Embark on a Meaningful Career: Inpatient Social Worker at the Sioux Falls VA
Are you a dedicated social worker looking to transition your clinical skills into a mission-driven environment? The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System is currently seeking a compassionate and skilled Inpatient Social Worker. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide direct care to America's Veterans, ensuring they receive the support and advocacy they deserve during their inpatient recovery.
Job Responsibilities
As an Inpatient Social Worker, your duties will be diverse and highly impactful. You will:
- Perform thorough psychosocial assessments to determine the functional needs of Veterans.
- Act as an integral member of interdisciplinary treatment teams.
- Coordinate care between the hospital, community resources, and governmental agencies.
- Provide therapeutic interventions to help patients manage psychiatric, medical, and emotional challenges.
- Advocate for the needs of Veterans and their families during their healthcare journey.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-11 position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: A master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Licensure: You must be licensed or certified to practice social work independently at the master's level.
- Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to speak and write clearly in English.
- Clearance: Ability to pass necessary background and security investigations.
Grade Comparison Table
| Criteria | GS-9 Level (Entry) | GS-11 Level (Target) |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Required | Graduate MSW | 1+ year Post-MSW Clinical Experience |
| Licensure | State Required | Independent Clinical License Required |
| Scope of Practice | Guided/Supervised | Independent Assessment & Intervention |
Salary Overview
The salary for this position ranges from $77,294 to $100,488 per year, depending on qualifications and grade-level determinations. The VA provides regular salary increases and competitive federal benefits.
Benefits
Working with the VA means more than just a paycheck. Employees enjoy:
- Comprehensive Health Insurance
- Retirement Plans (FERS and TSP)
- Accrued Annual and Sick Leave
- No State Income Tax in South Dakota
- Access to clinical research and educational opportunities
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Download the specific Clinical Resume Document provided by the VA Careers site.
- Be Specific: Quantify your experience. Don't just list tasks; describe the results of your assessments and interventions.
- Double-Check: Ensure your licensure information is clearly visible in your application package.
If you are a licensed social worker eager to apply your expertise in a supportive, mission-focused environment, we encourage you to apply. Join the team at the Sioux Falls VA and help us honor those who served.
Why This Social Worker-Inpatient Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served by joining the Sioux Falls VA Healthcare System as an Inpatient Social Worker.
Social Worker-Inpatient Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Inpatient Social Worker to join the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System. This role involves working within integrated clinical communities to provide direct care to Veterans across various inpatient units, including surgical, intensive care, and community living settings. As a key member of an interdisciplinary team, you will conduct psychosocial assessments, provide treatment interventions, and serve as an essential advocate for Veterans and their families during critical stages of care.
Requirements for Social Worker-Inpatient
- United States Citizenship.
- Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution.
- Current state license or certification for independent clinical social work practice.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
- Completion of a pre-employment physical examination.
- Ability to pass a background and security investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker-Inpatient
- At least one year of post-MSW experience in a healthcare or clinical setting.
- Previous professional experience within the Veterans Affairs system.
- Demonstrated ability to perform psychosocial assessments for diverse populations.
- Knowledge of complex medical/mental health diagnoses and interdisciplinary treatment planning.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases.
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
- ✓Generous paid leave and vacation accrual programs.
- ✓Retirement savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Access to state-of-the-art medical and research technology.
- ✓Professional development and teaching hospital environment.
💡 How to Apply Social Worker-Inpatient Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Social Worker-Inpatient Job
- Prepare your resume, including both a standard clinical document and your full CV.
- Obtain copies of your social work license and academic transcripts.
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the required occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
- Upload all necessary documents, ensuring the clinical resume matches the specified format.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of September 15, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume—do not leave room for assumptions regarding your experience.
- Include volunteer work if it aligns with the clinical competencies required for the role.
- Use the provided VA template for your clinical resume to ensure your application is processed correctly.
- Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard.
- Ensure all contact information is current in case the hiring office needs to reach you for an interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of an intermittent Social Worker at the VA?
You will serve as a flexible support professional, filling coverage needs across various clinical areas such as the ICU, surgical units, and community living centers to ensure consistent care for Veterans.
Do I need a specific type of license to apply?
Yes, you must possess a current license or certification that allows you to practice social work independently at the master's degree level in your state.
Can I substitute a doctoral degree for experience?
A doctoral degree in social work may be substituted for the required one year of professional post-MSW clinical experience.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling the promise of caring for those who have served in our nation's military. The Sioux Falls VA operates as a key part of the VISN 23 network, functioning as a teaching hospital that integrates state-of-the-art technology with compassionate whole-health care. From surgery and psychiatry to geriatrics and transitional care, the VA offers an unparalleled environment for professional growth and clinical excellence.