Become a Beacon of Support: Social Worker (PACT) at Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center

For those who have dedicated their lives to the field of clinical social work, few callings are as noble or rewarding as serving the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States military. Clinical social work within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is not merely a job; it is a vital mission focused on restoration, advocacy, and comprehensive care.

The Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane, Washington, is currently seeking a passionate, skilled, and dedicated Social Worker (PACT). Operating as part of the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT), this professional will work at the intersection of medicine, mental health, and community support, helping Veterans navigate the complex physical, emotional, and social landscapes of life. Offering a competitive salary range from $67,570 to $106,285 per year (GS-9 to GS-11) and eligibility for the premier Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) with up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement, this opportunity represents a pinnacle career path for clinical social workers looking to combine mission-driven work with unparalleled professional benefits.

About the Agency: Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center & Spokane, WA

Delivering on a Historic Promise

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is guided by a singular, historic mission: to fulfill President Abraham Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." To deliver on this commitment, the VA has adopted its core "I CARE" values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. These values define the clinical culture at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, shaping how healthcare teams interact with patients and each other.

Living in Spokane, Washington

Spokane, located in beautiful Eastern Washington, offers an exceptional quality of life that blends urban convenience with unmatched outdoor adventures. As a family-oriented regional hub, Spokane is famous for:

Four-Season Recreation: From skiing through fresh winter powder to canoeing along the Spokane River and exploring 76 regional lakes.
Affordable Living: Accessible housing markets, top-tier public school systems, and high-quality local universities.
Cultural Amenities: A thriving downtown district featuring the Spokane Symphony, Broadway performances at the Opera House, and local productions at the Civic Theater.

Whether walking along the scenic Centennial Trail or enjoying the local culinary scene, professionals at Mann-Grandstaff find that Spokane is the perfect place to build both a career and a family.

Job Responsibilities of a PACT Social Worker

As a Social Worker in the Patient Aligned Care Team model, you will function as a central resource for primary care medical providers, nurses, and allied health staff. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that the physical, psychological, and social needs of the Veteran are addressed in unison. Key duties change by grade, with the full performance responsibilities at the GS-11 level focusing on clinical independence and advanced case management.

Comprehensive Psychosocial Assessments

You will conduct deep-dive psychosocial assessments across a diverse population of Veterans. These evaluations require sensitivity to cultural, socioeconomic, and educational differences, as well as a thorough understanding of human growth, psychological development, and the environmental factors that shape health compliance.

Specialized Geriatric Care

A significant portion of the patient population consists of aging Veterans. Candidates must possess a deep respect and understanding of the problems associated with advancing age, including cognitive decline, physical limitations, and geriatric illnesses. Your clinical plans will integrate advanced techniques to maintain independence and improve the quality of life for elder Veterans.

Collaborative Treatment Planning

Working alongside the Veteran, their family members, and their medical providers, you will develop achievable, patient-centric treatment plans. You will identify strengths, weaknesses, coping mechanisms, and the specific assistance required to help the patient navigate their healthcare journey.

Crisis Intervention and Supportive Counseling

Veterans often face complex psychiatric and environmental challenges. You will utilize evidence-based supportive counseling techniques and crisis intervention modalities to assist individuals and families dealing with acute trauma, mental health crises, or significant life transitions.

Resource Coordination and Patient Advocacy

The healthcare system can be overwhelming and intimidating. In this role, you will act as a steadfast advocate, educating Veterans on their entitlements, community assets, and healthcare directives. You will actively manage referrals to both internal VA services and external community and governmental agencies.

Requirements and Qualifications

To join the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center team, candidates must satisfy both the basic federal qualification standards and the clinical grade-level requirements.

Basic Requirements

Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Non-citizens are only eligible for appointment if no qualified citizens can be recruited.
Education: A Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is mandatory. Doctoral degrees cannot be substituted for this basic MSW requirement.
English Proficiency: Candidates must show complete proficiency in written and spoken English.
Background and Medical Screening: Hires must pass a comprehensive background security investigation and a pre-employment physical examination.
Driver's License: A valid, unrestricted state driver's license is required to operate government-owned vehicles.
Vaccination Compliance: Participation in the seasonal influenza immunization program is required for all healthcare personnel.

