Transforming Veteran Mental Health: Social Worker (Program Coordinator) – BHIP Manager

Veterans returning from service often face unique, complex psychological challenges. Providing world-class, integrated mental healthcare is not just a medical goal; it is a sacred obligation. At the heart of this effort is the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which is currently seeking an extraordinary clinical leader to step into the role of Social Worker (Program Coordinator) – Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) Manager in Fresno, California.

This position is structured at the GS-13 grade level and carries a highly competitive compensation package ranging from $115,466 to $150,107 annually. In addition to competitive pay, this opportunity provides a life-changing financial benefit: eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which can reimburse up to $200,000 in student loans. This role represents a rare fusion of clinical leadership, strategic administrative oversight, and direct advocacy for those who have served our country. If you are an experienced, licensed clinical social worker with a passion for leading multidisciplinary teams and reforming mental health delivery networks, this is your next career destination.

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About the Agency: VA Central California Health Care System

The mission of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is rooted in President Abraham Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Working for the VHA means honoring this commitment every day through comprehensive, compassionate care.

The VA Central California Health Care System (VACCHCS), headquartered in Fresno, is an essential piece of the VA Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21), which provides medical and mental healthcare across California, Nevada, and Hawaii. The Fresno campus is a dynamic facility featuring a 57-bed acute care medical and surgical center, paired with a 54-bed Community Living Center (CLC) specializing in skilled nursing and rehabilitative care.

As the BHIP Manager within the Mental Health Service, you will guide programs designed to bring together psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and support staff. Together, this interdisciplinary team works to provide seamless, holistic care that focuses on the clinical and social recovery of every Veteran.

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Job Responsibilities: Clinical and Administrative Leadership

The Fresno BHIP Program Manager operates with a high degree of independent judgment and administrative latitude. Unlike typical social work roles, this position is highly complex, combining high-level administrative functions, direct system-wide clinical supervision, and metrics-driven strategic planning.

Key responsibilities include:

• Program Administration: Directing, organizing, and supervising all administrative and clinical aspects of Fresno's Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Programs. This involves establishing long-term goals, determining clinical program directions, and developing localized policies in compliance with national VA directives.
• Staff Supervision: Providing direct and indirect supervision to all system-wide Fresno BHIP providers. This includes performance planning, routine clinical evaluations, work assignment distributions, professional development training, and recommending promotions, awards, or disciplinary actions.
• Performance Analytics & Metric Improvement: Utilizing computerized clinical data to analyze and evaluate system-wide mental health trends. A core metric of success is monitoring and improving the Strategic Analytics for Improvement and Learning (SAIL) metrics, ensuring the facility meets clinical quality benchmarks.
• Fiscal Management: Managing the fiscal matters of supervised clinics. You will oversee fund controls, monitor contracts, forecast equipment needs, and ensure that the allocated program budget is administered with high efficiency and accountability.
• Collaborative Leadership: Serving as an active member of the Mental Health Program Manager Committee. You will work side-by-side with the Chief and Deputy Chief of Mental Health Services, advising executive leadership on patient-level and facility-level issues impacting the regional Veteran community.

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Requirements & Qualifications for the GS-13 Role

To maintain high standards of clinical care, candidates must satisfy strict federal qualification standards. Below is an overview of the mandatory requirements for this role:

Basic Requirements

1. U.S. Citizenship: Non-citizens will only be considered under unique recruitment exceptions when qualified U.S. citizens are unavailable.
2. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be fully proficient in written and spoken English in accordance with federal law.
3. Education: Must possess a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Note: A doctoral degree in social work cannot be used to substitute for this required master's degree.
4. Licensure: Active, unrestricted license or certification by a state to independently practice social work at the master's level.

Grade-Specific Requirements (GS-13 Program Coordinator)

• Advanced Licensure: You must hold a license or certification at the advanced clinical practice level and be legally authorized to provide supervision to other clinical staff seeking licensure.
• Specialized Experience: You must possess at least one full year of professional social work experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. This experience must demonstrate advanced clinical practice, clinical supervision, and program management, such as running specialized clinics, designing policy guidelines, managing budgets, or evaluating computerized healthcare data.

Other Conditions of Employment

• Trial Period: Selected candidates are subject to a 1 to 2-year trial period to assess fitness and dedication to the government's public service mission.
• Health Compliance: Must pass a pre-employment physical assessment and participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program (unless a clinical or religious exemption is approved).
• Background Checks: Subject to a background and security investigation.
• Identity Verification: Must provide REAL ID-compliant identification upon onboarding.

