Empowering Veterans: Senior Social Worker (HUD-VASH) Opportunity
Are you a dedicated social worker looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's heroes? The Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center in Walla Walla, Washington, is seeking a compassionate, expert Senior Social Worker for our HUD-VASH Case Management program.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior Social Worker within the HUD-VASH (Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing) program, you will play a leadership role in ending Veteran homelessness. Your primary responsibilities will include:
- Clinical Leadership: Providing orientation, coaching, and clinical guidance to staff.
- Outreach & Engagement: Building collaborations with community stakeholders and PHAs to assist Veterans in securing stable housing.
- Case Management: Conducting home visits and providing clinical coordination to support housing retention.
- Clinical Intervention: Providing individual and group psychotherapy and psychosocial support consistent with VA standards.
- Program Development: Designing methods to measure program effectiveness and improving treatment protocols.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-12 position, you must meet several federal criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
- Education: A Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution.
- Licensure: A current, valid, unrestricted independent clinical license.
- Experience: At least two years of post-licensure experience in a specialized area of social work, including one year at the GS-11 grade level.
Comparison Table: Qualifications
| Requirement | Essential Standard |
|---|---|
| Education | Master’s Degree in Social Work (CSWE Accredited) |
| Experience | 2+ Years post-independent licensure |
| Licensure | State-level independent clinical license |
| Citizenship | Required |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $106,245 to $138,122 per year. Beyond the base pay, the VA offers a robust benefits package:
- Education Debt Reduction: Eligible for the EDRP, potentially covering up to $200,000 in student loan debt.
- Time Off: Between 37 and 50 days of total paid leave per year.
- Retirement: Participation in the federal pension system and a 401k-style Thrift Savings Plan with agency matching.
- Insurance: Access to premium federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
How to Apply
Applying for federal jobs requires attention to detail. Ensure you have your resume, transcript, and active license ready. Use the specific standard resume template provided on the VA Careers website to ensure your application meets the automated screening criteria. All applications must be submitted through the official USAJOBS portal by the September 30, 2026, deadline.
This role is an incredible opportunity for a seasoned social worker to advance their career while contributing to a vital mission. If you are ready to use your expertise to help Veterans achieve stability and health, we invite you to apply and join our team in Walla Walla.
Why This Senior Social Worker (Hud-Vash Case Manager) Job Matters
Make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served by joining the VA as a Senior Social Worker for the HUD-VASH program in beautiful Walla Walla, Washington.
Senior Social Worker (Hud-Vash Case Manager) Job Overview
The Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center is seeking a compassionate and experienced Senior Social Worker to join our HUD-VASH Case Management team. In this pivotal role, you will work directly with Veterans experiencing homelessness, utilizing evidence-based practices like 'Housing First' to help them secure stable housing and improve their overall quality of life. This position offers a rewarding career path with excellent federal benefits, a competitive salary, and the opportunity to serve those who have served our nation.
Requirements for Senior Social Worker (Hud-Vash Case Manager)
- U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be hired only if no qualified citizens are available).
- Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Current, full, valid, and unrestricted independent state licensure or certification to practice social work at the master’s level.
- At least two years of post-licensure experience, with one year equivalent to the GS-11 level.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and background investigation.
- Compliance with annual influenza vaccination requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker (Hud-Vash Case Manager)
- Prior professional experience working with unhoused or unstably housed populations.
- Advanced certification or specialized training in clinical social work practice.
- Demonstrated ability to develop clinical policies and provide staff mentorship.
- Expertise in complex psychosocial assessment and trauma-informed care.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal Pension and 401k-style Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% agency matching.
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement).
- ✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- ✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance options.
- ✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees after 12 months of service.
- ✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible full-time employees.
💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker (Hud-Vash Case Manager) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Social Worker (Hud-Vash Case Manager) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Download the clinical resume document from the VA Careers website.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload your resume, transcripts, current license, and any other relevant documentation (such as SF-50 if applicable).
- Submit your application package before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your transcript explicitly shows the degree conferral date.
- Do not assume the hiring manager knows your experience; be specific about your duties in your resume.
- Use the provided standard Clinical Resume template for your primary upload.
- Verify your license is active and in good standing before applying.
- Double-check that all required documents are attached to prevent disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EDRP?
The Education Debt Reduction Program is a student loan reimbursement program for eligible VA employees that can provide up to $200,000 toward qualified loans.
Is relocation assistance available for this position?
No, this position does not offer relocation assistance or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) benefits.
What kind of license do I need?
You must hold a current, full, and unrestricted independent license to practice clinical social work at the master's level in the state where you are practicing.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class healthcare to those who have served. Our mission is to honor our Veterans by providing comprehensive, whole-health care. Working in Walla Walla offers a unique blend of professional challenge and high-quality living in a town renowned for its welcoming community, internationally acclaimed wine industry, and stunning scenery near the Blue Mountains.