Grade-Level Comparison

The following table outlines the distinguishing characteristics, licensing, and experience requirements between the GS-9 and GS-11 levels for this position:

Evaluation Criteria	GS-9 Level (Entry Level)	GS-11 Level (Full Performance)
Experience Requirements	None beyond the basic MSW degree.	1+ year of post-MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 level, OR a Doctoral degree in Social Work.
Licensure Status	State licensing is preferred, but may be temporarily waived pending completion of local prerequisites.	Must possess an active, valid, and completely unrestricted independent state clinical social work license.
Clinical Independence	Operates under supervision; develops proficiency in basic clinical interventions and assessments.	Independently conducts complex psychosocial assessments and therapeutic interventions.
Resource Knowledge	Familiar with basic medical terminology and standard community resources.	Expert coordination of complex community, federal, and state service networks.
Teaching & Mentorship	Focused on personal professional development and team integration.	Able to provide clinical consultation to junior staff, medical personnel, and MSW graduate students.

Salary Overview & Financial Perks

Federal service provides unmatched financial stability and growth potential. The salary range for this position spans from $67,570 to $106,285 per year.

Your starting salary grade (GS-9 or GS-11) and individual step within that grade are determined by a professional standards board that reviews your academic achievements, clinical experience, and licensure status. Additionally, as a Title 38 Hybrid employee, you are eligible for regular, scheduled step increases, cost-of-living adjustments, and potential performance-based awards.

Unrivaled Federal Benefits

The total compensation package for VA clinical personnel goes far beyond the base salary, providing premium coverage for your health, family, and future:

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): This role is authorized for the EDRP, providing up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement over a five-year period to help clear your academic debt.
Extensive Paid Leave: Enjoy 37 to 50 days of paid time off each year, which includes 13 to 26 days of annual vacation leave, 13 sick days, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Paid Parental Leave: Receive up to 12 weeks of fully paid leave following the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child once you complete 12 months of service.
Child Care Assistance: Eligible full-time staff with family incomes under $144,000 can receive up to 25% of their child care costs covered, up to a monthly benefit of $416.66.
Retirement Security: Vest in a traditional federal pension after just 5 years of service, and grow your savings with the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which features an agency match of up to 5%.
High-Quality Insurance: Access premium Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plans, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance, with the ability to carry your health coverage directly into retirement.

Expert Application Tips

Securing a federal clinical position requires a strategic and precise application process. Follow these expert tips to ensure your submission stands out to the hiring committee:

Utilize the Dual-Resume Strategy: The Spokane VA has a specific application process. You must download the official one-page VA Clinical Resume template and upload it into the 'Resume' document field. Because this template is page-restricted, you should upload your full, detailed curriculum vitae (CV) without any page limits into the 'Other' document slot to ensure your entire career history is documented.
Quantify and Detail Your Clinical Experience: Do not write brief bullet points. Clearly specify your caseload sizes, the populations you have served (e.g., geriatric, substance use, crisis), and your experience with medical terminology.
Explicitly List Work Hours: For every position on your resume, you must include the start and end dates (Month/Year) and the average hours worked per week. Omitted hours can cause the human resources department to discount your qualifying experience.
Submit Clean Transcripts and Credentials: Ensure your uploaded transcripts clearly show that your MSW degree was conferred by a CSWE-accredited program. If applying at the GS-11 level, provide proof of your active, unrestricted state clinical social work license.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this position eligible for remote work?

No. This is a hands-on, clinic-based role where you will interact directly with Veterans and your PACT teammates. Telework is restricted to ad-hoc, situational occurrences, such as extreme winter weather conditions.

Q2: What is the timeline to apply?

This vacancy is open for applications until September 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. However, clinical positions are often reviewed as vacancies arise, so early submission is highly recommended.

Q3: What happens if I am hired at the GS-9 level without a license?

Under the VHA's Title 38 Hybrid guidelines, you can be hired at the GS-9 level under a temporary licensure waiver while you work toward your state credentials. Your supervisor will outline the exact timeframes and requirements for obtaining your independent license. Failure to obtain your license within the agreed timeframe will lead to removal from the GS-0185 social work series.

Q4: Does the VA verify employment history?

Yes. The Department of Veterans Affairs conducts comprehensive pre-employment background investigations, reference checks, and credential verification to ensure the clinical safety and suitability of all clinical staff.

