Advance Your Career as a Senior Social Worker with the San Diego VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class, holistic care to the men and women who have defended our nation. We are currently looking for a passionate and experienced Senior Social Worker to join our team at the San Diego VA Healthcare System in Chula Vista, California. This is a unique opportunity to lead, innovate, and provide life-changing clinical support to veterans in a supportive, mission-driven environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Senior Social Worker (GS-12), you will serve as a clinical leader in the IMPACT Unit 2. Your core duties include:

Providing advanced psychotherapy (individual, group, and family) for patients with complex medical and psychiatric needs.
Diagnosing and treating substance use disorders.
Developing and evaluating clinical program effectiveness.
Mentoring graduate students and providing clinical supervision for licensure.
Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to optimize veteran care.

Requirements

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

U.S. Citizenship.
A Master’s Degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school.
Full state licensure for independent practice.
At least two years of post-advanced practice clinical experience.

Salary and Benefits

Working for the federal government offers financial stability and long-term security. The salary range for this position is $114,695 to $149,106 per year.

Benefits Overview

Benefit	Description
EDRP	Up to $200,000 for student loan reimbursement
Leave	13-26 days annual, 13 sick days, 11 Federal holidays
Retirement	Federal pension + 401(k) with 5% matching
Insurance	Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance
Work-Life	Paid parental leave and child care subsidy options

Application Tips

Use the Required Template: Ensure you use the specific Clinical Resume document provided by the VA.
Quantify Experience: Clearly list your hours and specific clinical outcomes.
Stay Professional: Ensure your license information is up-to-date and easily verifiable.

If you are a licensed clinical social worker with a desire to give back to those who have served, this position offers the perfect blend of clinical challenge and rewarding public service. Apply today to join the San Diego VA team.

Why This Senior Social Worker Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served by joining the San Diego VA Healthcare System as a Senior Social Worker, where your clinical expertise shapes recovery and whole health outcomes.

Senior Social Worker Job Overview

The San Diego VA Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Senior Social Worker to join the IMPACT Unit 2 in Chula Vista, California. In this pivotal role, you will provide advanced clinical interventions, program development, and specialized care for veterans managing complex physical and mental health challenges, including substance use disorders. This position focuses on whole-person care, allowing you to mentor students, influence clinical policies, and deliver comprehensive support within a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

Requirements for Senior Social Worker

U.S. Citizenship.
Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution.
Current state-issued license or certification to practice social work independently at the master's level.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Completion of a background/security investigation.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
For males born after 12/31/1959, registration with the Selective Service.
Successful completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period.

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker

At least two years of post-licensure experience in a clinical setting.
Demonstrated expertise in substance use disorder treatment.
Experience in conducting individual, group, and family psychotherapy.
Proven ability to develop and implement outcome-based clinical programs.
Advanced training or certifications from a nationally recognized professional organization.
Experience in teaching, mentoring, or supervising graduate-level social work students.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000.
✓Competitive Federal salary and regular step increases.
✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days annual leave, 13 sick days, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
✓Comprehensive Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
✓Traditional federal pension plan and 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
✓Child care subsidy for qualifying families.

💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Senior Social Worker Job

Create or update your profile on USAJOBS.
Download the required Clinical Resume Template from the VA careers website.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload your resume, state license, and any additional required documentation (e.g., transcripts, SF-50).
Submit your complete application package via the USAJOBS platform by July 23, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume; do not assume the recruiter understands your daily tasks without clear documentation.
Highlight your specialized experience in substance use and mental health diagnostics.
Ensure your license is clearly listed and valid.
Submit your application well before the deadline to account for potential technical delays.
Monitor your email for status updates following the close of the announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for remote work?

No, this is an onsite position located in Chula Vista, California, and does not support remote or telework options.

Does the VA offer student loan assistance?

Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides reimbursement for qualified student loans.

What is the work schedule for this role?

The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 0700-1600, with some flexibility within that timeframe.

Can I apply if I am not yet a U.S. citizen?

*A: Generally, U.S. citizenship is required for federal positions. Exceptions apply only if qualified citizens are unavailable.*

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: Relocation assistance (Permanent Change of Station) is not authorized for this specific vacancy.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) operates the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional care that improves their physical and mental health. At the San Diego VA, we utilize a "Whole Health" model, creating personalized health plans that integrate clinical services with community support and mental well-being.