Make a Difference: Social Worker Opportunities at the Fargo VA

Are you a dedicated social worker ready to pivot your career toward a mission-driven environment? The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking passionate professionals for the Social Worker position based in Dickinson, North Dakota. This is an exceptional opportunity to join the Fargo VA Health Care System, a high-performing facility recognized for patient excellence.

Job Responsibilities

As a Social Worker, your primary focus is the holistic support of Veterans and their families. Core duties include:

Assessment: Developing comprehensive psychosocial assessments in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
Treatment Planning: Setting and executing achievable treatment goals tailored to each Veteran's unique strengths.
Crisis Management: Performing rapid assessments and creating safety plans for inpatient psychiatric admissions.
Education: Serving as a subject matter expert on community resources, entitlements, and advance directives.

Salary and Grade Overview

Grade Level	Responsibilities Focus	Experience Requirement
GS-9	Foundational clinical care	Meets basic education/license reqs
GS-11	Independent clinical assessment	1+ year post-MSW experience

Salary ranges for this position are approximately $61,722 to $97,087 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Requirements

To be considered, candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school and maintain a valid, independent state license. Candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in English and pass standard background checks. Please ensure your application includes a detailed resume and academic transcripts.

Why Join the VA?

Working for the federal government comes with unparalleled stability and benefits, including:

Student Loan Relief: Eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (up to $200k).
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Retirement Security: Federal pension and 401(k) matching up to 5%.
Supportive Environment: Childcare subsidies and parental leave options.

Application Tips

Use the Template: Use the VA-specific Clinical Resume template provided in the link below.
Detail Your Work: Quantify your impact. Do not assume the recruiter knows your experience—list it clearly.
Address the KSAs: Writing a separate document addressing the required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities can significantly boost your competitive ranking.

This position offers a rare blend of professional challenge and personal fulfillment. If you are ready to serve those who served us, we encourage you to submit your application to the Fargo VA team today.

Why This Social Worker Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on those who served. Join the Fargo VA Health Care System and provide compassionate, whole-person care to our nation's heroes in Dickinson, North Dakota.

Social Worker Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to join the Fargo VA Health Care System. In this role, you will play a vital part in our Whole Health System of care, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to create personalized health plans for Veterans. You will perform essential psychosocial assessments, provide evidence-based mental health interventions, and act as a key advocate for Veterans navigating complex health and community resource systems.

Requirements for Social Worker

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply only if no qualified citizens are available).
Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
State license or certification to practice social work independently at the master's level.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
Completion of a pre-employment physical evaluation.
Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination mandates.

Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker

One year of post-MSW professional experience in a clinical or health care setting for GS-11 consideration.
Doctoral degree in social work.
Demonstrated expertise in crisis intervention and complex psychosocial treatment planning.
Knowledge of VA-specific community resources and service coordination.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000.
✓37-50 days of paid leave annually (annual, sick, and federal holidays).
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
✓Federal 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan) with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees.

💡 How to Apply Social Worker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Social Worker Job

Create or log in to your USAJobs account.
Download and complete the mandatory Clinical Resume document template.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload your resume, transcripts, and any applicable supporting documents (e.g., SF-50, licenses, DD-214).
Submit your application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Use the specific Clinical Resume template provided by the VA rather than a standard resume to ensure your qualifications are captured correctly.
Clearly describe your experience in your resume; the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your background.
Draft a separate document addressing your specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) as outlined in the job posting.
Verify your transcripts and ensure they are legible when uploaded.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this position?

Yes, this role is eligible for the EDRP. Eligibility and award amounts are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office.

Can I work remotely in this position?

No, this is not a virtual position. However, limited ad-hoc telework may be available at the discretion of your supervisor.

What happens if I am not yet licensed for independent practice?

For the GS-9 grade level, VHA may waive the licensure requirement pending completion of state prerequisites. However, GS-11 positions strictly require independent licensure.

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: No, relocation assistance is not authorized for this specific vacancy.*

Can I apply if my license is in another state?

*A: You must hold a license that qualifies for the state in which you practice or meet the VA's requirements for practice.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. The Fargo VA Health Care System is a pillar of the community, maintaining a 5-star rating for its patient experience and high-quality facilities. By joining this team, you are not just an employee; you are a vital participant in a 'Whole Health' model that empowers Veterans to take charge of their well-being.