Advance Your Career as a Senior Social Worker at VA Puget Sound
Are you a dedicated clinical social worker looking to make a profound difference? The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled Senior Social Worker to join the multidisciplinary team at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle, Washington. This role offers an incredible opportunity to provide advanced care for Veterans managing complex health conditions.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior Social Worker in the Clinical Care Programs, you will:
- Perform comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments for Veterans with complex neurological and mental health needs.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop effective treatment plans.
- Provide individual, group, and family psychotherapy.
- Assist Veterans in adjusting to chronic illness and navigating end-of-life care.
- Act as a subject matter expert on VA and community-based resources.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Licensure: An active, unrestricted independent clinical social work license is mandatory.
- Experience: At least two years of post-licensure experience in a specialized clinical setting.
Comparison: Generalist vs. Senior Social Worker
| Feature | Generalist Social Worker | Senior Social Worker (GS-12) |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Entry to Mid-level | Advanced Practice (2+ years) |
| Scope of Practice | Standardized Case Management | Specialized Clinical Interventions |
| Autonomy | High | Highly Autonomous/Expert |
| Leadership | Clinical Support | Role Modeling/Policy Development |
Salary Overview
The salary for this GS-12 position ranges from $104,892 to $136,362 annually. Pay is commensurate with qualifications, and the VA offers regular salary increases.
Benefits
- Time Off: Up to 50 days of total paid leave (including annual, sick, and federal holidays).
- Insurance: Access to comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance plans.
- Retirement: A robust pension plan plus 401(k) matching up to 5%.
- Family Support: Paid parental leave and available childcare subsidies for eligible employees.
Serving our nation’s Veterans as a Senior Social Worker is a deeply rewarding career choice. If you possess the clinical expertise and the passion for service, we invite you to submit your application for this vacancy at VA Puget Sound.
Why This Senior Social Worker - Clinical Care Programs Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served by providing expert clinical social work support to Veterans at the prestigious VA Puget Sound Health Care System.
Senior Social Worker - Clinical Care Programs Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled Senior Social Worker to join the Clinical Care Programs team at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle, Washington. In this specialized role, you will provide advanced clinical interventions, case management, and care coordination for Veterans, particularly those managing complex neurological conditions like Parkinson's Disease, ALS, MS, and TBI/Polytrauma. As a key member of our multidisciplinary team, you will act as a subject matter expert, helping Veterans and their families navigate healthcare transitions, psychosocial stressors, and end-of-life planning with empathy and expertise.
Requirements for Senior Social Worker - Clinical Care Programs
- United States Citizenship
- Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Current, full, valid, and unrestricted independent clinical social work license
- Minimum of two years of post-licensure clinical experience
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical evaluation
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker - Clinical Care Programs
- One year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level
- Advanced clinical certification or specialized training in geriatrics or neurology
- Expertise in developing and implementing outcome-based treatment evaluations
- Experience providing clinical supervision to students or junior colleagues
- Proven history of contributing to policy development or clinical practice guidelines
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal pension system
- ✓Federal 401(k) with up to 5% employer matching
- ✓Generous paid time off (13-26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave)
- ✓11 paid federal holidays per year
- ✓12 weeks of paid parental leave
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance
- ✓Childcare subsidy for eligible families
💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker - Clinical Care Programs Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Social Worker - Clinical Care Programs Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA link.
- Prepare your full resume/CV and supporting documentation (transcripts, licenses, etc.).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all documents to the appropriate sections of your application.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of September 8, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically addresses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed in the job announcement.
- Upload the required one-page Clinical Resume Document to the 'Resume' field to ensure your application is processed correctly.
- Review your application for completeness and accuracy before hitting submit to avoid common errors.
- Monitor your email for status updates, as all notifications regarding referral and interview status are sent electronically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this Senior Social Worker position?
The role focuses on providing advanced, specialized social work services to Veterans with complex medical and neurological needs, such as Parkinson's disease, as part of the VA Puget Sound’s clinical care programs.
Is a doctorate required for this position?
No, a Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school is the required education level. A doctorate cannot be substituted for the Master's degree.
What kind of licensure is needed?
Applicants must hold a full, valid, and unrestricted independent license to practice social work at the clinical level as required by the state.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. VA Puget Sound is a world-class teaching hospital, recognized as one of the most complex VA healthcare systems in the nation. By joining our team, you contribute to a legacy of excellence, providing whole-health care to those who have served our country.