Become a Senior Social Worker for the Department of Veterans Affairs

Are you a dedicated social worker looking to transition your clinical expertise into a role that serves those who have served our nation? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Senior Social Worker for the Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System in Corpus Christi. This position offers a unique blend of professional autonomy, clinical challenge, and the stability of a federal career.

Job Responsibilities

As a Senior Social Worker, you will operate as an expert clinician within the Specialty and Mental Health Service lines. Key duties include:

Advanced Clinical Care: Providing individual, group, and family counseling using empirically supported modalities.
Psychosocial Management: Managing complex case files and delivering advanced level psychosocial support.
Program Development: Utilizing outcome evaluations to measure service effectiveness and design system-wide improvements.
Leadership and Mentorship: Serving as a clinical supervisor for interns and facilitating training seminars for staff.
Collaboration: Acting as a resource for other professionals regarding psychological services and patient-centered care.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-12 position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Requirement	Description
Education	Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Licensure	Advanced practice state license (independent level).
Experience	2+ years of post-licensure clinical experience.
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. citizen.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a highly competitive annual salary ranging from $94,019 to $122,227. Beyond the base salary, the VA provides a comprehensive federal benefits package designed to support your work-life balance and long-term financial security.

Student Loan Support: Eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides up to $200,000 toward student loan reimbursement.
Retirement: Includes a traditional federal pension and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% agency matching.
Paid Time Off: Between 37 and 50 days of total annual leave, including sick time and 11 paid federal holidays.
Family Support: Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave and available childcare subsidies.

Application Tips

Use the Required Template: The VA requires a specific clinical resume format. Download the document provided via the link in the job announcement to ensure your application passes initial screenings.
Be Specific: In your detailed resume, describe how your past experience matches the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed in the job post. The VA does not make assumptions.
Prepare for the Trial Period: Be aware that all new hires are subject to a 1- or 2-year trial period to ensure a good fit for the agency.

Joining the VA as a Senior Social Worker is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the wellbeing of our Veterans. With a supportive culture, significant student loan repayment opportunities, and clear paths for professional development, this is an ideal role for an experienced clinician ready to make a lasting impact. Apply today through USAJOBS and take the next step in your social work career.

Why This Senior Social Worker (Pchmi) - Edrp Approved/Recruitment Relocation Incentive Approved Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation as a Senior Social Worker with the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System. This EDRP-eligible position offers a competitive federal salary, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to advance clinical practice in a supportive, mission-driven environment.

Senior Social Worker (Pchmi) - Edrp Approved/Recruitment Relocation Incentive Approved Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled Senior Social Worker to join the Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System. In this role, you will serve as a vital member of our interdisciplinary team, providing advanced psychosocial assessments, counseling, and case management for Veterans. You will play a key role in developing clinical treatment plans, mentoring trainees, and contributing to system-wide improvements in patient care, all while enjoying the stability and rewards of a federal career.

Requirements for Senior Social Worker (Pchmi) - Edrp Approved/Recruitment Relocation Incentive Approved

U.S. Citizenship requirement.
Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Current, unrestricted state licensure to practice social work at an independent master’s level.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Must undergo and pass a background/security investigation.
Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
Completion of a 1- or 2-year trial period.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker (Pchmi) - Edrp Approved/Recruitment Relocation Incentive Approved

Minimum of two years of post-licensure experience in a specialized clinical setting.
Proven expertise in advanced psychosocial interventions and evidence-based psychotherapy.
Experience in providing clinical supervision to interns or junior staff.
Strong ability to develop and implement outcome-based evaluation methods for service improvement.
Background in contributing to professional seminars, workshops, or policy development.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000).
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
✓Federal 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with 5% matching.
✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave, 13 sick days, and 11 paid federal holidays.
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
✓Childcare subsidies for eligible employees.
✓Flexible work arrangements including telework options.

💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker (Pchmi) - Edrp Approved/Recruitment Relocation Incentive Approved Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Senior Social Worker (Pchmi) - Edrp Approved/Recruitment Relocation Incentive Approved Job

Prepare your resume using the required VA Clinical Resume template.
Gather necessary documentation, including professional licenses, transcripts, and SF-50 forms if applicable.
Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided application link.
Submit your full application package, including your resume and supporting documents, by the closing date.
Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview notifications.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically addresses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed in the job description.
Do not assume the hiring panel knows your experience; be explicit about your clinical roles and duties.
Use the VA-provided document templates to ensure your submission meets all administrative requirements.
Double-check your application for completeness before the initial cut-off date to be considered in the first round.
Submit your application well before the final deadline to avoid technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EDRP program?

The Education Debt Reduction Program provides student loan reimbursement of up to $200,000 for qualifying health care professionals to help offset the costs of their education.

Can I apply if I do not yet have my independent license?

This position requires state licensure for independent practice at the master's level. Applicants must meet this requirement to be eligible for appointment.

Is this a virtual position?

No, this is an on-site position located in Corpus Christi, Texas, though some telework opportunities may be available depending on duty requirements.

Can I still apply if I am not currently a VA employee?

Yes! This position is open to the public as well as internal federal candidates.

How are salaries determined?

Pay is set within the GS-12 range based on your professional experience, qualifications, and the specific needs of the VA facility.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to fulfilling the promise of President Lincoln: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System is a premier provider of ambulatory health care, covering everything from surgery and medicine to psychiatry and rehabilitation. Our facilities are hubs of innovation, often partnering with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Medical School to train the next generation of medical residents.