Providing Excellence: Mental Health Social Worker at VA North Texas
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a committed and licensed Mental Health Social Worker to join the Acute Inpatient Unit at the VA North Texas Health Care System. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide high-impact, compassionate care to veterans during their most critical times of need. If you are a social worker looking for a challenging clinical role within one of the nation's largest healthcare systems, this position in Dallas provides the perfect landscape for professional growth.
Job Responsibilities
As a social worker in an acute inpatient psychiatric setting, your primary focus is to stabilize, support, and guide veterans toward recovery. Key duties include:
- Psychosocial Assessment: Conducting thorough evaluations to understand the veteran's clinical needs, social stressors, and support systems.
- Treatment Planning: Developing and executing individualized care plans in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team.
- Crisis Intervention: Providing immediate, skillful support to veterans in acute distress.
- Patient Advocacy: Empowering veterans and their families by educating them on VA benefits and self-advocacy strategies.
- Care Coordination: Bridging the gap between inpatient care and community-based resources for long-term health.
Comparison of Grade Levels
| Feature | GS-9 (Entry) | GS-11 (Full Performance) |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | Basic Requirements | 1 year post-MSW experience |
| Focus | Skill development | Independent practice |
| Role | Direct clinical intervention | Consultation and leadership |
Requirements
To be considered, you must be a U.S. citizen and hold a Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution. You must also maintain an active state license allowing for independent social work practice. Additionally, all employees must participate in the VA’s seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this position ranges from $86,625 to $136,259 annually, reflecting the critical nature of the work and the expertise required. Beyond the paycheck, the VA offers a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement Security: A traditional pension plan combined with the Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave, including 13 days of sick leave and substantial annual leave accrual.
- Family Support: Paid parental leave and available childcare subsidies.
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Always use the recommended VA Clinical Resume template to ensure your documentation meets federal HR standards.
- Quantify Your Impact: Use metrics whenever possible to describe your experience with caseloads or patient outcomes.
- Be Transparent: Detail any previous federal experience, as this may impact your leave accrual rate.
Working for the VA North Texas Health Care System is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the men and women who have served our nation. If you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to submit your application and become part of a team dedicated to holistic veteran healthcare.
Why This Social Worker (Mental Health Acute Inpatient Unit) Job Matters
Advance your career as a Mental Health Social Worker at the Dallas VA, one of the nation's premier veteran healthcare systems, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those who served.
Social Worker (Mental Health Acute Inpatient Unit) Job Overview
The VA North Texas Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Social Worker for their Mental Health Acute Inpatient Unit. In this role, you will provide critical clinical social work services to veterans facing acute psychiatric needs, working within a dynamic interdisciplinary team at a major teaching and research center.
Requirements for Social Worker (Mental Health Acute Inpatient Unit)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Active, unrestricted clinical social work license
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Must complete pre-employment background/security investigation
- Annual seasonal influenza vaccination required
Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker (Mental Health Acute Inpatient Unit)
- Clinical experience in mental health or acute healthcare settings
- Expertise in case management and psychosocial interventions
- Experience working with homeless populations or community-based resources
- Proven ability to provide supportive psychotherapy and crisis intervention
- Experience consulting with multi-disciplinary teams and clinical students
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Up to 50 days of paid time off per year (Annual leave, sick leave, and 11 Federal holidays)
- ✓Comprehensive Federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- ✓Traditional pension plan (5-year vesting)
- ✓Federal 401k (Thrift Savings Plan) with up to 5% agency matching
- ✓Paid parental leave (up to 12 weeks)
- ✓Childcare subsidy for eligible full-time employees
💡 How to Apply Social Worker (Mental Health Acute Inpatient Unit) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Social Worker (Mental Health Acute Inpatient Unit) Job
- Create or update your profile on USAJobs.gov.
- Download and prepare the required Clinical Resume Document from the VA website.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload your resume, transcripts, and relevant professional licenses.
- Submit your full application package before the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and detailed regarding your clinical experience in your resume; avoid generalizations.
- Ensure your social work license is current and clearly referenced.
- Include all required documentation, such as SF-50s if you are a current or former federal employee.
- Double-check that your responses to the online questionnaire align with your uploaded resume.
- Submit early to avoid technical issues on the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I don't have a license yet?
Licensure is a requirement for GS-11 positions. For GS-9 positions, limited exceptions may apply pending examination, but generally, independent practice licensure is expected for VA social workers.
What is the work schedule for this position?
This role follows a Tuesday-Saturday schedule from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Is this a remote position?
*A: No, this is an onsite position located at the Dallas VA Medical Center requiring physical presence for inpatient care.*
Can I use foreign education?
*A: Only degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education are accepted, and foreign transcripts require a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS) is the second-largest VA system in the United States. Serving a vast population of veterans across North Texas and Southern Oklahoma, it serves as a tertiary referral center and a hub for medical research and education. Through partnerships with institutions like the UT Southwestern Medical Center, VANTHCS ensures that its staff remains at the forefront of medical and mental health advancements.