Advance Your Career: Social Worker Program Manager at VA Puget Sound
Are you a seasoned social work professional looking to pivot into a high-level administrative role that serves those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a visionary Social Worker Program Manager to join the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Tacoma, Washington. This role offers an unparalleled opportunity to influence the trajectory of outpatient mental health services for our Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As the Director of the Outpatient Mental Health section, your responsibilities will be multifaceted:
- Administrative Oversight: Manage the daily operations, fiscal resources, and strategic planning for the mental health service line.
- Clinical Leadership: Provide expert guidance on psychosocial assessments and evidence-based interventions for Veterans with complex psychopathology.
- Team Mentorship: Supervise staff, oversee performance evaluations, and foster a collaborative environment.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinate with residential, inpatient, and primary care teams to ensure a seamless continuum of care for every patient.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-14 position, applicants must meet the following baseline criteria:
- Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school.
- Current, unrestricted state license for independent clinical practice.
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Proficiency in both spoken and written English.
Salary and Benefits
Working for the VA provides not just a career, but a lifestyle foundation.
| Benefit Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $141,367 - $183,782 per year |
| Paid Time Off | 37-50 days (Vacation, Sick, and Holidays) |
| Pension | Traditional Federal Pension (5-year vesting) |
| 401(k) | Federal Thrift Savings Plan with 5% matching |
| Insurance | Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision, and Life |
Application Tips
Success in federal hiring relies on transparency and detail. Ensure your long-form resume clearly articulates your leadership achievements. Don't just list your tasks; quantify your impact, such as how you optimized clinic workflows or reduced wait times. Always double-check that your license information and transcripts are attached correctly before submission.
If you possess the clinical expertise and the administrative leadership to shape the future of mental health care at the VA, we invite you to apply. This role offers more than just a salary; it offers the chance to make a lasting difference in the lives of our nation's heroes.
Why This Social Worker (Program Manager) - Outpatient Mental Health Section Job Matters
Lead a mission-critical mental health program and shape the future of care for those who served. Your expertise in clinical social work administration can change lives at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System.
Social Worker (Program Manager) - Outpatient Mental Health Section Job Overview
The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is seeking a dedicated and visionary Social Worker to serve as the Program Manager for the Outpatient Mental Health Section at the American Lake Division. This high-impact role blends administrative leadership with clinical excellence, overseeing a comprehensive range of mental health and substance use disorder services. You will provide strategic oversight, mentor a clinical team, and ensure that our Veterans receive seamless, evidence-based care across various outpatient and residential platforms.
Requirements for Social Worker (Program Manager) - Outpatient Mental Health Section
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific recruitment conditions are met).
- Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school.
- Current state license or certification to practice social work independently at the master’s level.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Completion of a background and security investigation.
- