Lead the Way: Supervisory Social Worker (Caregiver Support Program) - VA, Murfreesboro, TN

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to honoring America's Veterans by providing exceptional healthcare and support services. If you are a passionate and experienced Social Work leader, your opportunity to make a significant impact has arrived. The VA is seeking a dedicated Supervisory Social Worker to lead the vital Caregiver Support Program (CSP) in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This role offers a chance to shape the future of caregiver assistance, mentor a team, and ensure Veterans and their families receive the highest quality of care and resources. Join a mission-driven organization where your leadership can profoundly touch the lives of those who have served our nation.

About the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

As the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The VA operates a vast network of hospitals, medical centers, and outpatient clinics across the country, providing a comprehensive range of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative services. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is at the forefront of healthcare innovation, research, and patient-centered care, striving to provide whole-health services to every Veteran.

Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The VHA is the healthcare arm of the VA, renowned for its commitment to excellence and its dedication to the well-being of Veterans. It comprises numerous facilities, including tertiary care centers, community clinics, and specialized care units. The VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS), where this position is located, is a testament to this commitment, serving a large Veteran population across multiple states with a robust array of services.

Job Responsibilities: Leading the Caregiver Support Program

The Supervisory Social Worker, locally titled as the Caregiver Support Program (CSP) Supervisor, will play a pivotal role in providing a state-of-the-art continuum of services, education, and resources to caregivers of Veterans. These Veterans often have complex needs, and the incumbent will oversee service delivery and coordinate care activities, ensuring that family caregivers receive the essential support they require, irrespective of the Veteran's service era.

Key responsibilities include:

• Program Leadership & Development: Establishing and maintaining an ongoing education program for Veterans, caregivers, community agencies, students, and staff. This involves facilitating understanding of clinical practice guidelines, mental health issues, readjustment challenges, and psychosocial issues specific to caregivers. Developing and directing the CSP program, including orientation, coaching, in-service training, staff development, and continuing education for both VA staff and the community.
• Outreach and Engagement: Designing and implementing a strategic outreach plan to connect with Veterans and their caregivers who could benefit from CSP services, particularly those who may not currently be utilizing VA healthcare.
• Supervision and Management: Directly supervising the VA HCS Caregiver Support Coordinator(s) (CSC), Program Support Assistant (PSA), and other interprofessional staff assigned to the CSP, in accordance with VHA Directive 11152(1).
• Coordination of Care: Collaborating and coordinating program implementation with various clinical services across all campus locations within the VA facility. This includes working closely with nursing, physical, occupational, and speech therapists, as well as mental health and primary care providers.
• Clinical Services: Potentially providing direct clinical interventions to the Veteran and caregiver populations served by the program.
• Quality Assurance and Data Management: Administering information and analytical systems to evaluate and enhance the quality of services provided. Developing and implementing information systems to track service activities, including visits, referrals, caregiver demographics, equipment utilization, and satisfaction levels of caregivers and Veterans. Developing, implementing, and evaluating clinical guidelines and protocols to optimize service utilization.
• Performance Monitoring: Overseeing performance measures at local, VISN, and Central Office levels. Responding to congressional inquiries and providing briefings to providers, VA leadership, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Administrative Support: Providing supervisory and administrative coverage for the Caregiver Support Program Manager as needed.
• Other Duties: Performing other assigned duties to support the program and the VA's mission.

Requirements: Qualifications for Success

To be considered for this critical role, candidates must meet the following basic requirements:

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• English Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Education: Hold a master's degree in social work from a school of social work that is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Degrees from schools in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until full accreditation is achieved. A doctoral degree in social work cannot substitute for the master's degree.
• Licensure: Must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. The ability to provide supervision for licensure is essential.

Additional Requirements:

• Applicants may be subject to a background and security investigation.
• Successful completion of an online onboarding process is required.
• Acceptable identification is necessary for pre-employment requirements.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation/examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a mandatory condition of employment for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• A one or two-year trial period may be required.

