Become a Senior Social Worker for the Veterans Health Administration

Are you a dedicated social worker ready to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently looking for an experienced Senior Social Worker to join the Substance Treatment Program in the scenic city of Wenatchee, Washington. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate, and evidence-based care to our Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As a Senior Social Worker, you will serve as a lead clinician, responsible for the following:

Clinical Assessment: Perform complex psychosocial evaluations and develop evidence-based treatment plans for Veterans suffering from substance use and mental health disorders.
Evidence-Based Practice: Utilize modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Enhancement Therapy.
Crisis Intervention: Manage psychological distress and perform safety planning for high-risk patients.
Administrative Oversight: Collaborate with leadership to design system changes, ensure accreditation compliance (Joint Commission/CARF), and provide mentorship to staff and students.
Collaboration: Act as a key liaison between the Wenatchee CBOC and larger behavioral health networks.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-12 position, applicants must meet specific federal standards:

Education: A Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited institution.
Licensure: You must hold a full, unrestricted, and independent state license.
Experience: A minimum of two years of post-licensure clinical experience, including at least one year of high-level work equivalent to a GS-11 grade.
Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required.

Salary and Benefits Comparison

Feature	Value
Grade Level	GS-12
Salary Range	$97,017 - $126,128 annually
Student Loan Repayment	Up to $200,000 (EDRP eligible)
Paid Time Off	37-50 days per year

Why Join the VA?

Working for the VA offers a unique combination of mission-driven purpose and institutional stability. In addition to a competitive salary, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes federal health insurance, a solid retirement plan, and paid parental leave. The EDRP incentive makes this an especially attractive opportunity for those managing student loan debt.

Application Tips

The Resume Matters: Do not use a generic resume. Download and use the VA’s specific Clinical Resume template to ensure your history is presented exactly as federal reviewers expect.
Detail Your Work: Clearly state hours per week for every position held and ensure your clinical duties are explicitly linked to your experience in substance use treatment.
Follow the Portal: Apply exclusively through the official USAJOBS platform and monitor your email for updates regarding your status.

If you are ready to elevate your career while honoring America’s heroes, we invite you to apply. The Wenatchee community provides an incredible backdrop for a rewarding clinical career, offering a high quality of life and professional growth opportunities within the VA.

Why This Senior Social Worker - Substance Treatment Program Therapist Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact in the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the Veterans Health Administration as a Senior Social Worker for our Substance Treatment Program.

Senior Social Worker - Substance Treatment Program Therapist Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Senior Social Worker to provide specialized clinical services in Wenatchee, Washington. In this pivotal GS-12 role, you will lead evidence-based treatment efforts for Veterans struggling with substance use and mental health concerns. You will serve as a vital link between clinical care and administrative excellence, ensuring that those who served our country receive the high-quality, comprehensive support they deserve.

Requirements for Senior Social Worker - Substance Treatment Program Therapist

U.S. Citizenship (unless specific exceptions apply).
Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Current, full, valid, and unrestricted independent licensure to practice social work at the master’s level.
Minimum of two years of post-licensure clinical experience, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-11 level.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Completion of a background/security investigation and physical evaluation.
Registration with Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
Ability to comply with annual influenza vaccination requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker - Substance Treatment Program Therapist

Extensive experience working with Veterans and individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders.
Demonstrated expertise in specialized clinical modalities such as CBT, ACT, DBT, and motivational interviewing.
Proven ability to provide clinical supervision and mentorship to junior staff or trainees.
Advanced experience in quality improvement, system design, and program management.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary with regular pay increases.
✓Student loan repayment assistance (EDRP) up to $200,000 for qualifying candidates.
✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
✓Federal pension plan and 401k-style Thrift Savings Plan with employer matching.
✓Childcare subsidies for eligible employees.

💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker - Substance Treatment Program Therapist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Senior Social Worker - Substance Treatment Program Therapist Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Complete the occupational questionnaire.
Upload required documents, including your license, transcripts, and specialized clinical resume.
Submit your full application package before the closing date of June 30, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Use the specific clinical resume template provided by the VA to ensure all required data points are captured.
Be detailed: clearly define your experience with specific dates, hours per week, and a breakdown of your clinical duties.
Ensure your license verification is current and easily accessible.
Review your application thoroughly to avoid common errors that lead to disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an in-person, onsite position based in Wenatchee, Washington.

What is the EDRP?

The Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) is a VA incentive that provides student loan reimbursement for eligible professionals, potentially up to $200,000.

Do I need to be a U.S. Citizen?

Yes, U.S. citizenship is a standard requirement for appointment, though non-citizens may be considered if no qualified citizens are available.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By joining the VA team, you are becoming part of a community that values Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—the "I CARE" core values that drive everything we do.