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Salary Overview & Financial Incentive Perks

The base salary range for this position is $115,466 to $150,107 per year. The starting step of your salary may be adjusted upward (Above Minimum Rate) based on specialized experience, exceptional qualifications, or specific clinical needs of the agency.

The Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)

One of the most valuable benefits of this role is its eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). This incentive program allows the VHA to repay up to $200,000 of your qualifying student loan debt over a one-to-five-year period, tax-free. To participate, you must file your EDRP application within four months of your official appointment date.

Additionally, highly qualified applicants may be authorized to receive a recruitment or relocation incentive (sign-on bonus), helping ease the transition into this critical leadership role.

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Federal Benefits & Work-Life Balance

Working for the federal government provides a comprehensive benefits package that outmatches most private-sector offerings. Below is a comparison table outlining the key advantages:

Benefit Category	VHA Benefits (GS-13 BHIP Manager)	Typical Private Sector Comparison
Paid Time Off (PTO)	37 to 50 days off annually (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 federal holidays)	Typically 15 to 25 combined PTO days per year.
Student Loan Support	EDRP eligible (up to $200,000) in tax-free reimbursement	Rarely offered, or capped at minor lifetime maximums.
Retirement & Pension	Federal Pension (FERS) vested at 5 years + TSP (401k) with up to 5% match	401(k) matching only; defined-benefit pensions are rare.
Paid Parental Leave	Up to 12 weeks of fully paid leave after 12 months of service	Often unpaid or limited to short-term disability policies.
Child Care Subsidy	Up to $416.66/month (for eligible families earning under $144k)	Seldom offered as a direct employer benefit.
Insurance Continuity	Health/Dental/Vision plans can be carried into retirement	Employer health insurance terminates upon retirement.

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Application Tips & Document Strategy

Because federal hiring utilizes automated screening and detailed HR assessments, submitting an incomplete application will lead to disqualification. Use the following guidelines to optimize your application:

1. The Dual-Resume Strategy:
   • Step 1: Download the mandatory standard, one-page Clinical Resume Document. Do not modify this document; upload it directly into the restricted 'Resume' document upload field in USA Staffing.
   • Step 2: Upload your actual, detailed, multi-page CV or federal resume into the 'Other' document upload field. This ensures your extensive experience is thoroughly documented.
2. Showcase Your GS-12 Experience: Do not write a generic resume. Explicitly demonstrate your experience in program coordinating, metrics review (SAIL), policy drafting, and budget control. Use active verbs and quantify accomplishments where possible (e.g., "Supervised a team of 10 interdisciplinary providers and improved clinical performance metrics by 15%.").
3. Respect the Deadlines: This is an Open Continuous Announcement closing on September 30, 2026. However, do not wait. The first cutoff for referral is August 14, 2026. Applications are reviewed, referred, and filled at regular intervals after this date.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the first cutoff date for applications?

While the vacancy remains open until September 30, 2026, the first evaluation and referral of qualified candidates will occur immediately after August 14, 2026. Applying early is highly recommended.

Q2: What level of clinical licensure is required for this position?

Candidates must hold an active, unrestricted license at the advanced clinical practice level that legally permits them to practice independently and provide clinical supervision to other social workers seeking licensure.

Q3: Can I qualify for this GS-13 position based on a doctoral degree in social work?

No. The qualification standard specifically states that a doctoral degree in Social Work cannot be substituted for the required Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited institution.

Q4: Is this position eligible for remote work or telework?

This is a full-time, on-site position located in Fresno, California. Limited ad-hoc telework may be available based on operational needs, but it is not a virtual or remote role.

Q5: Who can I contact if I have questions regarding the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)?

You can reach out directly to the EDRP Coordinator at [email protected] for inquiries regarding individual eligibility and loan evaluation services.

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Stepping into the role of Social Worker (Program Coordinator) – BHIP Manager is more than a career advancement; it is an opportunity to lead a dedicated team on the frontlines of Veteran clinical care. With a strong GS-13 salary, unmatched benefits, up to $200k in student loan repayment support, and a collaborative environment, this position in Fresno, California offers a deeply fulfilling path. Apply today, and bring your clinical expertise and leadership skills to the service of those who kept our nation safe.