Become a Senior Social Worker with the VA

Are you a licensed social worker passionate about serving those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering a career-defining opportunity for a Senior Social Worker to join the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania. This role is not just a job; it is a chance to lead the Military to VA (M2VA) Program, ensuring that our nation's Post 9/11 Veterans receive the high-quality care and coordination they deserve.

Job Responsibilities

As the M2VA Program Manager, you will wear many hats, functioning as both a clinician and an administrator. Your primary duties include:

Program Leadership: Planning, developing, and implementing policies for the Transition and Care Management (TCM) Program.
Clinical Advocacy: Completing thorough psychosocial assessments and providing individual, group, or family psychotherapy.
Data Oversight: Utilizing outcome evaluations to improve treatment services and identify gaps in service delivery.
Collaboration: Working closely with Vet Centers and the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) to streamline benefits and healthcare access.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Education: A master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution.
Licensure: You must hold a current state license for independent practice at the master's degree level.
Experience: A minimum of two years post-advanced practice clinical licensure, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-11 level.
Professionalism: Proficiency in English and the ability to work collaboratively within a diverse healthcare team.

Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Education	Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
Experience	2+ Years post-licensure
Clearance	Low Risk/Non-sensitive

Salary Overview

The salary for this GS-12 position ranges from $96,206 to $125,070 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. The VA offers regular salary increases and the potential for a higher step rate for candidates with unique qualifications.

Benefits

Working at the VA comes with an unmatched total rewards package, including:

Generous PTO: Up to 50 days of paid time off annually.
Financial Security: Federal pension and 401k matching up to 5%.
Health: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
Growth: Support for professional development and continuous learning.

Application Tips

Use the Required Template: The VA provides a specific document for your Clinical Resume. Using it is mandatory for a complete application.
Be Specific: Do not just list your titles; describe your clinical interventions, the populations you served, and the outcomes you achieved.
Submit Early: Ensure all documentation is in place well before the August 26, 2026, deadline to avoid technical issues.

If you are ready to use your expertise to make a lasting difference in the lives of Veterans, we encourage you to apply. The James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center is looking for leaders who are ready to rise to the challenge. Start your application today and join us in honoring those who served.

Why This Senior Social Worker Job Matters

Empower those who served by leading critical transition programs as a Senior Social Worker at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center.

Senior Social Worker Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Senior Social Worker to serve as the Military to VA (M2VA) Program Manager. This vital role involves overseeing the transition and coordination of care for Post 9/11 Servicemembers and Veterans in Altoona, Pennsylvania. You will utilize your clinical expertise to provide administrative oversight, develop quality improvement strategies, and ensure our Veterans receive seamless, high-quality care during their transition back to civilian life.

Requirements for Senior Social Worker

United States Citizenship.
Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Current, unrestricted state license to independently practice social work at the master's level.
At least two years of post-licensure experience in a specialized area of social work.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Valid driver's license.
Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination.
Ability to pass a background and security investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker

Experience in Medical Social Work or Case Management.
Demonstrated leadership in managing programs, teams, or initiatives.
Advanced certification from a nationally recognized professional organization.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with periodic pay increases
✓37-50 days of paid time off (annual, sick, and federal holidays)
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance options
✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting
✓Federal 401k (Thrift Savings Plan) with up to 5% employer matching
✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees
✓Childcare subsidy program for qualifying families

💡 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 and all required supporting documents (e.g., transcripts, licenses, SF-50).
Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided on the VA Careers website.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Submit your full application package before the closing date of August 26, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume; the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your experience.
Include both paid and relevant volunteer work to demonstrate your competencies.
Ensure all documentation is uploaded in the correct fields as specified.
Check your application status frequently through the USAJOBS dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of the M2VA Program Manager?

The primary goal is to oversee transition and care management for Post 9/11 Servicemembers and Veterans, ensuring they receive high-quality, efficient care through program planning, outreach, and clinical advocacy.

Is telework available for this position?

No, this is an onsite position at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona, PA.

What level of licensure is required?

Candidates must hold an advanced practice clinical license that permits independent practice.

What is the trial period for this role?

*A: You will serve a 1- or 2-year trial period to evaluate your fitness for the federal service.*

Is there relocation assistance?

*A: No, relocation incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. We are dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By joining our team in Altoona, you are becoming part of a community that values clinical excellence, whole-health treatment, and compassionate service.