Social Services Assistant

Summary About the Position: Position is for the Defense Health Agency Indo-Pacific, Madigan Army Medical Center, Social Work Services, located at Tacoma, Washington. This is a Direct Hire Solicitation: Learn more about this agency Duties Responds to inpatient consultations and outpatient referrals for patients with medical problems requiring special services or care after discharge from the hospital. Interviews and counsel's patient, family members and/or others to obtain and assess social history and financial information needed in planning services relative to the patient's social, welfare or health care needs Maintains close coordination with the patient in following through with plans. Charts significant case developments. Provides crisis counseling. Arranges and participates in patient care conferences, which include patient, family members, and all medical personnel involved in the case, to discuss difficult cases. Maintains a comprehensive file of information on area public, private and voluntary service organizations. Attends and participates in rehab conferences as needed. Participates in in-service training programs and attends staff and other professional meetings. Coordinates patient services with military and civilian agencies (e.g., nursing homes, Social Security, Veterans Administration, veteran's organizations, Medicaid, Medicare, Adult Protective Services, Judge Advocate, etc.). Discusses the plan with patient and family on services and financial assistance available through private organizations, state and federal agencies, Medicare, Medicaid, CHAMPUS, Army Community Services, etc. Requirements Conditions of employment Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. Appointment to this position is subject to a one-year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315. This position is Mission Essentia in the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations the incumbent may be required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations. This position is designated as having regular and recurring contact with children under the age of 18 and is subject to requirements of DoDI 1402.05. This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position. This position is required to be screened for and obtain necessary immunizations/vaccinations (hepatitis, influenza, etc.), unless exempted by a licensed physician. This position requires Basic Life Support training certification from, or in accordance with, the American Heart Association and American Red Cross. Current Advanced Life Support or other advanced certification does not supersede BLS completion. Qualifications Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includesevaluating mental health clients to determine required services; develop discharge plans; coordinate referrals with other health care facilities; and maintaining patient files. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07). OR Education: One and a half years of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Child & Family Welfare, Counseling (ex. crisis, substance abuse, mental health, chemical dependence), Family and Community Services, Behavioral Science, Human Development, Sociology, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of education beyond two years (total semester hours minus 60) by 60. Add the two percentages. Education FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional information Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. Recruitment or relocation incentives MAY be authorized for highly qualified candidates. Advance in Hire MAY be authorized for highly qualified candidates. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.