Clinical Social Work Veterans Health Administration Twenty First

Clinical Social Work Veterans Health Administration Twenty First Century Employer of Choice

The Mission of VHA To provide high quality medical care and rehabilitation to veterans. Conduct research and investigation of veteran’s diseases and disabilities. Offer education and training to the nation’s health care workers. Supply medical care to the Department of Defense in war or national emergencies. 05/17/24 Updated 2

Mission of VA Social Work To eliminate psychosocial complications as barriers to healthcare access for veterans and families. To develop and maintain integrated programs in patient care through research, education and prevention. 05/17/24 Updated 3

Vision VA Social Work will provide the foremost leadership in the psychosocial care of veterans and their families. 05/17/24 Updated 4

Values To respect the dignity and worth of the veteran - upholding ethical standards of social work practice. To advocate for changes that are responsive to veterans’ needs through use of community and VA resources. To create a learning environment promoting new knowledge, clinical social work practice and administrative excellence. We are committed to the psychosocial welfare of veterans and their families. We offer social work staff as our greatest resource. 05/17/24 Updated 5

Clinical Social Workers The role of the clinical social worker is to help veterans & their families through the emotional, environmental, cultural, and economic pressures during times of need. Social workers utilize: Crisis intervention Group, family and individual therapies Casework and other individualized treatment options Interdisciplinary treatment coordination to maximize goals 05/17/24 Updated 6

History of VHA Social Work June 16, 1926, established the social work program in Veterans Bureau. First year staffing was 36 social workers. Currently more than 3800 master’s prepared social workers are employed. Social workers are assigned to most VA program areas. Largest single agency that trains more than 600 social work graduate students each year! 05/17/24 Updated 7

VA Social Work Program Involvement Care Coordination Mental Health & Behavioral Health Community Based Programs Primary Care Geriatrics and Extended Care Rehabilitation Programs Medicine and Surgery Service 05/17/24 Updated 8

VA Social Work Career Benefits Generous leave and holidays Health, life and long term care insurance plans Excellent retirement plan Mobility opportunities CEU opportunities 05/17/24 Updated 9

Additional Benefits Most VA facilities offer: Child Care Services Employee Health & Wellness Programs Employee Associations Onsite dining facilities & credit unions Mentoring programs Free parking Smoke free work place 05/17/24 Updated 10

Career Opportunities Clinical, Administrative and Executive Positions Research Social Work Student Instructor Relationships with local School of Social Work Graduate Education Programs Partnership with Community Agencies 05/17/24 Updated 11

Succession Planning Opportunities Social Work & VHA Mentoring Programs National Social Work Committees Career Advancement Training Programs Leadership Training Programs 05/17/24 Updated 12

Employee Diversity & Special Emphasis Programs Asian American & Pacific Islanders African American Hispanic Native American People with Disabilities Federal Women 05/17/24 Updated 13

VA Social Work Application Process Applicants may contact the Social Work Executive Office at the facility of desired employment or the following websites: www.usajobs.opm.gov. www.va.gov . 05/17/24 Updated 14

VHA Clinical Social Worker Visit us on the web at: http://www.va.gov/socialwork Developed by the National VA Social Work Public Relations Committee 2002 Updated 2004