Serving Those Who Served: Senior Social Worker Opportunities at VA Puget Sound

The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is currently seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Senior Social Worker to join our Suicide Prevention Team. This critical role is designed for professionals who possess the clinical expertise and dedication required to support our nation’s Veterans during their most challenging moments. If you are a licensed clinical social worker looking to make a measurable, life-saving impact, this is your opportunity to serve in a top-tier healthcare environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Senior Social Worker on the Suicide Prevention Team, you will act as a subject matter expert in risk reduction and mental health support. Your responsibilities include:

Clinical Assessment: Conducting face-to-face and telephonic risk evaluations for high-risk Veterans.
Crisis Management: Developing and implementing collaborative safety plans and coordinating care with principal mental health providers.
Program Development: Assisting with accreditation preparation, designing system changes, and utilizing outcome evaluations to improve service delivery.
Leadership and Consultation: Providing guidance to staff, students, and community partners on evidence-based suicide prevention interventions.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-12 position, applicants 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: A full, valid, and unrestricted independent clinical license.
Experience: At least two years of post-licensure clinical experience, with one year equivalent to the GS-11 level.
Physical/Compliance: Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and adherence to annual influenza vaccination policies.

Salary Overview

This position is categorized under the GS-12 pay scale.

Position Level	Salary Range (Annual)
Senior Social Worker (GS-12)	$104,892 - $136,362

Benefits

The VA provides a robust total rewards package designed to support both your professional and personal life:

Debt Relief: Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), offering up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
Work-Life Balance: 37-50 days of paid time off (annual, sick, and federal holidays).
Family Support: Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave and childcare subsidies for eligible employees.
Retirement: Federal pension and 401(k) savings plans with employer matching.

Application Tips

Use the Template: Download the specific Clinical Resume template linked in the vacancy announcement to ensure your application is processed correctly.
Be Detailed: Clearly list your duties, start and end dates (month/year), and the number of hours worked per week for every position held.
Verify Everything: Ensure your state license information is current and clearly documented.

Becoming a Senior Social Worker with the VA Puget Sound Suicide Prevention Team is more than just a job; it is a chance to provide meaningful support to Veterans. With competitive pay, student loan assistance, and the chance to lead vital clinical initiatives, this role offers a stable and rewarding career path. If you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I apply without a clinical license? A: No, this position requires a current, unrestricted, state-issued license for independent clinical practice at the master's degree level.

Q: Is remote work an option? A: No, this is not a virtual or remote position.

Q: How do I apply for the EDRP program? A: You must apply for the EDRP after you have been appointed, according to VHA policy guidelines.

Why This Senior Social Worker - Suicide Prevention Team Job Matters

Make a life-saving impact as a Senior Social Worker for the VA Puget Sound Suicide Prevention Team in Tacoma, Washington.

Senior Social Worker - Suicide Prevention Team Job Overview

Join the Department of Veterans Affairs at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, a premier, high-complexity teaching facility. In this Senior Social Worker role, you will serve as a subject matter expert on our Suicide Prevention Team, providing critical psychosocial support and risk intervention for our nation’s Veterans. This position offers a competitive salary, potential student loan reimbursement through the EDRP, and the opportunity to shape clinical outcomes in a supportive, mission-driven environment.

Requirements for Senior Social Worker - Suicide Prevention Team

United States Citizenship
Master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
Current, full, valid, and unrestricted state licensure for independent clinical practice
Minimum of two years of post-licensure experience, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-11 level
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Completion of a pre-employment physical evaluation
Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker - Suicide Prevention Team

Advanced clinical certification or specialized training in suicide prevention or crisis intervention
Experience with high-risk clinical populations
Demonstrated expertise in outcome evaluation and clinical policy development
Ability to provide clinical supervision and mentorship to junior staff and students

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases
✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days annual leave plus 13 days sick leave
✓11 paid federal holidays per year
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
✓Federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
✓Comprehensive federal retirement program including 401(k) with agency matching
✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees

💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker - Suicide Prevention Team Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Senior Social Worker - Suicide Prevention Team Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Download the required clinical resume template provided by the VA.
Prepare your documentation, including license, transcripts, and SF-50 (if applicable).
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload your resume and all supporting documents.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

The 2-page resume limit does not apply; ensure your resume is detailed enough to support your experience claims.
Explicitly list duties, start/end dates (month/year), and hours worked per week for each job entry.
Use the specific Clinical Resume template provided to avoid disqualification.
Submit all documents well in advance of the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Ensure your license status is clear and up to date in your application materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is relocation assistance available?

No, this position does not offer relocation or PCS assistance.

Can I qualify with a doctoral degree in social work instead of a master's?

No, a doctoral degree cannot be substituted for the required master's degree from a CSWE-accredited school.

Is this position eligible for loan repayment?

Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan reimbursement for qualifying participants.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in the military. The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is a premier Level 1a teaching facility, recognized as one of the most complex and comprehensive healthcare systems in the country. We provide a full spectrum of services, ranging from primary and urgent care to specialized surgical and psychiatric services. By joining our team, you become part of a culture defined by our 'I CARE' core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.