Lead Veteran Mental Health Initiatives: Social Worker Program Coordinator Opportunity

Are you a dedicated social worker looking to transition into a leadership role? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering a career-defining opportunity at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. We are seeking a highly motivated Social Worker to serve as the COMPACT Act Program Coordinator (CAPC).

Job Responsibilities

As the Program Coordinator, your role is multifaceted. You will serve as the primary subject matter expert for the COMPACT Act, ensuring that crisis care and suicide prevention efforts meet the highest standards. Key responsibilities include:

Policy Leadership: Developing and interpreting complex policies and practice guidelines.
Clinical Oversight: Monitoring the Federal Electronic Health Record (FEHR) for documentation compliance.
Collaboration: Engaging with both internal medical departments and community agencies to streamline Veteran care.
Training: Developing and delivering high-level education to clinical staff and stakeholders.

Requirements

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

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship.
Education: A Master’s Degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school.
Licensure: An active license for independent practice at the master's degree level.
Experience: Ability to demonstrate advanced clinical practice skills and leadership competencies.
Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Comparison: General Social Worker vs. Program Coordinator

Feature	Social Worker	Program Coordinator
Scope of Practice	Direct Patient Care	Clinical & Administrative Oversight
Policy Responsibility	Implementation	Development & Interpretation
Collaboration	Peer/Patient focused	Inter-agency & Stakeholder focused
Primary Metric	Patient Outcomes	Compliance & Program Efficacy

Salary Overview

The annual salary for this position ranges from $97,735 to $127,058. Pay setting takes into account your specific qualifications, clinical background, and the needs of the facility.

Benefits

Choosing a career with the VA means accessing unparalleled federal benefits, including:

Financial Incentives: EDRP eligibility up to $200,000.
Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, including 11 federal holidays.
Parental Benefits: Paid parental leave after 12 months.
Future Planning: Robust retirement pensions and federal 401k matching.
Insurance: Full access to health, vision, dental, and life insurance.

Application Tips

Submit your application via USAJOBS with care. Always use the specified Clinical Resume template to ensure your application passes initial screenings. Clearly outline your experience in clinical leadership and ensure all supporting documentation, such as your state license, is up to date.

This position is more than just a job; it is a chance to define how a facility serves Veterans during their most critical moments. If you have the clinical expertise and the passion for systems-level leadership, we encourage you to apply to the Truman VA today.

Why This Social Worker (Program Coordinator) - Compact Act Program Coordinator Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on Veteran mental health as a Program Coordinator with the VA.

Social Worker (Program Coordinator) - Compact Act Program Coordinator Job Overview

The Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to serve as a Program Coordinator for the COMPACT Act. This role is pivotal in managing suicide prevention initiatives, developing clinical policies, and ensuring Veterans receive seamless access to crisis care. You will collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to interpret national mandates and translate them into effective local medical center practices in Columbia, Missouri.

Requirements for Social Worker (Program Coordinator) - Compact Act Program Coordinator

U.S. Citizenship required.
Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution.
Current, active state license to practice social work independently at the master's level.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted state driver's license.
Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period.
Must fulfill seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker (Program Coordinator) - Compact Act Program Coordinator

Advanced practice skills and clinical judgment equivalent to one year of GS-11 experience.
Experience in program administration, including policy development and clinical oversight.
Ability to provide clinical supervision for licensure.
Strong communication skills for inter-agency collaboration and training delivery.
Proven experience in navigating complex electronic health record systems for compliance.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary and regular pay increases.
✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000).
✓37-50 days of paid time off (annual, sick, and federal holidays).
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
✓Federal pension plan and 401k with matching contributions.
✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
✓Child care subsidy for eligible families.

💡 How to Apply Social Worker (Program Coordinator) - Compact Act Program Coordinator Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Social Worker (Program Coordinator) - Compact Act Program Coordinator Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your resume using the required Clinical Resume Document format.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documentation, including transcripts and licensure proof.
Submit your application package via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly highlights your clinical experience and program coordination duties.
Verify that your social work license is current and meets independent practice requirements.
Use the specific Clinical Resume template provided by the VA to avoid processing delays.
Check your application status regularly through the USAJOBS portal.
Review all required documents to ensure no omissions before submitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for remote work?

No, this is an onsite position located at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)?

The EDRP is a student loan reimbursement program offering up to $200,000 in assistance for qualified clinical roles, subject to VHA eligibility review.

Can I qualify if my social work degree is from a school in candidacy status?

No, you must have a degree from a school that is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

What is the trial period?

*A: The position requires a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and conduct within the federal service.*

Can I apply if my current driver's license is not REAL ID compliant?

*A: As of May 2025, you must have a REAL ID compliant identification to satisfy pre-employment documentation requirements.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, committed to providing compassionate care to those who have served our country. The Truman VA facility in Columbia is a level 1C medical center, supporting 40,000 Veterans with specialized care in mental health, surgery, and outpatient services. Our culture thrives on innovation, education, and, most importantly, putting our Veterans' needs first.