Launch Your Career as an Inpatient Social Worker at the DC VA

Are you a dedicated social worker looking to transition your clinical skills into a mission-driven environment? The Washington DC VA Medical Center is currently seeking a compassionate, skilled Social Worker to join our Inpatient Medicine and Psychiatry unit. This is a unique opportunity to provide holistic care to the men and women who have defended our country.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you are the backbone of our multidisciplinary care team. You will be responsible for:

Conducting comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments for Veterans with acute mental health needs.
Facilitating crisis intervention services.
Coordinating discharge planning in collaboration with the Veteran, their family, and the clinical team.
Identifying psychosocial needs, strengths, and coping mechanisms to improve treatment outcomes.
Educating patients on self-management and internal/external community resources.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-9 to GS-11 position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

U.S. Citizenship.
A Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school.
Valid state licensure/certification for independent clinical practice.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Ability to pass mandatory pre-employment health evaluations and drug screenings.

Salary Overview

The compensation for this position is competitive, ranging from $77,688 to $122,790 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, and the grade level for which you are selected.

Comparison of Grade Levels

Feature	GS-9 Level	GS-11 Level
Experience Requirement	Basic Degree/Licensure	1+ Year Specialized Experience
Expected Autonomy	Supervised Clinical Work	Independent Practice
Focus	Skill Development	Clinical Expertise & Consultation

Benefits

Federal employment offers a robust suite of benefits designed to support your long-term success:

Retirement: Traditional pension plan and a 5% matching 401(k).
Paid Leave: Significant annual and sick leave accrual starting from day one.
Work-Life Balance: 11 paid federal holidays and a generous parental leave policy.
Support: Childcare subsidies available for eligible, full-time employees.

Application Tips

Use the VA Resume Template: Download the specific clinical resume document provided by the VA and upload it into the required field.
Detail Your Experience: Clearly explain your clinical work history. Recruiters cannot make assumptions about your skills—show them through your past achievements.
Stay Organized: Double-check your application for all required documents, including your SF-50 if you are a current federal employee.

If you are ready to combine your clinical expertise with a desire to serve those who have sacrificed for our nation, this role at the Washington DC VA Medical Center is your next great career move. Submit your application through the official portal before the September 9, 2026, deadline.

Why This Social Worker - Inpatient Medicine- Psychiatry Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on those who served. Join the Washington DC VA Medical Center as an Inpatient Medicine Social Worker and provide vital mental health care to our nation's Veterans.

Social Worker - Inpatient Medicine- Psychiatry Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to join the Inpatient Psychiatry unit at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. In this role, you will perform critical biopsychosocial assessments, lead care coordination efforts, and develop discharge plans for Veterans with acute mental health diagnoses. You will serve as a key member of an interdisciplinary treatment team, ensuring our Veterans receive compassionate, whole-person care.

Requirements for Social Worker - Inpatient Medicine- Psychiatry

U.S. Citizenship
Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
Current licensure/certification at the independent practice level
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical evaluation
Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination program requirements
Successful completion of a background/security investigation

Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker - Inpatient Medicine- Psychiatry

One year of post-MSW professional experience in a healthcare setting
Demonstrated ability to perform suicide risk assessments and implement safety protocols
Experience coordinating care with community and government agencies
Expertise in clinical documentation and interdisciplinary team collaboration

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Traditional federal pension with 5-year vesting
✓Federal 401k (Thrift Savings Plan) with up to 5% agency matching
✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave plus 13 days of sick leave
✓11 paid federal holidays per year
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of service
✓Childcare subsidies for eligible employees

💡 How to Apply Social Worker - Inpatient Medicine- Psychiatry Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Social Worker - Inpatient Medicine- Psychiatry Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers website.
Prepare your full professional CV/Resume.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all required documentation (including transcripts and licensure proofs) before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume; do not assume the recruiter knows your past tasks.
Ensure your resume addresses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed for your desired grade level.
Check your USAJOBS dashboard regularly for status updates after the announcement closes.
Ensure your proof of licensure and educational transcripts are clear and attached to the correct section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am not yet licensed?

For the GS-9 level, the VHA may waive the licensure requirement for otherwise qualified individuals, provided they complete state prerequisites within three years.

What is the typical work schedule?

This position follows a standard Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM schedule.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to the "I CARE" values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. As an employee of the Washington DC VA Medical Center, you will become part of a professional team focused on "Whole Health." We empower Veterans to take charge of their well-being, and we provide our staff with the resources, leadership opportunities, and clinical challenges to excel in their careers.