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-12 grade level. The annual salary range is $106,314 to $138,211. The VA offers competitive salaries and regular salary increases. The specific step rate within the grade may be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the specific needs of the VA, potentially allowing for a rate above the minimum.

Benefits: Rewarding Your Service

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a comprehensive and attractive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of its employees. As a federal employee, you can expect a stable and rewarding career with excellent benefits:

Paid Time Off

• Annual Leave: Earn 13-26 days per year, based on years of service. Federal employees earn annual leave at a rate of 4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period. Prior work experience or military service may grant credit towards annual leave accrual.
• Sick Leave: Earn 13 days of sick leave per year.
• Holidays: Enjoy 11 paid federal holidays annually.

Parental Leave

After 12 months of employment, eligible employees can receive up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy

Full-time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy of up to 25% of eligible childcare costs for eligible children, with a monthly maximum.

Retirement

• Federal Pension: A traditional federal pension plan with a 5-year vesting period.
• 401(k): Access to a federal 401(k) plan with the VA matching up to 5% of employee contributions.

Insurance

• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance: Comprehensive federal health insurance plans, including vision and dental options.
• Life Insurance: Federal term life insurance coverage.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Options for long-term care insurance.

Many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement, providing long-term security.

Application Process and Tips

Applying for this position is done online through the USAJOBS portal. Ensure your application is complete and submitted by the closing date of September 4, 2026, 11:59 PM (ET).

Steps to Apply:

1. Visit USAJOBS.gov.
2. Create a USAJOBS account or log in.
3. Click 'Apply Online' and follow the prompts.
4. Select your USAJOBS resume and upload any other necessary supporting documents.
5. Complete the occupational questionnaire thoroughly and accurately.
6. Submit your application package by the deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application:

• Read Carefully: Pay close attention to all instructions, especially those in the 'Required Documents' section. Ensure you submit all requested documentation, such as transcripts or SF-50s if applicable.
• Detailed Resume: Provide a comprehensive resume that clearly outlines your experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the position. Consider using the provided Clinical Resume Document template for a concise summary, and upload your full CV in the 'Other' document field.
• Specific Responses: In your application questionnaire and resume, be specific about your duties, accomplishments, and the scope of your responsibilities. Avoid vague statements.
• Verify Information: Double-check all information for accuracy before submission. Errors or omissions can affect your consideration.
• Opt-In: Consider opting into the feature that allows hiring managers to view your resume for other potential vacancies within the agency. This does not affect your current application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: What is the primary role of the Supervisory Social Worker in the Caregiver Support Program? A: The Supervisory Social Worker leads the Caregiver Support Program, overseeing service delivery, staff supervision, program development, and coordination of care for Veteran caregivers. They ensure caregivers receive essential education, resources, and support.

• Q: What are the minimum educational requirements for this position? A: A master's degree in social work from a school fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is required. A doctoral degree in social work cannot be substituted.

• Q: Is state licensure required? A: Yes, individuals must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. The ability to provide supervision for licensure is also necessary.

• Q: What is the salary for this position? A: The salary range is $106,314 to $138,211 per year. Pay may be set based on qualifications and agency needs.

• Q: Are relocation or recruitment incentives offered? A: No, recruitment/relocation incentives (sign-on bonuses) and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) assistance are not authorized for this position.

• Q: What benefits can I expect as a VA employee? A: VA employees receive a robust benefits package including generous paid time off, federal retirement pension, 401(k) with employer match, and comprehensive federal health, life, and long-term care insurance options.

This Supervisory Social Worker position with the VA's Caregiver Support Program in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, presents a unique and rewarding leadership opportunity. If you are driven by a passion for serving Veterans and their families, possess strong social work leadership skills, and are committed to excellence in care, we encourage you to apply. Become a vital part of an organization that values your dedication and offers a fulfilling career path with exceptional benefits. Make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed for our country.