Advance Your Social Work Career with the Fargo VA Health Care System

Are you a passionate clinical professional looking to make a lasting impact? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a talented Social Worker to join the clinical team at the Fargo VA Health Care System. This role is a unique opportunity to provide vital mental health services in an environment that prioritizes excellence, compassion, and the 'Whole Health' model of care.

Job Responsibilities

As a Social Worker at the Fargo VA, you will play a central role in the mental health department. Your core responsibilities will include:

Assessment: Conducting detailed psychosocial assessments to understand a Veteran's health history, strengths, and unique needs.
Treatment Planning: Creating and implementing personalized treatment plans that align with the Whole Health approach.
Psychotherapy: Delivering evidence-based clinical interventions to individuals, groups, and families.
Coordination: Acting as a liaison between the Veteran and necessary community or VA resources to ensure continuity of care.
Advocacy: Ensuring Veterans receive high-quality service and navigating bureaucratic or clinical hurdles on their behalf.

Position Comparison: GS-9 vs GS-11

Feature	GS-9 Level	GS-11 Level
Experience Req.	Entry-level (Post-MSW)	1+ year specialized experience
Licensure	Eligible (waivers may apply)	Required (Independent level)
Clinical Focus	Foundation-building	Advanced intervention & consultation

Requirements

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

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
Education: A Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program is mandatory.
Licensure: You must be licensed to practice independently at the master’s degree level (required for GS-11).
Physical Health: Ability to pass a standard pre-employment physical.

Benefits Overview

Working for the VA comes with a robust compensation package. Beyond your salary, employees receive:

EDRP: Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (up to $200,000).
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave and 11 paid federal holidays.
Financial Security: Federal 401(k) with match and a solid pension plan.
Family Support: Paid parental leave and available child care subsidies.

Application Tips

Don't let your application get lost in the shuffle! When applying via USAJOBS, remember:

Be Specific: Do not leave the hiring team guessing. Quantify your experience.
Use the KSA Method: If you write a separate document addressing the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed in the vacancy, your application will stand out significantly.
Include Transcripts: An application without a transcript is incomplete. Ensure your educational documents are attached before hitting submit.

Join the Fargo VA and start a career that gives back. Whether you are an early-career social worker or an experienced clinician looking to transition to the public sector, the Veterans Health Administration offers the resources, stability, and professional community you need to thrive. Apply today and help us fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the salary range? A: The position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $61,722 to $97,087, depending on experience and grade level.

Q: Are there relocation benefits? A: No, this position does not offer relocation assistance.

Q: Is remote work available? A: This is not a virtual position; however, some ad-hoc telework may be available based on the needs of the unit.

Why This Social Worker Job Matters

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's heroes. Join the Fargo VA Health Care System and advance your social work career in a top-rated, 5-star clinical environment.

Social Worker Job Overview

The Fargo VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to provide essential mental health counseling and support services to our Veterans. As part of a highly-regarded, Joint Commission-accredited facility, you will join an interdisciplinary team committed to a Whole Health approach. You will perform comprehensive psychosocial assessments, facilitate treatment planning, and provide evidence-based psychotherapy to help Veterans navigate complex medical and psychiatric challenges. This position offers a unique opportunity to grow professionally within a collaborative, patient-centered, and mission-driven organization located in the vibrant Fargo-Moorhead community.

Requirements for Social Worker

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Possess a Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school.
Must hold a state-issued license or certification to independently practice social work at the master’s level (for GS-11).
Proficiency in both written and spoken English.
Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
Ability to undergo a background and security investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker

Minimum of one year of post-MSW clinical experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level.
Doctoral degree in Social Work, which may be substituted for required professional experience.
Demonstrated ability to implement evidence-based psychotherapeutic modalities.
Strong skills in crisis intervention and psychosocial assessment.
Experience coordinating care across multidisciplinary teams and community agencies.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000.
✓Generous Paid Time Off: 13-26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
✓Federal health, vision, dental, life, and long-term care insurance programs.
✓Federal retirement benefits including pension and 401(k) with up to 5% employer match.
✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees.
✓Child care subsidy program for qualifying families.
✓Opportunities for professional growth and collaborative training with academic affiliates.

💡 How to Apply Social Worker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Social Worker Job

Create or log into your account on the official USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a comprehensive, long-form resume or CV detailing your clinical experience.
Gather necessary documentation, including academic transcripts, state social work licensure, and SF-50 forms if applicable.
Complete the occupational questionnaire provided on the application portal.
Submit your application and required documents before the closing date of December 28, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Do not assume the hiring team knows your experience; be specific and explicit about your duties in your resume.
Address the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) explicitly in a separate document for the best results.
Ensure all educational transcripts are included; foreign degrees must include a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.
Verify that your licensure or certification is current and clearly documented.
Check your USAJOBS account regularly for status updates after you submit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this position?

Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP, which assists with student loan repayment. Final determination of eligibility and award amounts is managed by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services.

What is the work schedule for this Social Worker role?

This is a full-time position with a standard work schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Can I apply if I am not a current VA employee?

Yes, this position is open to both internal VA employees and the public.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Fargo VA Health Care System serves more than 36,000 Veterans across North Dakota, northwestern Minnesota, and northeastern South Dakota. Recognized for clinical excellence, the facility boasts a 5-star CMS rating and a 5-star Community Living Center rating. As a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, the Fargo VA is at the forefront of medical training and patient-centered care. When you work here, you aren't just an employee; you are a key part of a team committed to honoring our nation's heroes.