Embark on a Rewarding Career as a Social Worker with the Department of Veterans Affairs

Are you a dedicated and compassionate Social Worker looking to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration, is seeking a qualified professional to join their Homeless Veterans Program as a Social Worker in Des Moines, Iowa. This critical role offers a unique opportunity to provide essential support, case management, and counseling to homeless veterans, guiding them toward stability and well-being. If you are passionate about serving our nation's heroes and seeking a fulfilling career with excellent benefits, this position is an exceptional fit.

About the Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the nation's largest integrated health care system, providing comprehensive medical care to more than 9 million veterans each year. The VA's mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The VA Central Iowa Health Care System, where this position is located, is committed to providing high-quality, whole-health care to veterans. With a dedicated team of approximately 1,700 employees, the system offers a wide range of services, including primary care, acute medicine, surgery, behavioral health, and domiciliary care, serving veterans across central Iowa through its main campus in Des Moines and various outreach clinics.

Job Responsibilities

As a Social Worker in the HUD-VASH (Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) program, you will play a pivotal role in supporting homeless veterans. Your responsibilities will encompass a wide range of direct and indirect services aimed at promoting the health, well-being, and housing stability of veterans.

Key duties include:

• Veteran Assessment and Planning: Conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments to identify veterans' needs, strengths, vulnerabilities, and eligibility for the HUD-VASH program. Developing individualized, veteran-centric treatment plans in collaboration with the veteran and interdisciplinary team members.
• Psychosocial Diagnosis: Applying diagnostic skills to identify mental health and substance abuse issues, contributing to the overall treatment strategy.
• Treatment Implementation: Providing direct mental health and substance abuse services, including individual and group counseling, crisis management, and emotional support to help veterans maintain safe housing.
• Community Resource Coordination: Establishing and maintaining strong working relationships with community agencies, shelters, halfway houses, and other governmental organizations to facilitate referrals and coordinate services for veterans.
• Case Management: Monitoring veteran progress, evaluating treatment plan effectiveness, and making necessary adjustments to interventions and goals.
• Outreach and Engagement: Actively participating in outreach activities, including field interviews and assessments, to connect with homeless veterans in the community, shelters, and "on the streets."
• Program Development and Collaboration: Working with VA medical center multidisciplinary teams and community partners to enhance the delivery of healthcare services to homeless veterans and representing the VA at community service provider meetings.
• Documentation: Maintaining accurate and thorough documentation of assessments, treatment plans, interventions, and progress.

Requirements

To be considered for this vital role, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen. Non-citizens may be appointed if qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• English Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Education: A master's degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is mandatory. Graduates from schools in candidacy status are not eligible until full accreditation is achieved. A doctoral degree in social work cannot substitute for the master's degree. You can verify accreditation at http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation.
• Licensure/Certification: Must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level.
  • For GS-9: Social workers not yet licensed may be hired pending completion of state prerequisites, with a requirement to obtain licensure/certification within three years of appointment.
  • For GS-11 and above: Independent, master's-level licensure or certification is required at the time of appointment.
• Background Investigation: Must be able to pass a background investigation.
• Driver's License: An unrestricted driver's license is required, along with a clean driving record from the DMV.
• Physical Examination: A driver's physical examination is required.
• Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
• Trial Period: A 1 or 2-year trial period is a condition of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• GS-9 Level: Demonstrated ability in veteran-centric approaches, psychosocial assessment, treatment planning and implementation, effective communication, and fundamental knowledge of medical/mental health diagnoses.
• GS-11 Level: In addition to GS-9 level KSAs, requires at least one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 level in healthcare or social work settings, and demonstrated skills in community resource knowledge, independent assessment and intervention, and consultation services.

Salary Overview

This position is graded at the GS-9 to GS-11 level, with an annual salary range of $67,933 to $106,857. Salary increases are regular, reflecting career progression within the federal system.

Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being of its employees:

• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave (13-26 days) and sick leave (13 days) accrual, totaling 37-50 paid days off annually, in addition to 11 paid Federal holidays.
• Retirement: A traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting and a federal 401K plan with up to a 5% VA contribution.
• Insurance: A robust selection of federal insurance programs, including health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance, many of which can be continued into retirement.
• Paid Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for eligible employees following the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Child Care Subsidy: Potential eligibility for a childcare subsidy for full-time employees meeting specific income and eligibility criteria.
• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): This position is eligible for the EDRP, a student loan payment reimbursement program offering up to $200,000 over one to five years, subject to individual eligibility and program approval.

Application Process

To apply for this rewarding opportunity, follow these steps:

1. Visit USAJOBS: Access the application through the USAJOBS website.
2. Create/Log In: Create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.
3. Complete Questionnaire: Thoroughly complete the occupational questionnaire.
4. Upload Documents: Submit your resume and all required supporting documents, including transcripts if using education to qualify, by the closing date of September 30, 2026.
5. Preview: You can preview the questionnaire before applying at https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13030511.

Application Tips

• Be Specific: Clearly detail your experience, education, and skills in your resume to ensure you meet the qualifications. Avoid assumptions.
• Required Documents: Double-check that all required documents, such as transcripts and any relevant certifications, are uploaded with your application.
• Accuracy: Ensure all information provided in your application is accurate and complete.
• Deadlines: Submit your application package well before the closing date to avoid any technical issues.
• Contact: If you need assistance with the application process or require an alternative method, please contact the Agency Contact listed in the announcement.

This Social Worker position with the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a chance to contribute meaningfully to the lives of homeless veterans while enjoying a stable career with excellent benefits and opportunities for professional growth. If you possess the required qualifications and a passion for serving veterans, we encourage you to apply and become part of a team dedicated to honoring America's heroes.