Advance Your Career as a Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) Social Worker at the St. Cloud VA
Are you a dedicated social worker looking to transition into a role that prioritizes holistic care and service to those who have defended our country? The St. Cloud VA Health Care System is currently seeking a highly skilled Social Worker to join the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT). This role offers the opportunity to provide vital mental and behavioral health support within an integrated clinical environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a PACT Social Worker, your primary duty is to ensure that Veterans receive comprehensive, patient-centered care. Key functions include:
- Biopsychosocial Assessments: Conducting in-depth evaluations to determine the psychological and social needs of patients.
- Treatment Planning: Formulating and implementing effective care plans that account for a Veteran's specific diagnoses, strengths, and goals.
- Care Coordination: Working with interdisciplinary teams to manage transitions of care and link Veterans with community resources.
- Crisis Intervention: Providing immediate support and utilizing clinical judgment to handle complex psychiatric or behavioral medical problems.
Requirements
To be eligible, candidates must meet several baseline qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Current, active state licensure for independent clinical social work.
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Proficiency in English.
- A clean driving record and valid driver’s license.
| Level | Experience/Licensure Requirement |
|---|---|
| GS-9 | Entry-level; Master's degree required; pathway to licensure provided. |
| GS-11 | Full Performance; 1+ year post-MSW experience + independent license required. |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $72,784 to $114,488 per year, depending on qualifications and grade level. Beyond base pay, the VA provides an extensive federal benefits package, including:
- Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 50 days including holidays.
- Retirement Security: Federal pension and 401(k) matching.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Federal health, dental, and vision insurance that can carry into retirement.
- Work-Life Support: Paid parental leave and potential childcare subsidies.
Application Tips
Competition for federal social work roles is high. To increase your chances:
- Tailor Your Resume: Clearly demonstrate your experience in clinical settings, including internships and volunteer work.
- Use Required Templates: Utilize the VA-provided resume document to ensure your application passes initial screenings.
- Detail Your KSA Skills: Ensure your responses clearly map to the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined in the job announcement.
Join the St. Cloud VA team to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our Veterans. With a supportive environment and world-class benefits, this is an excellent opportunity for any licensed clinical social worker looking for a long-term, impactful career in federal service.
Why This Social Worker-Patient Aligned Care Team Job Matters
Join the St. Cloud VA as a Patient Aligned Care Team Social Worker and make a direct, meaningful impact on the lives of those who have served our nation.
Social Worker-Patient Aligned Care Team Job Overview
The St. Cloud VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to join the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT). In this vital role, you will work within an interdisciplinary framework to provide high-quality, whole-person care to Veterans. You will perform biopsychosocial assessments, manage complex care coordination, and implement treatment plans that empower Veterans to achieve their highest level of independence and wellness.
Requirements for Social Worker-Patient Aligned Care Team
- U.S. Citizenship
- Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution
- Active, independent clinical social work license or certification
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Valid, unrestricted driver's license
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and background investigation
- Completion of the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker-Patient Aligned Care Team
- Previous experience in a healthcare or mental health setting
- Demonstrated ability to perform crisis intervention and complex psychosocial assessments
- Strong knowledge of community resources and VA benefit programs
- Skill in interdisciplinary collaboration and patient advocacy
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases
- ✓37-50 days of paid time off per year (Annual, Sick, and Federal Holidays)
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan
- ✓Federal 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan) with agency matching
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance options
- ✓Paid parental leave
- ✓Childcare subsidy eligibility
💡 How to Apply Social Worker-Patient Aligned Care Team Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Social Worker-Patient Aligned Care Team Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account profile.
- Review the full job announcement to understand specific grade-level requirements.
- Download and prepare the required Clinical Resume document.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package, including transcripts and license documentation, by the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly articulates how your experience aligns with the specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed.
- Do not assume the hiring team knows your background; be explicit about your past work and clinical achievements.
- Upload all required documents, including transcripts and professional licenses, well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
- Use the provided standard resume template for the primary 'Resume' upload field to ensure compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GS grade range for this position?
This position is open to qualified applicants at the GS-9 to GS-11 grade levels.
Is a license required to apply?
Yes, for the GS-11 level, you must hold a license for independent practice. For GS-9, some exceptions may apply regarding the timeline for achieving licensure.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an onsite position located in Saint Cloud, Minnesota.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
Since 1924, the St. Cloud VA Health Care System has provided exceptional health care to central Minnesota Veterans. As part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By joining our team, you become part of a community that values compassionate service and evidence-based practice.