SOCIAL WORKER

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to provide a full range of professional social work services within operational Air Force (AF) squadrons. Serves as a member of a multidisciplinary Integrated Operational Support (IOS) team directly supporting the Line of the Air Force (LAF) mission assigned VCSAF - Task Force TRUE NORTH (TFTN) program.

Duties

Observes and participates in squadron activities in order to identify psychosocial stressors and barriers to optimal human performance. Integrates into the full spectrum of squadron activities observing squadron personnel in the conduct of their duties across the full span of worksites, processes, and shifts. Develops and implements initiatives to mitigate psychosocial stressors and risks and optimize airmen performance. Utilizes information gathered through direct observations within squadron worksites, interviews with squadron personnel, and objective medical, safety, and fitness data, in order to select or develop evidence-based initiatives to mitigate identified hazards and barriers to optimal health and performance, and to enhance resiliency. Provides psychological consultation, education, and training to military commanders/senior leaders, other mental health professionals, and medical staff. Works with IOS members to provide mutual consultative support to unit commanders and other unit personnel within areas of expertise and experience. Conducts psychodiagnostic assessments and provides evidence-based psychotherapy. Applies professional knowledge of the principles, theories, procedures, and practices of social work to conduct evaluations in accordance with accepted standards of professional practice and applicable USAF and DoD guidelines.

Qualifications

Conditions of Employment Continued: This position has been identified as having "regular contact with children". IAW Public Law 101-647 Section 231, and Public Law 102-190, Section 1094. A FBI fingerprint and State Criminal History Repository (SCHR) Check will be completed on any person selected for this position. This is a centrally managed Position in the 0185 Series, Medical Field. Qualifications: In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions, Social Work series 0185 + IOR (Individual Occupational Requirement). BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Degree: Social work. Must fulfill all of the requirements for the master's degree in social work in a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Note: You must provide a copy of your transcripts with your application. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes providing professional knowledge of social work practices, principles, theories, and administrative requirements to be able to apply them in a clinical or occupational setting. Using knowledge of evidence-based treatments for a full range of psychiatric disorders to plan and provide treatment to patients. Applying knowledge of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association to evaluate psychiatric disorders and apply professional diagnostic skills. Providing knowledge of military organizations and culture and the unique stressors upon workers in an operational military workplace. Exercising knowledge of administration, scoring, and interpretation of select psychological and psycho-social measures to properly assess patient's and family's needs. Using an understanding of behavioral risk management and ability to engage appropriate protections when risk of harm to self or others is present. Providing guidance and consultation services to medical professionals, military leaders, and facilitate referrals to military or community-based human service agencies and resources, i.e., Protective Services or financial aid organizations. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1. Professional knowledge of social work practices, principles, theories, and administrative requirements to be able to apply them in a clinical or occupational setting. 2. Professional knowledge of evidence-based treatments for a full range of psychiatric disorders to plan and provide treatment to patients. 3. Knowledge of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association to evaluate psychiatric disorders and apply professional diagnostic skills. 4. Knowledge of military organizations and culture and the unique stressors upon workers in an operational military workplace. 5. Knowledge of administration, scoring, and interpretation of select psychological and psycho-social measures to properly assess patient's and family's needs. Sophisticated understanding of behavioral risk management and ability to engage appropriate protections as needed when risk of harm to self or others is present. 6. Ability to provide guidance and consultation services to medical professionals and military leaders and facilitate referrals to military or community-based human service agencies and resources; e.g., Protective Services or financial aid organizations. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.