Social Worker (Program Coordinator)

The Polytrauma/TBI Program Coordinator leads the Polytrauma Support Clinic Team (PSCT) at Northampton VA Medical Center, as well as performs Polytrauma/TBI Case Management services of all referrals for Polytrauma rehabilitation services for those active duty service members and eligible veterans, including OEF/OIF combatants and their families.

Operating within national Polytrauma/Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) System of Care and Medical Center policies and directives, the Polytrauma/TBI Program Coordinator has full professional responsibility for planning, developing, implementing, directing and evaluating the Polytrauma Support Clinic Team (PSCT) program, and coordinating services related to traumatic brain injured patients and their families. With the multiple morbidities, these cases tend to be difficult and complex both in terms of severity of the TBI and the presence of complicating physical and emotional factors, which impinge on the treatment process. The incumbent must possess competent social work treatment, case management, program coordination and management skills backed by a broad knowledge base and experience to deal effectively with the variety of complex situations that may be referred for social service activity. The incumbent is knowledgeable of psychosocial and cultural factors and their impact in the treatment process, as well as the impact of Polytrauma/TBI on the patient and family. The incumbent is skilled in casework, group work, education, case management, crisis intervention techniques, family counseling, marital counseling, death and dying counseling and chemical dependency assessment and counseling. The incumbent must be knowledgeable regarding the legal procedures relevant to commitments, guardianships and appropriate procedures to deal with incompetent veterans. Evaluates the assigned veterans' physical, mental, emotional, social, and vocational capabilities to assess the veterans' needs for treatment and services. Duties include but are not limited to: Serves not only as a resource person in matters related to Polytrauma/TBI but also provides and/or arranges for the provision of appropriate treatment modalities for the purpose of enhancing the veteran's functioning, resolving problems and meeting specific objectives established by the PSCT. Conducts special studies and analyzes the necessary human resources, equipment, and space to effectively support the mission of the PSCT. Coordinates and manages services that include TBI/Polytrauma screenings, intake, assessment and evaluation and long-term case management of patient referrals for services Evaluates results of PSCT efforts through performance improvement monitors including national performance wait times, TBI screening, patient satisfaction surveys, referral site surveys, etc. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact hannah.neilson@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). 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) Telework: Ad-Hoc may be available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. 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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification 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 "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.