Advance Your Career as a Senior Social Worker with the VA
Are you a dedicated social worker looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's heroes? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a Senior Social Worker for Addiction Treatment Services (ATS) in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This role is a unique opportunity to combine advanced clinical practice with a noble mission.
Job Responsibilities
The Senior Social Worker serves as a cornerstone of the Addiction Treatment Services team. Your daily impact will include:
- Complex Diagnosis: Performing specialized clinical assessments for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.
- Evidence-Based Treatment: Providing short-term, intensive outpatient counseling and psychotherapy.
- Clinical Leadership: Mentoring junior staff and students, and acting as a champion for discharge planning and psychosocial needs.
- System Development: Evaluating program performance data to refine and improve the quality of clinical services.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-12 position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school. |
| Licensure | Must hold an active, independent state license to practice at the advanced level. |
| Experience | 2 years of post-licensure clinical experience. |
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. citizen. |
Salary and Benefits
Competitive pay is standard at the VA. The salary range for this position is $106,314 – $138,211 per year, depending on qualifications. Beyond the base salary, the VA offers an industry-leading benefits package:
- Loan Repayment: Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).
- Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of combined leave and paid holidays per year.
- Parental Support: 12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service.
- Retirement: Federal pension and 401(k) with 5% matching.
- Insurance: Access to premium federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs.
Application Tips
Applying for federal jobs requires precision. Ensure your long-form resume details specific clinical hours and responsibilities. Highlight your experience in addiction, triage, and multi-disciplinary teamwork. Finally, double-check that all required supporting documents, including your professional license and academic transcripts, are attached correctly before the September 11, 2026, deadline.
This position offers more than just a paycheck; it offers a chance to work with a team dedicated to holistic Veteran health in a state with no income tax. If you possess the passion and experience to serve those who served us, apply to the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System today.
Why This Senior Social Worker (Addiction Treatment Service) Job Matters
Advance your clinical career while directly impacting the lives of Veterans battling addiction. Join the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, where your expertise in social work meets a mission-driven environment dedicated to whole-health excellence.
Senior Social Worker (Addiction Treatment Service) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is seeking a dedicated Senior Social Worker for the Addiction Treatment Services (ATS) program in Murfreesboro, TN. This role is perfect for a licensed, advanced-practice clinician who excels in complex diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and clinical leadership. You will serve as a key member of a multidisciplinary team, providing essential care for Veterans facing addiction and co-occurring mental health challenges.
Requirements for Senior Social Worker (Addiction Treatment Service)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution
- Active, full, and unrestricted state license/certification to practice social work at an independent, advanced practice level
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination
- Ability to provide supervision for licensure
- Two years of post-licensure experience, including at least one year at a GS-11 equivalent level
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker (Addiction Treatment Service)
- Experience in specialized addiction treatment modalities
- Advanced clinical expertise in polytrauma, TBI, spinal cord injuries, or PTSD
- Prior experience in leadership, staff development, or clinical supervision
- Demonstrated ability to perform outcome evaluations and implement system improvements
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, and dental insurance
- ✓Federal pension and 401(k) retirement plans with up to 5% agency matching
- ✓37–50 days of paid time off (annual, sick, and federal holidays)
- ✓Paid parental leave
- ✓Childcare subsidies for eligible families
- ✓Regular salary increases
💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker (Addiction Treatment Service) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Social Worker (Addiction Treatment Service) Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account profile
- Prepare a detailed long-form resume and gather academic transcripts
- Submit your application and complete the required online questionnaire
- Upload all necessary supporting documents, including your state license
- Submit your application package by the closing date of September 11, 2026
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the GS-12 requirements
- Double-check that your state license is clearly visible in your documentation
- Complete the application questionnaire thoroughly; do not leave fields blank
- Be prepared to provide verification of clinical supervision experience
- Reach out to the Agency Contact if you need an alternative method to submit your application
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?
Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which may provide up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement for eligible candidates.
What is the work schedule?
The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, though alternate tours may be considered.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
Yes, you must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this federal position.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) is one of the most comprehensive integrated systems in the nation. Serving over 146,000 Veterans across Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, the TVHS operates two major hospitals and 21 community-based clinics. By joining the team, you become part of a network that prioritizes innovation, research, and compassionate care for those who have served.