Working as a PACT Social Worker at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center is more than a career advancement; it is an opportunity to touch the lives of those who have sacrificed for our nation. By combining clinical independence, a collaborative interdisciplinary model, and an exceptional regional lifestyle in Spokane, this position stands as a premier opportunity in clinical social work. With up to $200,000 in student loan repayment and a top-tier federal benefits package, your future is secure as you secure the welfare of our nation's Veterans.

Take the next step in your clinical journey and submit your application today!

Why This Social Worker (Pact) Job Matters

Transform the lives of our nation's heroes in the Pacific Northwest. Join the Spokane VA as a PACT Social Worker and access up to $200,000 in student loan repayment through the Education Debt Reduction Program.

Social Worker (Pact) Job Overview

The Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Spokane, Washington, is searching for a dedicated, compassionate Social Worker to integrate into their Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT). Operating within an interdisciplinary medical environment, this professional will administer psychosocial assessments, deliver therapeutic and crisis intervention counseling, and advocate for Veterans and their families. This position is offered at a competitive salary grade from GS-9 to GS-11 ($67,570 - $106,285) and includes a suite of premium federal benefits alongside robust educational debt assistance.

Requirements for Social Worker (Pact)

United States Citizenship (non-citizens are only considered when qualified citizens are unavailable)
Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Active, valid, and unrestricted state-issued license or certification to practice social work independently at the master's level (required for GS-11 and above; temporary waiver available at GS-9)
Proficiency in both written and spoken English
Passing of a pre-employment physical examination
Possession of a valid, unrestricted state-issued driver's license
Compliance with the seasonal influenza vaccination program as health care personnel
Subject to a background/security investigation
Agreement to serve a 1-to-2-year trial period to evaluate fitness for federal service

Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker (Pact)

Experience operating within a multidisciplinary clinical team or Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) model
In-depth knowledge of geriatric medical conditions, mental health diagnoses, and age-associated physical limitations
Established history of rapid psychosocial assessment and crisis-management planning
Strong understanding of local community support systems and governmental entitlement structures

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Up to $200,000 in student loan repayment reimbursement over five years
✓Generous Paid Time Off: 37 to 50 days of annual paid leave (consisting of 13 to 26 days of annual leave, 13 sick days, and 11 paid Federal holidays)
✓Paid Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave following the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child
✓Child Care Subsidy: Up to 25% reimbursement of child care costs (maximum $416.66 monthly) for full-time employees with a household income under $144,000
✓Traditional Federal Pension: Secure retirement under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) with a 5-year vesting period
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Federal 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching contributions
✓Comprehensive Insurance: High-quality federal health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care plans, many of which carry over into retirement

💡 How to Apply Social Worker (Pact) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Social Worker (Pact) Job

Download the standard VA Clinical Resume template from the official VA Careers portal.
Navigate to the vacancy on USAJOBS (Announcement Number: CBSV-13004676-26-JC) and log in.
Complete the comprehensive occupational assessment questionnaire.
Upload the completed one-page standard Clinical Resume into the primary 'Resume' slot.
Upload your detailed multi-page CV/resume into the 'Other' document field to ensure your full experience is visible.
Attach required support documents, such as academic transcripts, active professional licenses, and your most recent non-award SF-50 (if a current or former federal employee).
Submit your complete application package before September 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

💡 General Tips

Adhere strictly to the dual-resume strategy: upload the mandatory one-page clinical template in the 'Resume' section, and then upload your comprehensive, detailed CV in the 'Other' upload slot to prevent page limitations from hiding your work history.
Ensure your resume explicitly details the month, year, and average hours worked per week for every position held; failing to document hours can lead to experience being discounted.
Do not generalize your skills. The HR team evaluates applications based on explicit statements; clearly describe your clinical interventions, caseload sizes, and collaborative accomplishments.
If you are a current or former federal employee, submit an SF-50 that proves your tenure, competitive status, pay plan, and grade; award-based SF-50s often omit these critical metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) and how do I qualify?

The EDRP is a premium VA incentive that provides up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement over five years. To qualify, you must submit an application within four months of your appointment and have your educational debt verified by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office.

Can I apply for this position if I am currently completing my degree or state license?

Yes. Applicants pending completion of educational or licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected. However, you must meet all basic eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date and before your formal hiring date.

What are the core hours and telework capabilities for this position?

This is a full-time position working Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It is an on-site, clinical role; virtual options are not available, and telework is limited to ad-hoc, inclement weather scenarios only.

Are relocation expenses covered for this role?

No. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) expenses and relocation incentives are not authorized for this recruitment action.