Empowering Veterans: Careers as a Senior Social Worker (HUD-VASH) in Wenatchee

If you are a licensed social worker dedicated to social justice, clinical excellence, and serving those who have served our country, the Department of Veterans Affairs has a life-changing opportunity for you. We are currently seeking a Senior Social Worker to join the HUD-VASH (Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) team in Wenatchee, Washington. This role is more than just a job; it is a chance to provide critical support to Veterans as they navigate the path toward permanent housing and long-term stability.

Job Responsibilities

As a Senior Social Worker for the HUD-VASH program, you will act as a primary advocate and clinical guide for vulnerable Veterans. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Clinical Assessment: Evaluating Veteran needs and developing personalized psychosocial treatment plans.
Comprehensive Case Management: Linking Veterans to medical, mental health, and community resources.
Housing Support: Conducting site visits in rural and remote areas to ensure safe housing conditions.
Program Leadership: Contributing to data collection, quality improvement, and clinical program development.

Comparison: Clinical vs. Administrative Expectations

Focus Area	Clinical Duties	Administrative Duties
Frequency	High Priority	Daily Tasks
Goal	Improved Patient Outcomes	Program Effectiveness
Activities	Therapy, Assessments, Advocacy	Data Tracking, Policy Writing

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-12 level position, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school.
Current, unrestricted state license for independent practice.
Two years of post-licensure clinical experience.
Ability to drive a government vehicle for outreach.

Salary Overview

This position offers a highly competitive annual salary ranging from $97,987 to $127,386, reflecting the advanced level of expertise required. Beyond the base salary, employees benefit from regular federal pay increases and potential eligibility for specialized recruitment incentives.

Benefits

The VA provides one of the most robust benefits packages in the country, including:

Health and Wellness: Federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement: Traditional pension and TSP matching.
Loan Repayment: Access to the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).
Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave and, after one year, 12 weeks of paid parental leave.

Application Tips

Use the Template: Use the standardized VA clinical resume document to avoid formatting issues.
Be Specific: Quantify your experience. Instead of saying "provided counseling," state the types of modalities used and the specific populations served.
Detail Your History: Include hours per week for all previous roles to ensure you meet the GS-12 eligibility criteria.

Serving the Veterans of the Pacific Northwest as a Senior Social Worker is an exceptionally rewarding career move. With competitive pay, student loan assistance, and a mission that truly matters, this position represents the pinnacle of public service. Apply today to start your journey with the VA.

Why This Senior Social Worker (Hud-Vash) Job Matters

Empower our nation's heroes by providing specialized clinical care as a Senior Social Worker for the VA's HUD-VASH program in Wenatchee, Washington.

Senior Social Worker (Hud-Vash) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Social Worker to join the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center. In this pivotal role, you will lead clinical efforts for the HUD-VASH program, ensuring Veterans have access to the support, housing stability, and specialized mental health resources they deserve. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to impact lives in a beautiful, four-season community while enjoying the stability and comprehensive benefits of a federal career.

Requirements for Senior Social Worker (Hud-Vash)

U.S. Citizenship.
Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution.
Current, full, valid, and unrestricted independent state license to practice social work at the master's level.
At least two years of post-licensure clinical experience.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Ability to operate a government vehicle with a valid state driver's license.
Completion of a pre-employment physical and background investigation.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker (Hud-Vash)

Proven experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness.
Advanced clinical skills in specialized treatment modalities.
Background in program administration and outcome evaluation.
Demonstrated ability to serve as a clinical lead or supervisor for multidisciplinary teams.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary with annual increases.
✓Federal pension plan and 401k-style TSP with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Extensive paid time off (up to 26 days of vacation, 13 sick days, and 11 paid holidays).
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.
✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
✓Childcare subsidy for qualifying families.
✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility for student loan reimbursement up to $200,000.

💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker (Hud-Vash) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Senior Social Worker (Hud-Vash) Job

Create or update your account on USAJobs.gov.
Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers website.
Prepare your comprehensive resume detailing your professional experience, education, and credentials.
Complete the occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
Submit your full application package, including transcripts and license documentation, prior to the deadline.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly maps your duties to the GS-12 grade level requirements.
Include month and year for all employment dates and specify hours worked per week.
Double-check that all required documents, including your clinical license, are attached before submission.
Leverage the standard VA clinical resume template to streamline the verification process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HUD-VASH program?

HUD-VASH is a collaborative program between the VA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development that combines HUD housing vouchers with VA supportive services to help Veterans and their families find and sustain permanent housing.

Is this position eligible for loan repayment?

Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan reimbursements up to $200,000 based on individual eligibility.

Do I need to live in Wenatchee to apply?

The position is based in Wenatchee, Washington. While you do not need to be a resident to apply, you must be prepared to work on-site.

Can I apply if I don't have a driver's license?

No, a valid state driver's license is required for this position as outreach is a core function.

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 our nation’s military. The Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, which oversees this role, provides compassionate, whole-health care to our Veteran community. Located in the heart of Washington, our team embodies the "I CARE" values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.