Transforming Veteran Care: Social Worker Opportunities at the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center
Are you a dedicated social worker looking to make a profound difference in the lives of those who have served our country? The Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center in Walla Walla, Washington, is currently seeking a compassionate and skilled Social Worker to join our Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) program. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to providing dignity and essential clinical support to Veterans who are best served in the comfort of their own homes.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will be the bridge between clinical care and the Veteran’s home environment. Your primary duties include:
- Conduct thorough psychosocial assessments for Veterans and their caregivers.
- Develop and implement interdisciplinary treatment plans.
- Facilitate crisis intervention and rapid assessment for home-based care.
- Provide counseling and education on advance directives, community entitlements, and VA resources.
- Collaborate with medical staff to ensure continuity of care across various clinical settings.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following baseline standards:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- A Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited school.
- A valid, independent, state-level clinical social work license.
- A clean driving history and the ability to operate government vehicles.
- Proficiency in English and completion of all pre-employment background screenings.
Salary and Comparison Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $73,246 - $115,242 per year |
| Role Grade | GS-9 to GS-11 |
| Schedule | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Work Environment | Home-based/Field clinical visits |
Benefits
Choosing a career with the VA means accessing one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the country:
- Financial Security: Traditional federal pension and 401k-style thrift savings plan (TSP) with agency matching.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- Family Support: Paid parental leave and accessible childcare subsidy programs.
- Health and Wellness: A wide array of federal health, dental, and vision insurance options that can be carried into retirement.
Application Tips
- The Resume Matters: Use the specific VA clinical resume template found on the VA Careers website. This ensures your skills are properly mapped to the hiring requirements.
- Detail is Key: Do not leave gaps. List every job duty, start/end dates, and the number of hours worked per week.
- Prepare Documentation: Have your transcripts and license verification ready to upload immediately.
Serving our nation’s Veterans in the comfort of their homes is a noble and vital mission. If you are a licensed social worker who is ready to provide high-quality care within an interdisciplinary setting, we encourage you to apply to the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center today.
Why This Social Worker (Home-Based Primary Care) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact in the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the Home-Based Primary Care team in beautiful Walla Walla, Washington.
Social Worker (Home-Based Primary Care) Job Overview
The Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to join the Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) program. This role is pivotal in providing clinical case management, counseling, and advocacy for Veterans who require care within their home environment. You will work within an interdisciplinary team to assess patient needs, develop comprehensive treatment plans, and coordinate essential services to ensure our Veterans receive the high-quality, compassionate care they have earned.
Requirements for Social Worker (Home-Based Primary Care)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Must possess a valid, unrestricted, independent license to practice social work at the master's degree level.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Must possess a valid state-issued driver's license with a clean driving record.
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
- Ability to complete all required background and suitability investigations.
Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker (Home-Based Primary Care)
- At least one year of post-MSW clinical experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level.
- Demonstrated ability to perform psychosocial assessments and implement effective treatment modalities.
- Experience in crisis intervention and care coordination for medical or mental health patients.
- Knowledge of VA and community-based resources to support Veteran wellness.
- Experience working within an interdisciplinary clinical team.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal retirement pension plan with 5-year vesting
- ✓Federal 401K (TSP) with agency matching up to 5%
- ✓Comprehensive Federal health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance
- ✓37-50 days of paid time off per year (Annual leave, sick leave, and 11 Federal holidays)
- ✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service
- ✓Childcare subsidy eligibility for qualifying family incomes
- ✓Potential for recruitment incentive or higher step-rate pay based on qualifications
💡 How to Apply Social Worker (Home-Based Primary Care) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Social Worker (Home-Based Primary Care) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the required occupational questionnaire.
- Download the clinical resume template from the provided VA link.
- Upload your resume, transcripts, and relevant licensure documentation.
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume details specific dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position.
- Use the specific VA clinical resume template provided to ensure your application is processed correctly.
- Clearly link your past clinical work to the competencies listed in the job duties.
- Double-check that your license is current and verifiable.
- Submit all documents well before the September 30th deadline to avoid technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of an HBPC Social Worker?
You will be responsible for assessing the psychosocial needs of Veterans, developing home-based treatment plans, and coordinating with community resources to help Veterans maintain their independence.
Can I apply if I do not have my clinical license yet?
For this position, candidates must generally possess an independent practice license. Please review the specific grade level requirements in the official announcement to see if you qualify.
Is travel required for this position?
Yes, as this is a home-based care role, you must be capable of driving a government vehicle and navigating various environmental conditions to conduct home visits.
What is the trial period?
New federal employees must complete a 1 or 2-year trial period to demonstrate fitness and alignment with agency mission goals.
Is relocation assistance available?
Unfortunately, relocation assistance (PCS) is not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to the "I CARE" values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Serving in Walla Walla offers a unique opportunity to work in a community frequently ranked as one of the best small towns in America. Known for its world-class wine industry and friendly atmosphere, Walla Walla provides an exceptional quality of life. As a VA professional, you gain access to a stable, rewarding career path with extensive opportunities for growth.