Description

• This position has been posted within the assigned pay range through Step L. Step M has not been published as this is considered the longevity step, in alignment with state HR compensation rules.

At the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.” As a national leader in our advocacy for more than 500,000 Veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Families.

As a Psychiatric Social Worker 3, you will serve as a key voice in treatment planning and care conferences for those who have served.

Duties

Some of what you'll do:

• Conduct interviews for ongoing assessment and treatment with a focus on the resident's cognitive, mood, psychosocial, and behavioral status.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Monitor, track, and report on resident and family complaints and grievances.
• Complete documentation in a timely fashion and in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Perform assessments, one-on-one visits, phone calls, care conferences, and discharge planning.
• Serve as the facility discharge planner, assessing resident readiness for discharge and planning for smooth transition from facility to community.
• Maintain working knowledge and written materials related to community resources.
• Conduct and participate in resident/family groups, facilitate resident care conferences, and provide input on resident status relative to area of expertise.
• Develop behavior plans and maintain behavior monitors when necessary.
• And more!

Qualifications

Required:

• Master's degree in social work from an accredited social work education program.
• Two (2) years of experience in counseling mentally or emotionally disturbed individuals.
• Washington state licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW).
• Must have:
  • A minimum of two (2) years of experience providing care for individuals with chronic mental health issues, dementia, or intellectual and developmental disabilities in a long-term care of behavioral healthcare setting.
  • Advanced practice knowledge in aging, disability, mental illness, Alzheimer's disease, and developmental disabilities.
  • Excellent facilitation skills with the ability to focus and direct group discussions.
  • Good analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to weigh options, foresee consequences, and employ sound judgment in managing problems and resources.
  • Strong clinical skills and long-term care knowledge, including regulatory requirements.
  • Consulting skills - ability to partner with residents, families, and other providers and care team to identify and service resident care needs.
  • Experience working in Microsoft Office, to include Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook.
  • Willingness to champion resident-centered care concept and principles.

• Two (2) years in long-term care or medical social work setting.
• Experience working with chronically mentally ill individuals and Veterans with PTSD or traumatic brain injury.
• Current, valid Washington state licensure for licensed advanced social worker (LASW), licensed social worker associate and independent clinical (LSWAIC), or licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW).
• Experience/knowledge in:
  • Specialized training devoted to mental illness and treatment of older adults.
  • Care of geriatric population and dementia care.
  • Medical conditions/diagnoses in relationship to psychosocial wellbeing.
  • Categories of psychoactive medication and side effect profiles.
  • Federal tags, WACs, etc,
  • Knowledge of Veterans' issues/PTSD/resources.
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize a heavy workload.

• Must be able to pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check every two (2) years in accordance with WDVA Policy 615.000 Background Checks. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Must comply with annual Tuberculin Screening in accordance with DVA policy 670.000 Tuberculosis Testing.
• Requires medical evaluation, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the Washington Industrial Safety and Act standards. Must be able to wear a respirator, medical gloves, gowns, eye protection, and other personal protection as required by a job or task.
• Must be able to lift up to 60 lbs. and be capable of reaching a minimum of 36" using proper technique to stock shelves and access supplies. Employee must also be able to push or pull with sufficient strength and walk, sit, and bend in an unrestricted manner during the entire workday.
• Must maintain a valid Washington state licensure for LASW, LSWAIC, or LICSW.
• Must maintain regular and reliable attendance and be willing to work as needed.
• This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards and is expected to adjust hours to meet program needs. This may require working excess hours to include weeksn and/or holidays.
• Must successfully complete, within mandated timeframes, employee orientation and all other mandatory annual, in-service, and other required training.
• Must become familiar and comply with all DVA policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements as applicable.
• Must sign the confidentiality statement for all employees.
• Positions requiring travel must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and must be insured if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
• Candidates who are offered a job with WDVA must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.

Supplemental Information

Application Process:

Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.

Please include the following documents with your application:
1. A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.
2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.

Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.

Other Information:

• This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.