Advance Your Career: Supervisory Social Worker - Homeless Program

Are you a dedicated social worker ready to step into a leadership role that directly impacts the lives of our nation’s heroes? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is looking for a Supervisory Social Worker to manage our Homeless Program in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This is a unique opportunity to combine administrative oversight with clinical expertise in a 5-star healthcare environment.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will be the backbone of the Homeless Program, ensuring that Veterans receive timely, high-quality care. Your responsibilities include:

• Administrative Oversight: Managing daily operations of an interdisciplinary team, including performance management, workflow organization, and budget coordination.
• Clinical Leadership: Maintaining a reduced clinical caseload, performing complex biopsychosocial assessments, and providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
• Program Development: Analyzing data to improve workflow, implementing new policies, and ensuring compliance with Joint Commission and VHA standards.
• Mentorship: Providing clinical supervision to licensed and unlicensed social workers, helping them navigate ethical dilemmas and professional development.

Comparison: Standard vs. Supervisory Social Worker

Feature	Standard Social Worker	Supervisory Social Worker
Focus	Primarily Clinical	Balanced Clinical/Administrative
Team Scope	Independent Practitioner	Leader of Interdisciplinary Team
Responsibility	Direct Patient Care	Staff Supervision & Policy Development
Requirements	Master’s Degree	Master’s + Advanced Practice Experience

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-12 position, you must meet the following criteria:

• Education: A master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited school.
• Licensure: You must be licensed to practice social work independently at the master’s level.
• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Physical: Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Professionalism: Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential.

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive salary range of $97,100 to $126,233 per year. The VA also provides opportunities for regular salary increases and considers higher step rates based on unique qualifications or special needs of the facility.

Comprehensive Benefits

Working for the VA comes with a robust benefits package, including:

• Student Loan Repayment: Up to $200,000 via the EDRP.
• Leave: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
• Retirement: Access to a traditional pension and a 401(k) style plan with up to 5% matching.
• Work-Life Balance: Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave.

Application Tips

1. Use the Required Template: Download the specific Clinical Resume template provided by the VA Careers website to ensure your application passes the initial screening.
2. Highlight Leadership: Use your resume to showcase specific instances where you managed staff, improved program efficiency, or navigated complex clinical environments.
3. KSA Focus: Treat the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) section with care; explain how your background aligns with the specific needs of the homeless population.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this a remote position? A: No, this is an onsite role based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Q: Can I apply if my license is from a different state? A: You must hold a license that allows for independent practice, but the specific requirements depend on VA and state board regulations. Verify your status ahead of time.

This position offers more than just a job; it offers the chance to lead and mentor the next generation of social workers while serving the Veterans of Iowa. If you are ready to make a significant impact, we encourage you to submit your application before the September 8, 2026, deadline.