Advance Your Clinical Career as a Senior Social Worker with the Alaska VA
Are you a dedicated clinician seeking to make a profound impact on the lives of those who served our nation? The Alaska VA Healthcare System is currently seeking a highly skilled Senior Social Worker (PACT/PCMHI) to join our clinical team in Soldotna, Alaska. This is an exceptional opportunity to practice in a setting that values integrity, advocacy, and clinical excellence.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior Social Worker, your days will be 100% clinical. You will serve as a key member of the interdisciplinary primary care team, providing specialized mental health and social work services. Your core duties will include:
- Comprehensive Assessments: Conducting thorough psychosocial evaluations to identify patient strengths and needs.
- Treatment Planning: Collaborating with Veterans and their families to develop evidence-based treatment plans.
- Clinical Intervention: Providing individual and group psychotherapy using modalities such as Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Therapy.
- Case Management: Coordinating community-based services and acting as a liaison between the Veteran, their family, and the VA system.
- Crisis Management: Providing timely, authoritative intervention for high-risk patients.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-12 position, candidates must meet specific criteria regarding education, licensure, and experience:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | Master’s degree from a CSWE-accredited school of social work. |
| Licensure | Independent clinical social work license. |
| Experience | 2+ years of post-licensure experience, including 1 year at the GS-11 equivalent. |
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizenship is required. |
Salary and Benefits
The VA offers a highly competitive compensation package designed to support both your professional and personal life. The salary for this position ranges from $107,301 to $139,994 per year, depending on qualifications.
In addition to the salary, you will receive:
- Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): You may be eligible for up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
- Paid Time Off: Between 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- Insurance: Access to comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance options.
- Retirement: A robust package including a traditional pension and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% employer matching.
- Family Support: Eligibility for paid parental leave and childcare subsidies.
Application Tips
When applying for federal positions, precision is key. Ensure your resume highlights your clinical experience clearly. Use the specific template provided by the VA Careers website to ensure your application meets all technical requirements. Do not assume the hiring manager understands your background; clearly define your work with specific populations and treatment modalities.
If you are a motivated Social Worker looking to combine professional clinical growth with the rugged beauty and vibrant community of Alaska, this role offers the perfect balance. Apply today to help us uphold the promise of care for America’s Veterans.
Why This Senior Social Worker (Pact/Pcmhi) Job Matters
Join a dedicated team in beautiful Soldotna, Alaska, and provide life-changing mental health support to those who have served our country.
Senior Social Worker (Pact/Pcmhi) Job Overview
The Alaska VA Healthcare System is seeking a passionate Senior Social Worker to join our Primary Care and Mental Health (PACT/PCMHI) team. In this pivotal role, you will provide comprehensive clinical social work services, including psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, and evidence-based psychotherapy, to help our Veterans navigate complex mental health and social challenges. Based in Soldotna, you will be part of an interdisciplinary team committed to the VA's 'I CARE' core values, delivering high-quality, whole-health care in a community-focused environment.
Requirements for Senior Social Worker (Pact/Pcmhi)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Current state licensure or certification at the independent clinical practice level
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Minimum of two years of experience post-advanced practice clinical licensure
- Pass a pre-employment physical assessment
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker (Pact/Pcmhi)
- Expertise in specialized mental health interventions and psychotherapy
- Experience in interdisciplinary team environments
- Strong background in crisis intervention and psychosocial case management
- Proficiency in evidence-based therapeutic modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility
- âś“Competitive federal salary with regular increases
- âś“Generous paid time off (up to 50 days annually including holidays and sick leave)
- âś“Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- âś“Federal pension plan and 401k-style thrift savings plan with matching contributions
- âś“Paid parental leave for eligible employees
- âś“Childcare subsidy programs
đź’ˇ How to Apply Senior Social Worker (Pact/Pcmhi) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Social Worker (Pact/Pcmhi) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your documentation, including your license and transcripts.
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume document.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of September 30, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific and thorough when describing your clinical experience to ensure you receive full credit.
- Ensure your license is active and clearly documented.
- Double-check that you have uploaded all required documents, including your SF-50 if you are a current or former federal employee.
- Follow the specific instructions for the Clinical Resume document format to avoid technical disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, relocation assistance (Permanent Change of Station) is not authorized for this specific role.
Am I eligible for student loan repayment?
Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). Eligibility and award amounts are determined by the VHA program office after appointment.
What is the work schedule?
The schedule is a standard Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Is this a virtual position?
*A: No, this is an on-site clinical role in Soldotna, Alaska.*
Can I apply if I haven't finished my licensure?
*A: Candidates must be fully licensed to practice independently at the master’s level to qualify.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling the promise of care for our nation’s Veterans and their families. The Alaska VA Healthcare System operates a complexity level 3 facility that serves Veterans across the state through a network of community-based outpatient clinics. Joining the VA means becoming part of a nationwide network of professionals who prioritize the 'I CARE' core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.