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Job description
Senior Social Worker
The Senior Social Worker (Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program - BHIP) serves as an advanced practice clinician within the Kansas City VA Medical Center's Mental Health Clinic. The incumbent provides independent, specialized, and evidence-based mental health services to Veterans experiencing a wide range of psychosocial, medical, and psychiatric conditions. The BHIP Senior Social Worker delivers comprehensive clinical treatment, conducts biopsychosocial assessments, develops individualized treatment plans, and coordinates care across interdisciplinary teams. The position requires advanced expertise in psychotherapy modalities, crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and specialty mental health services, including treatment of high-risk and serious mental illness populations. The incumbent provides consultation, clinical supervision, and contributes to program development, innovation, and evaluation.
Major Duties Include But Are Not Limited To:
Provides independent, advanced-practice mental health and psychosocial services to Veterans enrolled in the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP), using evidence-based treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy for Depression, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and other clinically privileged interventions.
Conducts comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, including DSM-5 diagnostic evaluations, identification of presenting problems, strengths and limitations, internal/external supports, and trauma-informed analysis of Veterans' mental health needs.
Develops individualized treatment plans with measurable, time-limited goals in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams including Psychiatry, Substance Use Disorder Treatment Team, Transition Care Management, Homeless Programs, Whole Health, Chaplaincy, and Vet Centers; updates plans annually or as clinically indicated.
Provides individual and group psychotherapy using evidence-based modalities; delivers psychoeducation to Veterans and families on coping strategies for chronic and disabling mental illnesses; utilizes assessment tools to measure treatment effectiveness and modify interventions accordingly.
Offers specialized consultation to interdisciplinary colleagues and trainees regarding psychosocial treatment, advanced clinical interventions, and best practices for Veterans with complex or high-risk conditions; serves as a role model for effective social work practice.
Provides clinical supervision to Social Work staff, MSW interns, and less experienced clinicians; delivers orientation and education seminars; contributes to the development of innovative therapeutic interventions and models of care.
Delivers crisis intervention services, including rapid assessments, development of crisis management and safety plans, and determination of need for intensive outpatient or inpatient services; ensures appropriate response during psychiatric or medical emergencies.
Facilitates referrals to VA and community-based services; serves as a subject matter expert in resource linkage and program navigation; educates Veterans and caregivers on available supports and benefits.
Provides advocacy for Veterans and families, interpreting and explaining benefit programs, treatment options, and facilitating Veteran empowerment through independent self-advocacy when feasible.
Utilizes telehealth modalities to deliver psychotherapy and clinical services; performs basic troubleshooting; ensures Veteran consent and adherence to patient safety and privacy standards during virtual care; trains less experienced staff in telehealth processes.
Completes all required documentation in CPRS, including assessments, diagnostics, treatment plans, progress notes, follow-up, and referrals; manages complex consults using advanced practice clinical judgment.
Participates in performance improvement processes, professional peer review, research, clinical committees, and program evaluation; contributes to policy, procedure, and practice guideline development for specialized mental health services.
Provides collaborative care across mental health, medical, and community systems; maintains effective working relationships with VA employees, volunteers, Veterans, families, and external agencies; attends required staff meetings and interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Telework: Adhoc
Functional Statement #:
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Worksite address
kansas city, MO, 64101, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.