Making a Difference: Social Worker (HUD-VASH) Opportunity at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System

Are you a dedicated social worker looking to transition your career into a mission-driven environment? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a passionate Social Worker (HUD-VASH) to join the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Tacoma, Washington. This role is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to provide essential support to the men and women who have served our country.

Job Responsibilities

As a HUD-VASH Social Worker, you will serve as a vital link in the chain of care for Veterans struggling with homelessness. Your primary responsibilities will include:

Conducting psychosocial assessments to identify strengths, needs, and barriers to stability.
Developing and implementing evidence-based treatment plans.
Coordinating services between community housing providers and VA clinical teams.
Providing crisis intervention and mental health support.
Advocating for Veteran rights and ensuring access to comprehensive healthcare services.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education: A Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
Licensure: State-level licensure for independent clinical practice.
Proficiency: Must be fluent in written and spoken English.
Reliability: Valid state driver’s license and the ability to pass pre-employment checks.

Grade Level Comparison

Feature	GS-9 Level	GS-11 Level
Experience Requirement	Basic Qualifications	1+ Year Post-MSW Clinical Experience
Licensure	May have waiver pending	Required (Independent Practice)
Independence	Supervised/Structured	Autonomous Practice

Salary Overview

The salary for this position ranges from $72,331 to $113,774 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. This competitive salary is bolstered by regular federal increases and the opportunity for generous benefits.

Benefits

Choosing a career with the VA comes with a robust total rewards package, including:

EDRP: Student loan reimbursement programs.
Leave: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and paid holidays.
Insurance: Extensive Federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
Retirement: Traditional pension plans combined with 401(k)-style contributions.
Work-Life Balance: Family-friendly policies including parental leave and childcare subsidies.

Application Tips

To stand out during the recruitment process, ensure your resume clearly mirrors the language used in the job duties and requirements section of the official posting. Use the standard VA resume format provided on their careers website to ensure compliance with human resources standards.

If you are ready to combine your clinical expertise with a deep commitment to serving Veterans, we encourage you to apply. This role offers the chance to grow professionally while supporting those who have sacrificed so much. Start your application today and take the next step in your public service career.

Why This Social Worker (Hud-Vash) Job Matters

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the VA Puget Sound Health Care System as a HUD-VASH Social Worker.

Social Worker (Hud-Vash) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a compassionate and skilled Social Worker to join the Community Housing and Outreach Services team in Tacoma, Washington. In this vital role, you will work within the HUD-VASH program to provide direct clinical care, case management, and outreach services to Veterans and their families. This position focuses on assessing psychosocial functioning, developing treatment plans, and connecting Veterans with the resources they need to achieve independence, stable housing, and improved health outcomes.

Requirements for Social Worker (Hud-Vash)

U.S. Citizenship.
Master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Valid state license or certification for independent clinical social work practice.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Valid state-issued driver's license with a clean driving history.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Successful completion of a background/security investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker (Hud-Vash)

Three or more years of professional case management experience.
Experience in complex clinical or healthcare-based social work settings.
Proven ability to manage diverse caseloads with varying psychosocial needs.
Experience with veteran-specific mental health or housing assistance programs.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000).
✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, and dental insurance plans.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and 401k-style TSP.
✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid holidays.
✓Paid parental leave (up to 12 weeks after 12 months of employment).
✓Child care subsidy programs for eligible families.
✓Long-term care and term life insurance options.

💡 How to Apply Social Worker (Hud-Vash) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Social Worker (Hud-Vash) Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account.
Review the position requirements and download the standard Clinical Resume document.
Prepare your documentation, including transcripts, licensure, and SF-50 forms if applicable.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume about how your experience aligns with the required KSAs.
Use the provided VA Clinical Resume template to ensure your application is properly formatted.
Upload your documents early to account for any potential technical delays.
Double-check that your license or certification is active and clearly documented.
If you are a federal employee, ensure your most recent SF-50 is included and contains all required details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this role?

Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP. Eligibility and award amounts are determined by the VHA program office upon review of your application.

What is the primary focus of a HUD-VASH Social Worker?

The focus is to provide intensive case management to help homeless Veterans and their families secure permanent housing while also addressing their medical, mental health, and psychosocial needs.

Can I apply if I do not have a license yet?

GS-9 level roles may occasionally allow for a waiver pending licensure completion, but GS-11 roles strictly require independent clinical licensure.

What is the HUD-VASH program?

*A: It is a collaborative program between the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the VA to provide housing vouchers and supportive services to homeless Veterans.*

Is this a remote position?

*A: No, this is an onsite position located in the Puget Sound region requiring daily interaction with patients and agency staff.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is a premier, Level 1a interdisciplinary teaching healthcare facility. Known for being one of the most complex VA systems in the nation, it serves as a center of excellence for trauma, rehabilitation, and primary care. Our core values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—guide every interaction we have with Veterans and their families.