Become a Social Services Assistant with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Amarillo

Are you looking to build a career that truly honors those who have served our country? The Amarillo VA Health Care System is hiring a Social Services Assistant to support our Survivors Assistance and Memorial Support (SAMS) operations. This role is perfect for detail-oriented individuals who excel in administrative coordination and want to provide compassionate support to Veterans and their families during their most difficult moments.

Job Responsibilities

As a Social Services Assistant, your primary objective is to manage the operational and administrative tasks associated with end-of-life benefits. Key responsibilities include:

Advising Veterans and their Next of Kin (NOK) regarding burial and memorial benefits.
Coordinating with funeral directors and county registrar offices to process death notifications and certificates.
Managing program budgets by projecting future needs and tracking past expenditures.
Collaborating with Social Work and Chaplaincy teams to provide holistic support for grieving families.
Maintaining strict adherence to facility and national VHA performance measures.

Requirements

To qualify, you must possess the following:

U.S. Citizenship.
Specialized experience (GS-04 level or higher) or a four-year degree in a related field.
A physical examination to verify the ability to safely operate a government vehicle.
Completion of all online assessments as requested by the hiring team.
Willingness to participate in the mandatory annual influenza vaccination program.

Qualifications Comparison Table

Qualification Type	Requirement Criteria
Experience	1 Year at next lower grade (GS-04)
Education	Bachelor's degree (related field)
Combination	Partial experience + Education > 60 hours

Benefits Overview

Working for the VA comes with significant advantages. Beyond a competitive salary, employees receive federal benefits including robust retirement plans, health insurance, and generous paid time off. You will also have access to the VA's extensive training programs and internal career mobility paths.

Application Tips for Success

Mind the Page Count: Federal hiring now mandates a two-page maximum for resumes. Ensure yours is concise.
Be Specific: List your hours worked per week for every position listed on your resume.
Use the Resume Builder: The USAJOBS resume builder ensures you include all necessary data points, such as dates, grades, and specific duties.
Submit Early: Don't wait until the final hour; technical issues or assessment requirements can add time to your process.

This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are organized, compassionate, and ready to serve. If you meet the criteria and are ready to advance the mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs, start your application today through the USAJOBS portal. Your dedication can provide the comfort and clarity Veterans and their families need.

Why This Social Services Assistant Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served by supporting essential Veterans Affairs programs in the vibrant community of Amarillo, Texas.

Social Services Assistant Job Overview

The Amarillo VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Social Services Assistant to provide vital administrative and operational support for the Survivors Assistance and Memorial Support (SAMS) program. In this role, you will act as a bridge between the VA, Veterans, and their families during critical times, managing burial benefit inquiries, coordinating financial operations, and ensuring administrative excellence in end-of-life services.

Requirements for Social Services Assistant

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Completion of one year of specialized experience at the GS-04 level or equivalent.
Ability to pass a pre-placement physical exam including vision and hearing standards.
Must be registered with the Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959).
Must be able to successfully complete a background and security investigation.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Must serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period.
Submission of transcripts if using education to qualify.

Preferred Qualifications for Social Services Assistant

Experience in community or residential recreation/training programs.
Background in youth summer camp counseling.
Previous experience assisting professional staff in social services, personnel, or vocational guidance.
Proven ability to manage program budgets and perform financial analysis.
Expertise in advising families on end-of-life benefits and services.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Paid annual leave and sick leave accrual.
✓Federal retirement benefits package.
✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
✓Eligibility for student loan repayment or forgiveness programs (where applicable).
✓Professional development and training opportunities.
✓Ad-hoc telework opportunities.

💡 How to Apply Social Services Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Social Services Assistant Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
Prepare your two-page resume highlighting relevant experience and hours worked.
Complete the required online application questionnaire.
Attach all necessary documentation, including transcripts, DD-214, or SF-50s.
Submit your application through the online portal by the closing date.
Complete any required USA Hire competency assessments if prompted.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; longer resumes will be automatically rejected.
Clearly list hours worked per week for every position to ensure full credit for experience.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet all formatting guidelines.
Submit your application well before the 11:59 PM ET deadline to account for any technical issues.
Use descriptive, result-oriented language when documenting your past duties.
Save your resume as a PDF to maintain the integrity of your formatting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, this position allows for ad-hoc telework, which will be discussed in detail during the interview process.

Can I use volunteer work to qualify for this role?

Yes, relevant volunteer work is recognized and can be included on your resume to help you meet the qualification standards.

What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?

The system will prevent the upload of resumes longer than two pages, and any application submitted with a longer document will be deemed ineligible.

Is this a virtual position?

No, this position is located in Amarillo, TX. However, ad-hoc telework may be authorized after the initial onboarding phase.

Will I need to take an assessment?

Yes, the application includes a competency-based assessment. You will be emailed a link once your initial application is submitted.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military. At the Amarillo VA Health Care System, we provide comprehensive health care services in a region known for its small-town atmosphere and big-city amenities. Our employees enjoy a low cost of living, no state income tax, and easy access to the scenic landscapes of the American Southwest.