Become a Supervisory Social Worker at VA Boston: Your Guide to a Meaningful Career
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class, holistic healthcare to the brave men and women who have served our country. If you are a seasoned social worker with a passion for clinical leadership and systems navigation, the VA Boston Healthcare System invites you to apply for our Supervisory Social Worker position at the Jamaica Plain campus. This role is a unique intersection of clinical practice, staff mentorship, and programmatic development.
Job Responsibilities
As a Supervisory Social Worker, you will wear two distinct hats:
- Supervisor: You will provide administrative and clinical oversight to a team of up to five social workers (GS-9 to GS-12), supporting their professional growth and independent licensure.
- Navigator: You will act as a central point of contact for Veterans accessing specialty surgical care, identifying psychosocial gaps, and building seamless care pathways.
Core Tasks Include:
- Managing workload distribution and clinic performance.
- Developing data-driven quality improvement projects.
- Conducting outreach to increase access to specialty services.
Requirements
- Education: Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school.
- License: An active, unrestricted state license for independent clinical practice.
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Fluency: Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Benefit Category | VA Offering |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $108,218 - $140,686 |
| Annual Leave | 13-26 Days per year |
| Retirement | Federal Pension + 401k Matching (5%) |
| Insurance | Health, Vision, Dental, Life Coverage |
Application Tips
- Use the Template: The VA provides a specific Clinical Resume document on their careers page; use it to ensure compliance.
- Be Detailed: Use your resume to map your experience directly to the required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).
- Check Deadlines: Applications must be submitted by September 8, 2026.
This Supervisory Social Worker role is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of care delivery within the VA Boston Healthcare System. If you are ready to combine your clinical experience with administrative leadership, we encourage you to apply today.
Why This Supervisory Social Worker (Outpatient Subspecialty/Social Work Navigator) Job Matters
Lead the future of Veteran care as a Supervisory Social Worker at the VA Boston Healthcare System, where your expertise in clinical navigation directly impacts the lives of those who served.
Supervisory Social Worker (Outpatient Subspecialty/Social Work Navigator) Job Overview
The VA Boston Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated and experienced Supervisory Social Worker to oversee outpatient subspecialty and social work navigation services at our Jamaica Plain location. This critical role involves both clinical oversight of staff and direct navigation services for Veterans undergoing complex surgical procedures. You will be instrumental in building referral pathways, enhancing clinic capacity, and ensuring Veterans receive the highest standard of holistic care in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment.
Requirements for Supervisory Social Worker (Outpatient Subspecialty/Social Work Navigator)
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply per VA policy).
- Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted state license to independently practice social work.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Completion of a 1-2 year trial period.
- Background and security investigation clearance.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Social Worker (Outpatient Subspecialty/Social Work Navigator)
- Expertise in complex care planning and psychosocial system navigation.
- Proven track record of supervising, mentoring, and evaluating social work staff.
- Strong background in performance management and data-driven quality improvement.
- Experience in expanding healthcare clinic capacity and referral pathway development.
- Ability to work effectively within an integrated healthcare environment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Federal Pension and 401k with up to 5% agency matching
- âś“Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- âś“Generous paid time off: 13-26 days annual leave plus 13 sick days
- âś“11 paid Federal holidays per year
- âś“Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
- âś“Childcare subsidies for eligible families
- âś“Flexible career advancement opportunities within the VA system
đź’ˇ How to Apply Supervisory Social Worker (Outpatient Subspecialty/Social Work Navigator) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Social Worker (Outpatient Subspecialty/Social Work Navigator) Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Download and prepare the standard Clinical Resume document.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package, including transcripts and SF-50 (if applicable), before the deadline.
- Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview requests.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific in your resume—detail both paid and volunteer experience.
- Use the provided VA Clinical Resume template to ensure your application meets formatting requirements.
- Ensure all documentation is submitted before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on September 8, 2026.
- Clearly highlight your experience in supervisory roles and program management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, the position offers ad-hoc telework opportunities, though it is not a fully remote or virtual position.
What level of supervision will I be expected to provide?
The incumbent will provide both clinical and administrative supervision for up to five social workers ranging from GS-9 to GS-12.
Do I need a doctorate to apply?
No, a master’s degree from an accredited social work school is the standard requirement.
Is this role fully remote?
No, this is an onsite position in Jamaica Plain, MA, with ad-hoc telework flexibility.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the nation. We operate under the "I CARE" core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Joining the VA means becoming part of a community dedicated to serving those who have sacrificed for our nation, while also benefiting from a robust, stable, and rewarding federal career.