Social Worker- BHIP

Summary The GS 11 Clinical Social Worker plays a crucial role as a full-time member of the Behavioral health Interdisciplinary Team (BHIP) in the Mental health ICC under the Syracuse VA Medical Center. This incumbent provides outpatient mental health treatment to Veterans who are connected with the Syracuse VAMC and its Community Based Outpatient clinics (CBOCs). This position is located at the Potsdam VA CBOC which is under the Syracuse VA Medical Center. Responsibilities The GS 11 Clinical Social Worker primary responsibilities includes but are not limited to the provision of psychiatric intervention, mental health treatment, and stabilization to Veterans within an outpatient clinic setting. The Therapist's key duties involve offering recovery-oriented, trauma informed psychotherapy to Veterans and couples, conducting psychosocial assessments, crisis interventions, and treatment planning, while also implementing measurement-based care and other evidence-based practices. The therapist may facilitate therapeutic groups as necessary and must be adept at providing services through both telehealth and in-person sessions to ensure that Veterans receive vital mental health care despite any access challenges. Collaboration is essential, as the incumbent will work closely with Veterans, their identified caregivers, and interdisciplinary team members to provide comprehensive mental health care. List the major duties and responsibilities of the position: The following specific clinical duties will be provided by the Social Worker- BHIP Therapist: The incumbent is tasked with delivering psychotherapeutic treatment to individuals, couples, and occasionally groups, focusing on mental health symptoms and emotional challenges. The primary objectives are to alleviate these symptoms, enhance self-awareness and self-management, and foster recovery and overall well-being for clients. The incumbent will: Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills, allowing for effective interactions with a wide range of individuals from diverse backgrounds. The incumbent collaborates with Veterans and their chosen Caregivers to determine the most suitable clinical approaches for providing comprehensive, recovery-focused, strength-based, and trauma-informed mental health care. Collaborate with the Veteran to perform a thorough psychosocial assessment and create treatment plans that highlight various mental health options tailored to the Veteran's specific needs. The professional will work alongside the Veteran to develop a treatment plan that includes realistic goals, utilizing Measurement Based Care tools as one of the key components. Knowledge of treatment protocols for a range of psychiatric conditions, including the effects and side effects of common psychotropic medications. They are skilled in evidence-based therapeutic methods, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Maintain a solid understanding of mental health and medical diagnoses, using appropriate terminology to ensure clear communication with other healthcare professionals. Clinical documentation of treatment interventions is written within an electronic health record system, where the incumbent will also review progress notes from other providers to assess the strengths and challenges faced by Veterans, ensuring a comprehensive approach to care. Experience in conducting rapid assessments and creating crisis management strategies for Veterans that may require psychiatric hospitalization or ability to assess readiness for admission to mental health/substance abuse residential programs. Competence in collaborative clinical discussions and advocacy for the psychosocial/mental health needs of Veterans, addressing how these issues impact health and mental health care and psychiatric treatment adherence. Work Schedule: Will be discussed during interview. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the

Created: 2025-10-13