Advance Your Clinical Career: Senior Social Worker (BHIP) at the Memphis VA
Are you a dedicated social worker looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of American Veterans? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Memphis, Tennessee, is currently accepting applications for a Senior Social Worker to join our Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP).
About the Memphis VA
The Memphis VA Medical Center is a state-of-the-art, Level I tertiary care facility serving over 206,000 Veterans across Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Located in the heart of a city renowned for its rich musical heritage and vibrant culture, our center provides comprehensive medical and mental health services. Joining our team means becoming part of a sophisticated healthcare network dedicated to compassionate, whole-health care.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior Social Worker, you will serve as a clinical leader. Your core responsibilities will include:
- Comprehensive Assessment: Performing detailed psychosocial evaluations and diagnosing mental health disorders.
- Evidence-Based Therapy: Implementing individual, group, and family psychotherapy sessions.
- Mentorship: Providing clinical supervision to post-doctoral fellows and interns.
- Program Development: Utilizing outcome-based data to refine social work practices and improve service delivery.
- Collaboration: Acting as a liaison between medical center departments and community providers to ensure seamless patient care.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-12 position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution.
- Licensure: Current, active state licensure for independent practice at the master's level.
- Experience: A minimum of two years of post-licensure clinical experience.
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $102,445 - $133,181 per year |
| Loan Repayment | EDRP up to $200,000 |
| Annual Leave | 13-26 days (accrual based on service) |
| Retirement | Federal Pension + 401k (TSP) match |
Application Tips
Securing a role within the federal government requires attention to detail. Ensure you use the specialized clinical resume template linked on the application page, as standard resumes may not contain the necessary data fields required by the VA system. Be thorough when describing your experience; quantify your clinical achievements and clearly state your role in previous multidisciplinary teams.
Serving those who have served our country is more than just a job; it is a calling. With competitive pay, robust loan repayment options, and the chance to work in a high-complexity medical environment, the Senior Social Worker role at the Memphis VA is an exceptional opportunity for your career. Apply today to help us fulfill President Lincoln's promise.
Why This Senior Social Worker (Bhip) Job Matters
Make a transformative impact on the lives of those who served our nation as a Senior Social Worker with the VA in Memphis, Tennessee—where professional excellence meets Southern hospitality.
Senior Social Worker (Bhip) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled Senior Social Worker (BHIP) to join our esteemed team at the Memphis VA Medical Center. As a key member of our behavioral health team, you will provide advanced clinical interventions, psychological assessments, and comprehensive case management for Veterans. This role offers an opportunity to work within a highly complex, tertiary care facility while enjoying the vibrant culture and affordability of Memphis, Tennessee.
Requirements for Senior Social Worker (Bhip)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution
- Current, active state licensure or certification for independent practice at the master's level
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Minimum of two years post-licensure experience in a specialized clinical setting
- Completion of mandatory influenza vaccination program
- Ability to pass a background/security investigation
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker (Bhip)
- Advanced practice clinical licensure
- Experience in specialized psychosocial interventions and psychotherapeutic treatment modalities
- Demonstrated ability to provide clinical supervision to students or interns
- Proficiency in developing outcome-based evaluations for social work services
- Expertise in complex case management within a hospital environment
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
- ✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting
- ✓401k-style Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% employer match
- ✓13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays
- ✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker (Bhip) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Social Worker (Bhip) Job
- Log in or create an account on the USAJOBS portal.
- Review all documentation requirements, including the mandatory clinical resume format.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload your resume, transcripts, licensure verification, and any necessary veteran or disability documents.
- Submit your application package before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status updates and confirmation notifications.
💡 General Tips
- Use the specific clinical resume template provided by the VA to ensure your application meets formatting standards.
- Be extremely specific in your experience section; do not leave room for assumptions regarding your clinical background.
- Ensure your state license is current and verifiable prior to submission.
- Highlight your experience with specialized populations and advanced psychotherapy modalities.
- Double-check that all required supporting documents (SF-50, transcripts, etc.) are attached before hitting submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?
Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement for eligible applicants.
What is the work schedule for this position?
The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Can I substitute a doctoral degree in Social Work for the master's degree requirement?
No, per VA standards, a doctoral degree cannot be substituted for the required master's degree in Social Work.
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: Yes, permanent change of station (relocation) assistance may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.*
Is this a remote position?
*A: No, this is an onsite position at the Memphis VA Medical Center.*