness, and social needs as treatment issues.
• Serve as therapist in treatment groups, individual psychotherapy, and family therapy as needed.
• Assess needs of ICMHR enrolled Veterans regarding their substance abuse, psychiatric and medical disorders, and the treatments and medications required, incorporating teaching in the treatment.
• Aid with medication management for ICMHR enrolled Veterans. Conduct home visits and community visits to maintain and encourage community living. Collaborate with Adult Foster Care homes where ICMHR enrolled Veterans reside.

This position requires 75% or more travel to Veteran's homes. A valid driver's license is required.

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan