Advance Your Career as a Senior Social Worker with the VA
Are you a licensed clinical social worker looking for a career that combines high-level professional responsibility with the profound satisfaction of serving those who served our nation? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring for a Senior Social Worker to join the BHIP/PCMM team in Prescott, Arizona.
Job Responsibilities
The successful candidate will serve in the Mental Health Behavioral Sciences service line. Key responsibilities include:
- Serving as a Mental Health Treatment Coordinator for approximately 1,000 Veterans.
- Managing complex caseloads and coordinating care across multiple treatment programs.
- Conducting clinical assessments and providing individual, group, or family psychotherapy.
- Developing Standard Operating Procedures to enhance patient safety and suicide risk reduction.
- Collaborating with community care providers to ensure seamless transitions for patients.
Comparison Table: Standard vs. Senior Social Worker
| Feature | Standard Social Worker | Senior Social Worker |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Scope | Full Performance Level | Advanced Practice / Specialized |
| Supervision | Required onsite/hybrid | Independent Practice |
| Program Impact | Direct Patient Care | Clinical Program Development |
| Mentorship | Mentee | Mentor / Trainer |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal standards, including:
- Master’s degree from a CSWE-accredited school of social work.
- Current licensure at the advanced practice level.
- Two years of post-licensure clinical experience.
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken).
- Ability to pass a background check and medical evaluation.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $98,418 to $127,949 per year. The VA also provides regular step increases based on performance and potential for higher starting pay based on unique qualifications.
Benefits
- EDRP loan repayment up to $200,000.
- Federal health, dental, and life insurance.
- Federal pension and 401k (TSP) with matching.
- 37-50 days of paid time off annually.
- Child care subsidies for qualifying families.
Application Tips
- Review the required documentation list carefully.
- Ensure your resume highlights your specialized clinical experience rather than general social work tasks.
- Utilize the official VA Clinical Resume document.
- Apply early to ensure all your documents are received before the September 4, 2026 deadline.
The Senior Social Worker position in Prescott offers a unique blend of clinical leadership and direct patient impact. If you are ready to advance your career while supporting our Veterans, submit your application today.
Why This Senior Social Worker - Bhip/Pcmm Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on Veteran health: Join the Department of Veterans Affairs in Prescott as a Senior Social Worker and shape the future of whole-person care.
Senior Social Worker - Bhip/Pcmm Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Social Worker to join the Mental Health Behavioral Sciences service line in Prescott, Arizona. This role focuses on behavioral health integrated programs and primary care mental health management (BHIP/PCMM). As a key member of the clinical team, you will act as a Mental Health Treatment Coordinator, managing complex caseloads, facilitating patient transitions, and providing high-level psychosocial support to improve the overall quality of care for those who have served our nation.
Requirements for Senior Social Worker - Bhip/Pcmm
- U.S. Citizenship
- Master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Current, unrestricted state licensure at the advanced practice level (clinical or advanced generalist examination)
- Minimum of two years of post-licensure clinical social work experience
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Ability to pass a pre-employment medical examination and background investigation
- Completion of mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination or authorized exemption
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker - Bhip/Pcmm
- Experience in specialized psychosocial interventions or treatment modalities
- Background in outcome evaluation and clinical program development
- Ability to provide clinical supervision for junior staff or students
- Certification in a specialized social work practice area
- Strong communication skills for policy and procedure development
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- ✓Federal 401k plan with up to 5% agency matching
- ✓Traditional federal pension vesting after 5 years
- ✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid holidays
- ✓12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service
- ✓Child care subsidy programs for eligible employees
💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker - Bhip/Pcmm Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Social Worker - Bhip/Pcmm Job
- Create or update your account on the official USAJOBS portal.
- Download the mandatory Clinical Resume document from the provided VA career site link.
- Prepare your supporting documents, including your transcript, current license, and CV.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the deadline of September 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically addresses how you meet the GS-12 specialized experience requirements.
- Upload the required Clinical Resume document into the two-page restricted field and your full resume into the 'Other' field.
- Double-check that your state license copy is current and includes issuance/expiration dates.
- Monitor your email for status notifications following the closing of the announcement.
- Be prepared for a fast-paced interview process, as the VA utilizes a 30-day hiring model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?
Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which can provide reimbursement of up to $200,000 for qualifying student loans, pending an eligibility review.
What is the work schedule for this role?
This position follows a standard Monday through Friday schedule, typically from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Can I apply if my social work license is not from Arizona?
Candidates must be licensed at the advanced practice level. If you are licensed in another state, you must ensure your license meets the requirements of the VA and the state of practice.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional, whole-person care. Working in a Whole Health System means more than just treating symptoms; it means partnering with Veterans to create personalized health plans that empower them to live their lives to the fullest.