Advance Your Clinical Career as a Senior Social Worker with the VA
The Northern Arizona VA Health Care System is currently accepting applications for Senior Social Worker positions. This is a unique opportunity for licensed clinical social workers to join a mission-driven organization dedicated to providing world-class health care to the men and women who have served in the United States military.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior Social Worker, you will operate at the GS-12 level, performing high-level clinical and administrative duties. Depending on your assignment, your responsibilities will include:
- Emergency Department Support: Assessing psychosocial functioning, identifying lethality, and implementing crisis intervention.
- Integrative Chronic Pain Program: Providing clinical counseling and case management to Veterans managing complex pain conditions.
- Home-Based Primary Care: Delivering comprehensive care to geriatric Veterans with complex medical and psychosocial needs.
- Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT): Providing open access for Veterans in crisis and ensuring equitable care within community-based outpatient clinics.
Requirements
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: A master's degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program.
- Licensure: Current, active state licensure allowing for independent practice at the master's level.
- Experience: Demonstrated advanced practice skills and judgment, typically supported by at least two years of post-licensure clinical experience.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Benefit Summary |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $99,402 - $129,225 per year |
| Retirement | Federal Pension + 401(k) with 5% Match |
| Time Off | 37-50 Days Combined Leave (Annual/Sick/Holiday) |
| Insurance | Comprehensive Federal Health, Vision, Dental, Life |
| Incentives | Sign-on bonus and relocation assistance available |
Application Tips
- Use the Required Format: Download the standard Clinical Resume document provided by the VA to ensure your application passes initial screenings.
- Be Detailed: Clearly outline your clinical experience, as the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your skills.
- Check Deadlines: This is an open continuous announcement with specific monthly cut-off dates. Ensure your application is submitted by the 1st of the month for consideration in that cycle.
If you are a driven, empathetic clinician seeking to make a tangible difference, we encourage you to apply. This role offers the stability of a federal career combined with the reward of supporting our nation's heroes. Start your application today via USAJobs.
Why This Senior Social Worker - Social Work Service Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation by joining the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System as a Senior Social Worker.
Senior Social Worker - Social Work Service Job Overview
The Northern Arizona VA Health Care System is seeking dedicated Senior Social Workers to join our interdisciplinary teams. In this role, you will provide comprehensive, patient-centered care to adult and geriatric Veterans across various settings, including the Emergency Department, Home-Based Primary Care, and Patient Aligned Care Teams. If you are an experienced clinician passionate about whole-health care and improving outcomes for our Veterans, this is an exceptional opportunity to advance your career within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Requirements for Senior Social Worker - Social Work Service
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Possess a master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Hold an active, current state license or certification to independently practice social work at the master's level.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Subject to background and security investigation.
- Must be registered with the Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959).
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker - Social Work Service
- At least two years of post-licensure clinical experience in a specialized social work area.
- Demonstrated expertise in advanced psychosocial assessment and crisis intervention.
- Experience in program coordination, policy development, or clinical supervision of trainees.
- Advanced certification or post-masters training from a nationally recognized professional organization.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with regular increases
- ✓37-50 days of paid time off per year (Annual, Sick, and Federal Holidays)
- ✓Paid parental leave after 12 months
- ✓Childcare subsidies for eligible employees
- ✓Federal pension and 401(k) retirement plan with up to 5% agency matching
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- ✓Recruitment incentives and relocation assistance for highly qualified candidates
💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker - Social Work Service Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Social Worker - Social Work Service Job
- Log into your USAJobs account or create a new profile.
- Download the standard Clinical Resume template from the VA careers website.
- Prepare your documents: License, CV/Resume, and transcripts.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the monthly cut-off dates or the final closing date of October 26, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and clear when describing your clinical experience to ensure accurate assessment.
- Ensure your license is active and verifiable in the state where you intend to practice.
- Upload your standard Clinical Resume into the primary 'Resume' field and your detailed CV into the 'Other' documents section.
- Regularly monitor your email for updates regarding your status and potential interview requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a recruitment incentive available for this position?
Yes, a recruitment incentive (sign-on bonus) may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
Can I work remotely for this job?
No, this is not a virtual position, though some telework may be available for highly qualified candidates depending on the specific assignment.
What is the educational requirement for this role?
You must hold a master's degree in social work from a school fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to the Whole Health System of care, a holistic approach that empowers Veterans to take charge of their health and well-being. By joining the Northern Arizona VA team, you are not just an employee; you are a partner in the healing process, working in environments that prioritize the unique needs of those who served our nation.