Empowering Recovery: Social Worker Opportunities at the VA in Prescott

Are you a dedicated clinical social worker looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of American Veterans? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently hiring a Social Worker - Substance Use Disorder Services in Prescott, Arizona. This position offers a unique blend of clinical challenge, interdisciplinary teamwork, and the stability of a federal career.

Job Responsibilities

As a Substance Use Disorder Services (SUDS) Social Worker, you will be on the front lines of care. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Clinical Assessment: Conducting thorough psychosocial interviews to identify Veteran needs, strengths, and barriers to recovery.
Treatment Planning: Creating and implementing evidence-based treatment plans for individuals and groups.
Therapeutic Intervention: Facilitating motivational interviewing, crisis intervention, and group psycho-education.
Collaboration: Acting as an integral part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team to manage psychiatric and medical co-occurring disorders.
Program Development: Participating in clinical staff meetings and contributing to policy improvement within the clinic.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Educational Background: A Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school.
Licensure: You must hold a full, valid, and unrestricted state license to practice social work independently. (Limited exceptions apply for GS-9 level entry).
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Communication: Proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

Comparison of Grade Levels

Feature	GS-09 Level	GS-11 Level
Experience	Basic requirements met	1+ year post-MSW equivalent
Licensure	May qualify pending exam	Required (Independent)
Responsibility	Supervised/Training focus	Independent practice/Consultation

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $68,545 to $107,819 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. Beyond the base pay, the VA offers a robust benefits package:

Generous Leave: Accrue 13-26 days of annual leave plus 13 sick days and 11 paid holidays.
Pension & 401(k): Secure your future with federal retirement systems.
Health & Wellness: Access to comprehensive insurance plans that follow you into retirement.
Work-Life Balance: Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after your first year.

Application Tips

Use the Required Template: Download the VA's specified clinical resume document. It ensures your application is formatted correctly for federal systems.
Be Specific: Don't just list your tasks; explain your impact, the populations you served, and the specific clinical modalities you used.
Stay Responsive: Under the 30-day hiring model, you may be contacted for an interview shortly after the announcement closes. Keep your contact information current.

This role is an exceptional opportunity for a social worker who wants to move beyond standard practice and engage in holistic, evidence-based care. If you are ready to serve those who have served us, we encourage you to apply and join our team in Prescott today.

Why This Social Worker - Substance Use Disorder Services Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served by providing expert, compassionate substance use recovery services in the heart of Prescott, Arizona.

Social Worker - Substance Use Disorder Services Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to join the Substance Use Disorder Services (SUDS) team in Prescott, AZ. This role focuses on providing vital psychotherapeutic services, psychosocial assessments, and personalized treatment planning for Veterans managing substance use and co-occurring disorders. You will function as a key member of a multidisciplinary team, utilizing evidence-based modalities to support Veterans on their journey toward whole health and recovery.

Requirements for Social Worker - Substance Use Disorder Services

U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be hired if qualified citizens are unavailable).
Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Active, full, and unrestricted state license/certification to practice social work at an independent level.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
Ability to complete an online background and security investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker - Substance Use Disorder Services

At least one year of post-MSW clinical experience in a healthcare or social work setting.
Experience in crisis intervention, group therapy, and motivational interviewing.
Proven ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary clinical team.
Demonstrated knowledge of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and medical terminology.
A doctoral degree in social work may substitute for one year of required experience.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓37-50 days of paid time off (annual, sick, and federal holidays).
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
✓Federal 401(k) (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
✓Childcare subsidies for eligible employees.
✓Potential for recruitment incentives for highly qualified candidates.

💡 How to Apply Social Worker - Substance Use Disorder Services Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Social Worker - Substance Use Disorder Services Job

Log in or create an account on the USAJobs portal.
Download the standard Clinical Resume document from the provided VA careers link.
Prepare your documents: License, CV, Resume, and Transcript.
Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package before the August 4, 2026, deadline.
Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests regarding interviews or pre-employment checks.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly details your experience level, as the hiring team will not make assumptions.
Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided to avoid document compliance issues.
Be ready to provide professional references within 3-5 days of being referred.
Ensure your state license is valid and that you have documentation ready.
Double-check your application for all required documents like transcripts and SF-50s before clicking submit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am currently finishing my licensure requirements?

Yes, for the GS-9 level, some exceptions for licensure exist pending exam completion; however, the GS-11 level strictly requires an independent license.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an onsite position located in Prescott, Arizona.

What is the 30-day hiring model?

The VA’s streamlined hiring process aims to expedite the transition from application to onboarding by focusing on quick assessment and clear, timely communication.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class health care to those who have served in the military. The VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network operates on a "Whole Health" philosophy, viewing every Veteran as a partner in their own personalized health plan. By joining our team, you are becoming part of a mission-driven organization that values compassion, excellence, and the dignity of our nation's heroes.