Leading the Way: Supervisory Social Worker Role at VA Boston
Are you a clinical social work professional looking to transition into a leadership role where your work directly impacts those who have served our country? The VA Boston Healthcare System is looking for a dynamic Supervisory Social Worker to manage primary care teams in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This position is perfect for someone who balances deep clinical expertise with strong organizational and leadership capabilities.
Job Responsibilities
As a Supervisory Social Worker, your days will be split between direct patient care and administrative leadership. Key duties include:
- Clinical Supervision: Providing guidance and development for a team of six social workers.
- Operational Management: Overseeing hiring, onboarding, performance evaluations, and workload distribution.
- Clinical Support: Delivering psychosocial assessments and care planning for Veterans in outpatient settings.
- Quality Improvement: Leading initiatives to close service gaps and refine workflows.
Comparison: Clinical vs. Supervisory Focus
| Feature | Clinical Component | Supervisory Component |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Individual Patient/Caregiver | Team/Department |
| Primary Goal | Patient Health Outcomes | Staff Performance & Quality |
| Interaction | Counseling & Assessments | Mentoring & Performance Review |
| Administrative | Documentation & Coding | Workflow & Process Improvement |
Requirements
To be considered, candidates must be U.S. Citizens, hold a Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program, and possess advanced-level clinical licensure that allows for supervision. Candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in English and be comfortable with the VA’s security and vaccination requirements.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $108,218 to $140,686 per year, commensurate with your qualifications and experience. The VA frequently reviews step increases based on performance and special needs of the agency.
Benefits
- Education Debt: Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).
- Work-Life Balance: 37–50 days of paid leave annually.
- Retirement: Federal pension plus 401k-style savings with 5% matching.
- Family Support: Paid parental leave and child care subsidies.
Application Tips
Ensure your resume uses the required clinical format provided by the VA. Be sure to document your experience specifically regarding supervision, as the agency cannot make assumptions about your previous roles. Highlight your proficiency in interdisciplinary care, as this is a key component of the Primary Care team’s mission.
Serving as a Supervisory Social Worker at the VA Boston Healthcare System is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to mentor the next generation of social workers while ensuring Veterans receive the comprehensive, empathetic care they deserve. If you have the drive to lead and the passion to serve, apply today.
Why This Supervisory Social Worker - Primary Care Job Matters
Lead a mission-driven team and transform patient care at the VA Boston Healthcare System—where your leadership makes a direct impact on the lives of those who served.
Supervisory Social Worker - Primary Care Job Overview
The VA Boston Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Supervisory Social Worker to join our Primary Care team in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This dual-role position involves both clinical social work and administrative oversight, managing a team of six social workers while providing direct support to Veterans in outpatient primary care clinics. You will spearhead quality improvement initiatives, manage performance standards, and ensure the delivery of compassionate, whole-health care to our nation’s heroes.
Requirements for Supervisory Social Worker - Primary Care
- U.S. Citizenship (unless otherwise permitted by VA policy).
- Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution.
- Active advanced-level clinical licensure or certification allowing for supervision.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Successful completion of a background and security investigation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Ability to serve a 1- or 2-year trial period.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Social Worker - Primary Care
- Proven experience in clinical and administrative supervision.
- Background in Primary Care or complex medical healthcare environments.
- Experience working within interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Proficiency in managing performance metrics, documentation audits, and coding quality.
- Experience in developing workflows, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality-improvement initiatives.
- Capability to manage clinical consultations for complex psychosocial barriers.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000).
- ✓Generous paid time off (up to 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave).
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays per year.
- ✓Comprehensive Federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- ✓Traditional federal pension and 401k-style thrift savings plan with 5% matching.
- ✓12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
- ✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible families.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Social Worker - Primary Care Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Social Worker - Primary Care Job
- Prepare your resume using the required VA Clinical Resume template.
- Register or log in to your account at USAJOBS.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary documentation, including transcripts, licenses, and SF-50s if applicable.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of September 9, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; clearly detail your experience with supervision and clinical social work.
- Use the official VA resume template linked in the job posting to ensure compliance.
- Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard.
- Ensure your licensure documentation is current and clearly indicates your ability to supervise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for loan repayment?
Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan reimbursement based on VHA policy approval.
Can I work remotely?
No, this is not a virtual position. While some ad-hoc telework may be available, the role requires physical presence at the Plymouth outpatient facility.
How does the EDRP work?
It is a reimbursement program for student loans; upon hire, you will submit an application to the VHA to determine your award eligibility, up to $200,000.
Is there flexibility in the schedule?
This is a full-time role with standard 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. hours; however, it is not a virtual position.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to fulfilling the promise made by President Lincoln: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." As one of the largest and most advanced healthcare systems in the nation, the VA offers a workplace culture grounded in the 'I CARE' core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.