Lead Mental Health Recovery: Social Worker Program Manager Opportunity at the VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled and compassionate leader to join the Amarillo Veterans Affairs Health Care System. As a Social Worker (Program Manager) for the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC), you will play a pivotal role in shaping the recovery journeys of Veterans suffering from serious mental illness. If you are an experienced social worker with a passion for administrative excellence and clinical advocacy, this position offers a unique opportunity to serve those who have sacrificed for our country.

Job Responsibilities

In this leadership role, you will wear many hats, balancing clinical expertise with operational management. Key responsibilities include:

Clinical Leadership: Provide expert assessment, diagnostic services, and evidence-based interventions (such as CBT and motivational enhancement therapy).
Program Oversight: Design and implement clinical programs using data-driven quality assurance processes.
Staff Management: Supervise a multidisciplinary team, including psychologists, social workers, and peer support specialists.
Strategic Coordination: Liaise with internal and external partners to ensure seamless service delivery and community integration for Veterans.
Fiscal Responsibility: Manage program budgets, contracts, and equipment expenditures.

Requirements

To be considered for this high-level role, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
Education: Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution.
Licensure: Current, active state license to practice social work at the advanced practice level.
Language: Full proficiency in written and spoken English.
Professional Standing: Must be able to pass a background security investigation and pre-employment physical.

Grade Comparison

Feature	Requirement
Education	MSW from CSWE-accredited School
Experience	Equivalent to GS-12 for at least one year
Licensure	Advanced Practice Level Required
Supervisory Status	Must be eligible to provide supervision

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $106,437 to $138,370 per year. The VA provides regular salary increases and the potential for a higher step rate based on exceptional qualifications or the specific needs of the facility.

Benefits

Working for the VA provides more than just a paycheck. Our employees enjoy a robust benefits package designed to support their professional and personal well-being:

Generous Paid Time Off: Accrue significant annual and sick leave, plus 11 paid federal holidays.
Work-Life Balance: Access to parental leave and childcare subsidies.
Retirement Security: Benefit from a traditional federal pension and a 401K-style savings plan with employer matching.
Insurance: Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance options.

Application Tips

Standing out in a federal hiring process requires precision. Start by downloading the official VA Clinical Resume template. Ensure that your narrative clearly highlights your supervisory experience and your specific impact on mental health program outcomes. Be transparent about your licensing status and educational credentials.

If you are ready to advance your career while making a profound difference, the Amarillo VA Health Care System welcomes your application. Apply today to lead the future of mental health recovery in Texas.

Why This Social Worker (Program Manager) - Mental Health Job Matters

Lead transformative mental health recovery programs and make a tangible impact on the lives of our nation's Veterans as a Program Manager within the VA.

Social Worker (Program Manager) - Mental Health Job Overview

The Amarillo Veterans Affairs Health Care System is seeking a dedicated and experienced Social Worker to serve as a Program Manager for the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC). In this leadership role, you will spearhead an interdisciplinary team, manage clinical program operations, and provide expert-level, evidence-based care to Veterans navigating severe mental illness and co-occurring disorders. This position offers a unique blend of clinical practice and administrative oversight in a supportive environment known for its high quality of life and community spirit.

Requirements for Social Worker (Program Manager) - Mental Health

United States Citizenship
Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school
Active, unrestricted license or certification to practice social work at the master's level
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Completion of a pre-employment physical examination
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Ability to pass a background/security investigation

Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker (Program Manager) - Mental Health

At least two years of experience in staff supervision
Minimum of two years of clinical experience working with patients diagnosed with serious mental illness
Advanced practice-level licensure or certification
Demonstrated expertise in budget administration and resource forecasting

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Generous Paid Time Off (13-26 days of annual leave plus 13 sick days and 11 Federal holidays)
✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance plans
✓Federal pension and 401K-style Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% employer matching
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
✓Childcare subsidies for eligible employees
✓Potential for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior service

💡 How to Apply Social Worker (Program Manager) - Mental Health Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Social Worker (Program Manager) - Mental Health Job

Create or log into your account on the official USAJOBS portal.
Review the full vacancy questionnaire to understand all evaluation criteria.
Prepare your resume using the standard Clinical Resume template provided by the VA.
Upload all required documentation, including your resume, transcripts, and licensure proof.
Submit your complete application package before the deadline on July 27, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and detailed when describing your professional experience in your resume; do not assume the recruiter knows your day-to-day duties.
Utilize the recommended one-page Clinical Resume template to ensure your application meets formatting preferences.
Monitor your email regularly for status updates and follow-up requests from the HR team.
Double-check your application for missing documents, as errors can delay or disqualify your submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of the Social Worker Program Manager in the PRRC?

You will manage the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC), supervise multidisciplinary staff, oversee clinical quality, and provide evidence-based mental health treatment to Veterans.

Can I apply if I am not currently licensed?

For the GS-13 grade level required for this position, you must be licensed or certified at the advanced practice level at the time of appointment.

Is relocation assistance available?

No, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) expenses are not authorized for this position.

Is remote work an option for this position?

*A: This is an onsite position, though the facility does support ad-hoc telework where appropriate.*

What is the trial period for this role?

*A: New hires are typically required to complete a one-to-two-year trial period to evaluate performance and conduct.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is committed to providing comprehensive, whole-health care to our nation's Veterans. The Amarillo VA Health Care System provides a supportive and collaborative environment, serving the Texas Panhandle and surrounding areas. Amarillo offers an exceptional quality of life, featuring a low cost of living, no state income tax, and access to vibrant cultural, historical, and outdoor amenities.