Advance Your Social Work Career with the Alaska VA

Are you a dedicated clinical social worker looking to combine your passion for service with a professional life in one of the most beautiful regions in the United States? The Alaska VA Healthcare System is currently recruiting a Senior Social Worker (BHIP) for our Anchorage facility. This is a high-impact, mission-critical role designed for clinicians who want to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to the men and women who have served in our military.

Job Responsibilities

As a Senior Social Worker in the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP), you will serve as a key member of our clinical team. Your primary responsibilities will include:

Psychosocial Assessments: Conducting thorough interviews with Veterans and their families to develop comprehensive treatment plans.
Clinical Diagnosis: Using advanced practice skills to make psychosocial diagnoses, especially for cases involving complex medical or psychiatric issues.
Evidence-Based Therapy: Delivering individual and group therapy sessions to improve the cognitive and emotional functioning of our Veterans.
Mentorship: Serving as a clinical supervisor and field instructor for unlicensed social workers and graduate students.
System Improvement: Developing and evaluating methods to measure the effectiveness of social work services and advocating for improvements in care delivery.

Requirements

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

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Education: A Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited institution.
Licensure: You must hold a current, active license to practice social work at the advanced clinical/independent level.
Experience: Two years of post-licensure experience in a specialized clinical setting, with one year at the GS-11 equivalent level.

Feature	Details
Position Grade	GS-12
Salary Range	$106,811 - $138,857
Location	Anchorage, Alaska
Telework	Not Available
Security	Non-sensitive / Low Risk

Salary and Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a robust total rewards package. In addition to a competitive annual salary, you will have access to a federal retirement plan (including pension), a 401(k) with agency matching, and comprehensive insurance options. Furthermore, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which can provide up to $200,000 toward student loan repayment.

Application Tips

Use the Required Template: Utilize the specific Clinical Resume Document provided by the VA to ensure your application passes initial screenings.
Be Specific: Do not just list your titles. Describe your clinical interventions, the types of populations you have served, and your specific outcomes.
Double-Check Requirements: Ensure your license and education transcripts are clearly labeled and attached to your application package.

Serving as a Senior Social Worker with the Alaska VA is more than just a job; it is a chance to influence the lives of Veterans and build a career in a supportive, mission-focused organization. If you possess the experience and dedication required to excel in this role, we encourage you to submit your application and join our team in Anchorage.

Why This Senior Social Worker (Bhip) Job Matters

Advance your clinical career in the heart of Alaska while making a life-changing difference for those who served our nation.

Senior Social Worker (Bhip) Job Overview

The Alaska VA Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Social Worker to join our Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) in Anchorage. This is a vital clinical role where you will provide advanced psychosocial support, evidence-based therapies, and complex case management for Veterans. You will operate in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment, helping Veterans navigate unique life stressors and health challenges. This position offers not only a competitive federal salary but also the opportunity to work in a region known for its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant outdoor lifestyle.

Requirements for Senior Social Worker (Bhip)

U.S. Citizenship
Master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
Current, active state license to independently practice social work at the master's level
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Two years of post-licensure experience in a specialized area, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-11 level
Ability to pass a background and security investigation
Registration with the Selective Service (for males born after 1959)
Commitment to annual seasonal influenza vaccination

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker (Bhip)

Advanced certification or specialized training from a nationally recognized professional organization
Experience in specialized psychosocial treatment modalities and evidence-based psychotherapy
Proven track record in mentorship, clinical supervision, or serving as a field instructor
Experience developing and implementing outcome-based evaluations for clinical services

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases
✓Generous paid time off (up to 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays)
✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance programs
✓Comprehensive federal retirement system including pension and 401(k) matching
✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
✓Paid parental leave
✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees

💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker (Bhip) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Senior Social Worker (Bhip) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your resume, ensuring it includes all relevant paid and volunteer experience.
Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA careers portal.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package, including transcripts and licensure documentation, before the deadline.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume; the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your experience.
Ensure your responses in the questionnaire match the details provided in your documentation.
Verify that your state license is valid and active at the advanced practice level.
Take advantage of the one-page standard resume template provided to ensure compliance.
Check the status of your application regularly via the USAJOBS portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is relocation assistance provided for this position?

No, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or relocation assistance is not authorized for this role.

Can I qualify for the Education Debt Reduction Program?

Yes, this position is eligible for EDRP. You must submit your application within four months of your appointment date to be considered for the program.

Is this a remote or telework position?

No, this is a site-based position located in Anchorage, Alaska, and is not eligible for telework or remote status.

What is the work schedule?

*A: The standard schedule for this role is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.*

Is influenza vaccination mandatory?

*A: Yes, participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment for all VHA clinical staff.*

Does this position offer a relocation incentive?

*A: No, this position does not offer relocation or PCS assistance.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Alaska VA Healthcare System (AVAHS) is committed to providing comprehensive, whole-health care to Veterans throughout the state of Alaska. As part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, we prioritize excellence in healthcare, research, and patient-centered service. Working in Anchorage provides the perfect balance of professional development and an unparalleled quality of life, featuring immediate access to world-class hiking, fishing, skiing, and cultural amenities.