Empowering Veteran Recovery: Social Worker Opportunity at West Texas VA

The West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS) is currently seeking a dedicated and compassionate Social Worker to serve in the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Program (MH RRTP). This role is a cornerstone of our commitment to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to those who have served. If you are a social work professional looking to make a meaningful difference in the mental health recovery of our nation's heroes, this is your opportunity to join a mission-driven team in Big Spring, Texas.

Job Responsibilities

As a MH RRTP Social Worker, you will perform high-impact clinical work, including:

Conducting biopsychosocial assessments within 24-48 hours of patient admission.
Serving as the primary case manager for a panel of Veterans in residential treatment.
Leading crisis interventions and facilitating risk assessments.
Developing integrated discharge and treatment plans in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team.
Providing individual and group psychotherapy based on evidence-based protocols.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Education: A Master's degree in Social Work from a school fully accredited by the CSWE.
Licensure: Must hold a valid state license or certification for independent clinical practice.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Proficiency: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Salary and Grade Comparison

The position is offered at the GS-9 to GS-11 grade levels. Compensation is competitive, reflecting the clinical expertise required for these roles.

Grade Level	Education/Experience Requirement	Expected Proficiency
GS-9	Master's Degree (Entry Level)	Under close supervision
GS-11	Master's + 1 Year Experience/Licensure	Independent practice

Benefits

The VA provides an industry-leading benefits package to support our employees:

EDRP: Potential student loan repayment up to $200,000.
Incentives: Recruitment and relocation bonuses are available for qualified candidates.
Retirement: Federal pension and 401(k) with 5% matching.
Leave: Up to 50 days of total paid leave per year.
Family Support: Paid parental leave and child care subsidies for those who qualify.

Application Tips

To stand out, ensure your resume is detailed. Use the format 'MM/YYYY' for all past roles and clearly state the number of hours worked per week. Omitting these details may result in a lack of full credit for your experience. Be sure to highlight any specific psychiatric or case management experience in your narrative sections.

Joining the West Texas VA Health Care System means more than just a job; it means joining a community dedicated to excellence, compassion, and the holistic health of our Veterans. We encourage all qualified social workers to apply and become part of our interdisciplinary team. Submit your application package today to take the next step in your federal social work career.

Why This Social Worker (Mh Residential Rehabilitation Program) - Edrp/Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Job Matters

Join the West Texas VA Health Care System and make a tangible difference in the lives of our Veterans through specialized mental health rehabilitation.

Social Worker (Mh Residential Rehabilitation Program) - Edrp/Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a compassionate and skilled Social Worker to join the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Program (MH RRTP) in Big Spring, Texas. This position serves as a vital advocate and case manager, providing essential psychosocial support, treatment planning, and crisis intervention for Veterans navigating their mental health recovery journey.

Requirements for Social Worker (Mh Residential Rehabilitation Program) - Edrp/Recruitment/Relocation Incentive

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply only if no qualified citizens are available).
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution.
Active state license or certification for independent clinical social work practice.
Completion of a background and security investigation.
Ability to complete the mandatory VA onboarding process.
Adherence to the seasonal influenza vaccination program requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker (Mh Residential Rehabilitation Program) - Edrp/Recruitment/Relocation Incentive

Minimum of one year of clinical experience working with patients diagnosed with psychiatric conditions.
Proven background in case management within diverse clinical settings.
Experience collaborating with community stakeholders to achieve organizational goals.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement clinical policies and procedures.
Expertise in coordinating complex discharge and treatment plans.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000.
✓Recruitment and relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
✓Traditional federal pension and 401(k) retirement plan with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
✓Paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
✓Child care subsidy for eligible employees.

💡 How to Apply Social Worker (Mh Residential Rehabilitation Program) - Edrp/Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Social Worker (Mh Residential Rehabilitation Program) - Edrp/Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your long-form resume or CV, ensuring dates of experience are in MM/YYYY format.
Upload required documentation, including transcripts, licensure, and SF-50 forms if applicable.
Complete the occupational questionnaire via the online portal.
Submit your application package before the closing date of February 5, 2027.
Monitor your email for notifications regarding your status.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume by stating whether work was full-time or part-time, including hours per week.
Ensure your transcript clearly verifies your CSWE-accredited Master's degree in Social Work.
Review all required documents to avoid missing items that could result in non-referral.
Highlight your experience with psychiatric populations to ensure your expertise is clear to the hiring team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EDRP?

The Education Debt Reduction Program is a VA initiative that provides student loan reimbursement of up to $200,000 for qualifying healthcare professionals.

Can I apply if I am not yet licensed?

While the position generally requires independent licensure for GS-11, some exceptions may apply at the GS-9 level under specific conditions as outlined in the qualification standards.

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: Yes, relocation incentives may be authorized for high-quality candidates who must physically relocate to the area.*

Is this a virtual position?

*A: No, this is an onsite position at the Big Spring, Texas facility.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The West Texas VA Health Care System provides high-quality inpatient and outpatient care to a Veteran population of approximately 57,000 across West Texas and New Mexico. Our facility in Big Spring, often called the 'Crossroads of West Texas,' offers a unique blend of modern healthcare technology and a growing, vibrant community atmosphere.