Senior Social Worker (Stepped-Care Substance Use Disorder-PCMHI)

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Stepped-Care Substance Use Disorder Senior Social Worker (SUD-PCMHI) works for the Central Virginia VA Health Care System in Richmond, Virginia, as a direct report to the Mental Health Service, and is assigned to Primary Care Mental Health Integration. The Stepped-Care Substance Use Disorder Senior Social Worker (SUD-PCMHI) is embedded within, and functions as a member of, the Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) team.

• VA Careers - Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU The Senior Social Worker supports Veterans in low level interventions (ASAM Level 1.0 and lower) for substance use disorders and facilitates warm handoffs/transitions between levels of care. The SUDPCMHI Senior Social Worker works within a stepped care model, treating Veterans with Substance Use Disorders as well as other concurrent mental health problems that impact a Veteran's risk and protective factor profile for return to use. Collaboratively works with the treatment team, VA and community health care providers, and the Veteran to increase adherence to the treatment plan, treat underlying mental health conditions that reinforce or maintain use behavior, and identify and address any psychosocial barriers to recovery. The Senior expected to use both Evidence Based Psychotherapy (EBP) and Evidence Based Psychosocial Interventions (EBPI) and evidence-informed psychosocial interventions, as part of their clinical work with Veterans and families. The Senior Social Worker primary function is the delivery of individual and group psychotherapy for SUD, which may include, but is not limited to Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for SUD (CBT-SUD), as well as other Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) consistent interventions. The incumbent's clinical work may also at times include the use of evidence-based practices for other related conditions such as chronic pain (CBT-CP), depression (IPT, ACT, CBT-D), insomnia (CBT-i), anxiety, etc. as needed, and in support of the primary goal of abstinence/harm reduction and maintenance for substance use disorders. Utilizes Measurement Based Care (i.e., PHQ9, GAD7, etc.) as part of clinical assessment and on-going reassessment to inform treatment goals and adjust clinical approach based on data, ultimately improving treatment outcomes. Completes comprehensive risk assessments using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and other clinical measures. Completes Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation (CSRE) and MH Safety Plan as clinically indicated. Completes appropriate psychosocial, risk, and diagnostic assessments, as clinically indicated, to determine the psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and/or their families. The incumbent must be able to utilize assessments to inform treatment planning. Competent in diagnosing mental health and substance use conditions and identifying correlating evidence-informed or EBP/EBPI treatment interventions as first line considerations in treatment planning. Use shared decision making to independently develop a Veteran-centered treatment plan for Veterans, or to contribute to an existing treatment plan. Possesses knowledge and ability to independently provide EBP, EBPI, and evidence informed episodes of care to treat and assist Veterans with recovering from substance use disorders and other co-occurring mental health conditions. Adept at establishing and maintaining effective therapeutic relationships with Veterans and their supportive others. Can work collaboratively with Veterans and their families who are experiencing a wide range of complicated medical, psychiatric, emotional, behavioral, and psychosocial problems. Maintains general knowledge of Veteran's benefits and services, community resources, and process for making appropriate referrals to community and other governmental programs or agencies. Provides consultation and education to Veterans and their families and facilitates referrals based upon Veterans' needs and eligibility. Serves as a liaison between Veterans and/or their families and VA and community resources to ensure thorough delivery of services. When appropriate and feasible, the Social Worker will educate and encourage the Veteran to advocate on his/her own behalf, thus fostering a sense of independence and empowerment. Provides education related to VA and community resources, entitlements, Advance Directives/Living Will (including psychiatric interventions) and will refer Veterans and family members/significant others to the appropriate interdisciplinary team member for identified health education needs. Responsible for maintaining a variety of databases critical to the functioning on the program and for monitoring patient attendance and, in coordination with the medical director, reviewing and responding to positive urine drug screen results. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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