Advance Your Career as a Senior Social Worker with the VA in Los Angeles

Are you a dedicated clinical social worker looking to make a profound impact on the lives of those who served our country? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Senior Social Worker to join the Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. This role is perfect for a clinician passionate about homelessness prevention, reintegration, and whole-health advocacy. With a competitive GS-12 salary range and the opportunity to work in a mission-critical environment, this is a career move that aligns professional growth with service to others.

Job Responsibilities

As a Senior Social Worker, you will operate within the Community Engagement and Reintegration Service (CERS). Your primary focus will be providing high-level case management for the HUD-VASH program. Your daily responsibilities include:

Assessing and providing clinical support to homeless Veterans.
Collaborating with community housing providers to secure permanent placements.
Providing individual, group, and family counseling.
Leading clinical initiatives and serving as a subject matter expert for multidisciplinary teams.
Mentoring junior staff and students in evidence-based social work practice.

Comparison of Role Levels

Feature	GS-11 (Full Performance)	GS-12 (Senior Level)
Scope	Independent practice	Specialized Program Leadership
Complexity	Standard clinical caseload	Complex case management & policy development
Supervision	Receives general supervision	Provides consultation & coaching to staff

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-12 position, applicants must:

Possess a Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Hold a current, unrestricted state license for independent practice at the advanced/clinical level.
Have at least two years of post-licensure experience.
Maintain proficiency in English and pass all required background and physical examinations.

Salary Overview

The compensation for this GS-12 position ranges from $114,695 to $149,106 per year. Salary placement is determined by experience, qualifications, and the specific guidelines of the federal pay scale.

Benefits

Working for the VA offers a robust benefits package that includes:

Federal Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
Competitive retirement plans and a Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
Generous leave accrual (Vacation and Sick).
Potential for student loan forgiveness programs.

Application Tips

Use the official VA Clinical Resume template to ensure your application passes initial screenings.
Highlight your specific experience with high-need populations, such as the homeless or those with PTSD.
Ensure your license information is prominently displayed and active.

Serving our Veterans is a unique and rewarding professional calling. If you possess the clinical expertise and the passion to lead, we invite you to apply for the Senior Social Worker position with the VA in Los Angeles today.

Why This Senior Social Worker Job Matters

Make a lasting impact by empowering homeless Veterans to secure stable housing and achieve whole health wellness in the heart of Los Angeles.

Senior Social Worker Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Senior Social Worker for the Community Engagement and Reintegration Service (CERS) within the Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. In this pivotal GS-12 role, you will provide comprehensive case management through the HUD-VASH program, connecting vulnerable Veterans with permanent housing and essential supportive services. This is a unique opportunity to lead clinical initiatives, provide expert consultation, and directly improve the quality of life for those who have served our nation.

Requirements for Senior Social Worker

U.S. Citizenship.
Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution.
Possession of a full, valid, and unrestricted state-issued license for independent practice at the master's or advanced clinical level.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Ability to operate a government-furnished vehicle.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and background investigation.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Successful completion of a 1- or 2-year trial period.

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker

At least two years of post-licensure clinical experience in a specialized social work setting.
Experience equivalent to at least one year at the GS-11 grade level.
Proven ability to manage complex cases and provide clinical supervision to staff or students.
Advanced certifications from nationally recognized professional social work organizations.
Experience in program development, outcome evaluation, and clinical policy writing.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Robust retirement plans including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
✓Stable career growth within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
✓Collaborative and mission-driven work environment.

💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Senior Social Worker Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your resume using the required VA Clinical Resume format.
Collect necessary supporting documents including transcripts and professional licenses.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application package before the closing date of August 5, 2026.
Monitor your email for confirmation and status updates.

💡 General Tips

Do not leave gaps in your employment history; be clear and specific regarding your clinical duties.
Ensure your state license is current and meets advanced practice requirements.
Download the official VA Clinical Resume template provided to avoid document format errors.
Double-check that all required attachments, such as transcripts or SF-50s, are clearly labeled and attached before submission.
Address all clinical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) mentioned in the job standard within your resume.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HUD-VASH program?

The HUD-VASH program is a collaborative effort between the VA and local housing authorities to provide permanent housing and supportive case management to homeless Veterans.

Is a license required to apply?

Yes, you must hold a current, valid, and unrestricted state license for independent practice at the master’s level to qualify for this GS-12 position.

What is the work schedule for this position?

This is a full-time position with a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Is relocation assistance provided?

No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.

How often does the agency hire for this role?

Openings occur based on facility needs; this particular announcement is accepting applications until August 2026.

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 borne the battle. The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the U.S., providing advanced, compassionate care to Veterans. The Desert Pacific Health Care Network, including the Los Angeles facilities, champions a "Whole Health" system that empowers Veterans to take charge of their well-being through personalized, community-connected care.