Advance Your Clinical Career: Senior Social Worker (Substance Treatment) at the VA
Are you a clinical social worker with a passion for helping those who have served? The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled Senior Social Worker to join the Substance Treatment Program in Wenatchee, Washington. This role offers the opportunity to provide high-level, evidence-based care in a scenic community while enjoying the stability and benefits of a federal career.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior Social Worker, you will perform high-impact clinical and administrative duties:
- Clinical Assessment: Perform psychosocial evaluations, diagnosis, and treatment planning using the current DSM.
- Evidence-Based Care: Deliver individual, group, and family counseling using modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and EMDR.
- Leadership & Supervision: Mentor junior staff and students, and provide clinical oversight for the Substance Treatment Program.
- Collaboration: Work within an interdisciplinary team to coordinate care and serve as a liaison for mental health services.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must:
- Possess a Master’s degree from a CSWE-accredited school.
- Hold a current, unrestricted state license for independent clinical social work practice.
- Have at least two years of post-licensure experience.
- Maintain high proficiency in spoken and written English.
Comparison: Generalist vs. Senior Social Worker
| Feature | Full Performance Level | Senior Social Worker (GS-12) |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Requirement | Entry to Mid-level | 2+ Years Post-Licensure |
| Scope of Practice | Standard Clinical Duties | Program Leadership & Specialized Care |
| Autonomy | Supervised/Standard | High/Independent Practice |
| Mentorship | Receiver of Guidance | Provider of Guidance & Supervision |
Salary and Benefits
The GS-12 position offers a competitive salary range of $97,017 to $126,128 per year. Benefits include:
- Education Loan Repayment: EDRP eligibility up to $200,000.
- Work-Life Balance: Up to 50 days of paid time off per year (Annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays).
- Comprehensive Insurance: Federal health, dental, and vision plans.
- Retirement: Federal pension and 401(k) with agency matching.
This role is an excellent opportunity to expand your clinical impact and contribute to the well-being of Veterans in the Wenatchee community. If you meet the criteria and are ready for a career dedicated to excellence, we look forward to reviewing your application before the June 30, 2026, deadline.
Why This Senior Social Worker - Substance Treatment Program Therapist Job Matters
Make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served. Join the Veterans Health Administration as a Senior Social Worker and provide essential substance treatment care in beautiful Wenatchee, Washington.
Senior Social Worker - Substance Treatment Program Therapist Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a dedicated Senior Social Worker for its Substance Treatment Program in Wenatchee, Washington. In this clinical leadership role, you will perform independent assessments, develop complex treatment plans, and deliver high-quality evidence-based care to Veterans. This position offers a unique blend of clinical practice and administrative responsibility, allowing you to shape service delivery, provide staff mentorship, and participate in systemic improvements for Veteran health care. If you are a compassionate, licensed clinical social worker looking to advance your career while supporting our nation’s heroes, we invite you to apply.
Requirements for Senior Social Worker - Substance Treatment Program Therapist
- United States Citizenship
- Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Active, full, and unrestricted state-issued license to independently practice clinical social work
- At least two years of post-licensure clinical experience, with at least one year at the GS-11 level or equivalent
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Successful completion of a background and security investigation
- Pre-employment physical examination
- Requirement for annual seasonal influenza vaccination
- Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker - Substance Treatment Program Therapist
- Demonstrated experience working with Veterans
- Expertise in treating substance use disorders
- Advanced training or certification in evidence-based psychotherapies
- Experience in program coordination or clinical leadership roles
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary and regular pay increases
- ✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance
- ✓Federal 401(k) retirement plan with up to 5% agency matching
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
- ✓Paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster care
- ✓Child care subsidy for eligible families
💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker - Substance Treatment Program Therapist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Social Worker - Substance Treatment Program Therapist Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement on USAJobs
- Create or update your USAJobs account
- Prepare a detailed resume including start/end dates, hours per week, and detailed duties
- Download and complete the required Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers link
- Upload all mandatory documentation, including professional license, transcripts, and SF-50 (if applicable)
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire
- Submit your application package by the closing date of June 30, 2026
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; do not assume the recruiter knows your past responsibilities
- Ensure your resume includes your full history, including month/year for all positions
- Address all listed Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) in your application materials
- Upload the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided to avoid disqualification
- Double-check your eligibility documents, especially your most recent SF-50 if you are a current federal employee
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for loan repayment?
Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 based on policy and application approval.
Do I need to be a US citizen to apply?
Yes, US citizenship is a basic requirement, though exceptions may be made under specific policy guidelines if no qualified citizens are available.
What is the work schedule?
This position operates on a standard Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM schedule.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is committed to providing compassionate, whole-health care to America’s Veterans. We operate under the "I CARE" values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Joining the VHA means becoming part of a nationwide network of professionals dedicated to honoring our Veterans through superior health outcomes.