Advance Your Clinical Career: Senior Social Worker (BHIP) at the VA

Are you a dedicated social worker looking to make a profound impact on the lives of those who have served our nation? The Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Health Care System is currently hiring a Senior Social Worker for our Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). This GS-12 position offers a unique blend of clinical autonomy, professional development, and the comprehensive benefits of a federal career.

Job Responsibilities

As a BHIP Senior Social Worker, you will serve as a lead clinician, performing:

Specialized Treatment: Conducting psychotherapy for Veterans with PTSD, substance use disorders, TBI, and complex mental health conditions.
Diagnostic Assessment: Utilizing your clinical scope of practice to perform psychosocial and psychiatric diagnoses.
Care Coordination: Managing cases for Veterans with complex needs and acting as an advocate within community service networks.
Mentorship: Providing consultation to students and colleagues, and acting as a clinical supervisor for licensure candidates.
Program Development: Implementing outcome evaluations to improve the quality and effectiveness of social work services.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following federal requirements:

U.S. Citizenship.
Master’s degree in Social Work (CSWE accredited).
Current, independent state clinical license.
Two years of post-licensure clinical experience.

Comparison Table: Why Choose the VA?

Feature	VA Federal Position	Typical Private Practice
Loan Repayment	EDRP (Up to $200k)	Rare
Retirement	Pension + 401K Match	Often Employee-funded
Work-Life Balance	Standard 8-4:30 M-F	Often Variable
Benefits	Federal Health & Leave	Varies by Employer

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $94,019 to $122,227 per year. Beyond the base pay, employees benefit from a robust package including comprehensive health insurance, up to 50 days of total paid leave per year, federal retirement contributions, and access to the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).

Application Tips

Use the Standard Form: Ensure you use the specific Clinical Resume template provided by the VA to avoid processing errors.
Highlight Specialized Skills: Explicitly detail your experience with evidence-based therapies and complex case management in your resume.
Follow the Questionnaire: Do not skip any part of the online application questionnaire; it is a critical component of the qualification review.

If you are a clinical professional ready to provide high-quality, compassionate care to Veterans, this is your opportunity. Join a team that values your expertise and supports your professional growth. Apply via the USAJOBS portal by the July 15, 2026, deadline to be considered.

Why This Senior Social Worker (Bhip) - Edrp Approved Job Matters

Advance your clinical career while serving those who served: The Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA is seeking a dedicated Senior Social Worker to join our Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) team.

Senior Social Worker (Bhip) - Edrp Approved Job Overview

The Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Health Care System is looking for a licensed Senior Social Worker (GS-12) to provide advanced clinical care to Veterans. This position involves performing specialized behavioral health interventions, including individual and group psychotherapy, for patients with complex physical or mental health conditions. You will play a pivotal role in a multidisciplinary environment, managing patient care, providing clinical consultations, and mentoring staff within clinics in Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Laredo, and McAllen, Texas.

Requirements for Senior Social Worker (Bhip) - Edrp Approved

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Possess a Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Hold a current, state-issued license to practice clinical social work independently at the master's level.
Minimum of two years of post-licensure clinical experience, including one year at the GS-11 equivalent level.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Completion of a background and security investigation.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker (Bhip) - Edrp Approved

Prior work experience within the VA or Department of Defense.
Experience in community mental health settings.
Expertise in evidence-based psychotherapies (EBP) for individuals, couples, and families.
Demonstrated ability to use measurement-based care to improve clinical outcomes.
Strong background in complex case management in outpatient settings.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000 for qualifying loans).
✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
✓Federal retirement benefits including a pension and 401K with up to 5% agency matching.
✓12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment.
✓Childcare subsidy program for qualifying families.
✓Ad-hoc telework opportunities.
✓Competitive salary with regular step increases.

💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker (Bhip) - Edrp Approved Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Senior Social Worker (Bhip) - Edrp Approved Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your resume; download the required Clinical Resume document from the provided VA careers link.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all necessary documentation, including your professional license, transcripts, and any applicable veterans' preference documents.
Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on July 15, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically addresses the two-year post-licensure experience requirement with clear, quantifiable examples.
Do not assume the hiring team knows your previous experience; be explicit about your specialized clinical duties.
Check your application status frequently through your USAJOBS dashboard.
Contact the EDRP coordinator early if you have specific questions regarding student loan repayment eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program?

Yes, this position is EDRP-approved. Eligible candidates may receive student loan reimbursement up to $200,000, subject to VHA policy review.

Can I apply if I am not currently a federal employee?

Yes, this position is open to the public as well as internal federal candidates.

What is the expected work schedule?

The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: This specific position does not authorize Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocation assistance, though specific recruitment incentives may be available for new appointments.*

What if I have a break in my license?

*A: You must maintain an active, independent clinical license at the advanced practice level to qualify.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for our nation’s Veterans and their families. The Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA operates a network of clinics across Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Laredo, and McAllen. We provide a full spectrum of ambulatory health care, serving over 30,000 Veterans with high-quality medical, surgical, and psychiatric services.