Leading Mental Health Excellence: Social Work Program Manager at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for clinical excellence and service? The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center is currently seeking a highly motivated Social Work Program Manager to spearhead mental health initiatives that serve our nation’s heroes. This is a high-impact, GS-15 level opportunity for a seasoned professional to manage large-scale healthcare systems, mentor multidisciplinary teams, and drive the future of recovery-focused care. If you are ready to transition your career into a role where strategic planning meets compassionate service, this position in Augusta, Georgia, is the perfect match.

Job Responsibilities

As the Social Work Program Manager, you will serve as a cornerstone of the facility’s mental health division. Your daily responsibilities will involve:

Strategic Oversight: Directing clinical and administrative functions for a large, complex mental health service line.
Budget Management: Overseeing fiscal resources, ensuring optimal utilization, and participating in system-wide budget planning.
Leadership: Providing expert counsel to senior leadership and serving as a mentor to managers and clinical staff.
Program Development: Implementing and evaluating programs ranging from primary ambulatory care to specialty mental health services, including homeless outreach and suicide prevention.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Coordinating efforts across community outpatient clinics and specialized programs to ensure seamless Veteran care.

Requirements

To qualify for this senior-level management role, candidates must meet strict criteria set forth by the VA:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education: A master’s degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited school.
Licensure: Must hold an active state license allowing for independent practice at the master’s level.
Experience: A minimum of four years of experience as a VA clinical social worker, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-14 level.
Performance: Demonstration of progressively higher supervisory and administrative skills.

Salary and Comparison

Feature	Details
Position Level	GS-15
Salary Range	$146,481 - $190,424 per year
Location	Augusta, Georgia
Loan Repayment	Up to $200,000 via EDRP
Schedule	Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Benefits

The VHA provides one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the federal sector. Employees enjoy:

Financial Health: Competitive salary, federal 401(k) matching, and traditional pension plans.
Time Off: Between 37 and 50 days of paid time off annually, including vacation, sick, and federal holidays.
Work-Life Balance: Paid parental leave after 12 months and access to childcare subsidies for eligible families.
Insurance: High-quality options for health, vision, dental, and life insurance that can follow you into retirement.

Application Tips

Standing out in a competitive federal hiring process requires attention to detail. Ensure your application reflects your leadership capability rather than just clinical experience. Use the required VA-standardized resume template to avoid formatting issues. Clearly articulate your budget management experience and your familiarity with accreditation standards like The Joint Commission. Finally, make sure to submit your application well before the September 30, 2026, closing date to ensure your package is reviewed during the initial referral cycles.

Serving as a Social Work Program Manager at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center is more than a job—it is a commitment to excellence in the service of those who have sacrificed for our country. With substantial incentives like EDRP loan repayment and a robust federal benefits package, this role offers the perfect balance of professional challenge and personal security. Take the next step in your management career and help shape the future of Veteran healthcare today.

Why This Social Work Program Manager Job Matters

Lead transformative mental health initiatives and drive excellence in patient care as a Social Work Program Manager at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center.

Social Work Program Manager Job Overview

The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, is seeking a highly skilled Social Work Program Manager to oversee large-scale mental health programs. This critical leadership role involves directing interdisciplinary teams, managing complex budgets, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, recovery-focused care to our nation's Veterans. If you are a seasoned mental health leader looking to make a meaningful impact, this GS-15 position offers the opportunity to shape healthcare policy, mentor clinical staff, and provide vital services across a diverse and expansive healthcare system.

Requirements for Social Work Program Manager

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution.
Must hold a state license to practice social work independently at the master's level.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Completion of a pre-employment medical evaluation.
Requirement to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Completion of a 1- or 2-year trial period.
Must pass a background and security investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Social Work Program Manager

At least 10 years of experience as a mental health provider.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in a formal leadership or supervisory position.
Demonstrated expertise in large-scale program management, including budget oversight and strategic planning.
Advanced practice level licensure and ability to provide supervision for licensure.
Experience working with accrediting bodies such as The Joint Commission (TJC) or CARF.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000).
✓Competitive salary with regular increases.
✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees.
✓Childcare subsidy for qualifying family incomes.
✓Federal pension and 401(k) retirement plans with employer matching.

💡 How to Apply Social Work Program Manager Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Social Work Program Manager Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your resume using the required clinical template found on the VA Careers website.
Gather all required documentation, including your license and academic transcripts.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload your resume, license, and any additional relevant documents (e.g., SF-50, DD-214).
Submit your application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly details your leadership experience, as the agency cannot make assumptions.
Use the specific VA clinical resume template to avoid processing delays.
Check your application status regularly via your USAJOBS dashboard.
Confirm that your license is active and in good standing before applying.
Apply early to be considered for the first referral cut-off date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is relocation assistance provided for this position?

No, relocation assistance is not authorized for this role.

Are there student loan repayment options?

Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which can provide up to $200,000 toward student loans.

Can I work remotely?

No, this is not a virtual position; it requires presence at the facility.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Working at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center means joining a mission-driven organization that values innovation, integrity, and the holistic well-being of Veterans. As part of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), you will play a central role in a network committed to world-class medical outcomes and patient-centered service.