Embark on a Fulfilling Career as a Social Worker at the Dayton VA

Are you a dedicated social worker with a passion for serving those who have protected our nation? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a compassionate, skilled Social Worker to join the multidisciplinary team at the Dayton VA Medical Center. This position offers not just a job, but a career path dedicated to the mission of providing holistic, world-class healthcare to American Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will serve as a primary support pillar for Veterans and their families. Core duties include:

Direct Patient Care: Conducting individual and group psychotherapy sessions.
Assessment and Diagnosis: Performing thorough psychosocial evaluations to create comprehensive treatment plans.
Discharge Planning: Coordinating with VA and community resources to ensure seamless continuity of care.
Collaboration: Working closely with a multidisciplinary team, including physicians and nursing staff, to provide holistic care.
Documentation: Maintaining accurate clinical records within the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.

Comparison of GS Grade Levels

Feature	GS-09	GS-11
Experience Requirement	Entry-level (Basic requirements)	1 year post-MSW experience
Licensure	Basic requirements (potential waiver)	Required (Independent Level)
Responsibility	Supervised practice	Independent clinical practice

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Possess a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited school.
Maintain, or be on track to obtain, an independent practice license.
Demonstrate proficiency in English.

Salary Overview

This position is classified within the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, ranging from $64,201 to $100,703 per year. Salary is determined by education, experience, and the specific grade level of the selected candidate.

Benefits

Comprehensive Insurance: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
Paid Leave: Generous accrual of annual and sick leave, plus 11 paid federal holidays.
Retirement: Inclusion in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Work-Life Balance: Access to paid parental leave and childcare subsidies for eligible employees.

Application Tips

To maximize your chances, ensure your application package is complete. Use the standardized clinical resume template provided by the VA. Be precise when describing your past clinical experience, specifically emphasizing your ability to conduct psychosocial assessments and crisis intervention.

Working at the Dayton VA Medical Center is a unique opportunity to combine your clinical expertise with a deep commitment to service. If you are ready to make a significant difference in the lives of our Veterans, we encourage you to review the full job announcement and submit your application today.

Why This Social Worker Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on those who served. Join the Dayton VA Medical Center as a Social Worker and provide compassionate, whole-health care to our nation's heroes in the birthplace of aviation.

Social Worker Job Overview

The Dayton VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to join our Social Work Service division. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in the psychosocial well-being of Veterans, offering diagnostic assessments, individual and group therapy, and comprehensive discharge planning. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to navigate complex healthcare needs, ensuring our Veterans receive the high-quality, whole-person care they deserve.

Requirements for Social Worker

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply only if no qualified citizens are available).
Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Must be licensed or certified at an independent practice level (GS-11 requirement).
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Ability to undergo a background security investigation.
Must register for Selective Service if born after 12/31/1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker

Prior clinical experience in healthcare or social work settings.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate group and individual psychotherapy.
Strong knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses and common medication effects.
Experience in coordinating care across community agencies and government resources.
Doctoral degree in social work (can substitute for one year of professional experience).

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases.
✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
✓Generous paid time off (up to 26 days of annual leave and 13 sick days).
✓11 paid Federal holidays per year.
✓Federal pension plan and 401(k)-style retirement account with agency matching.
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service.
✓Child care subsidy for eligible families.

💡 How to Apply Social Worker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Social Worker Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Download the Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA careers link.
Prepare your documentation: Resume, transcripts, and relevant professional licenses.
Complete the occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package before the closing date of August 28, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details how your past experience matches the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed.
Upload the specific VA Clinical Resume template to the primary resume field to avoid processing errors.
Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard.
Be specific regarding your clinical hours and duties; the agency cannot make assumptions about your history.
Double-check that all state-issued IDs provided are REAL ID compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical work schedule for this position?

This is a full-time, Monday through Friday role with standard hours from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Can I apply if I am not currently licensed?

Licensure requirements vary by grade level. The GS-11 level strictly requires independent licensure. A limited exception may be possible for GS-9 level candidates, provided they meet specific criteria.

Is relocation assistance offered?

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

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an onsite position located at the Dayton VA Medical Center.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Providing care to over 9 million Veterans, the VHA is committed to a "Whole Health" approach that focuses on the individual's personalized health goals. The Dayton VA Medical Center, located in the historic birthplace of flight, serves as a vital tertiary care facility, offering a wide array of services including mental health, acute care, and hospice.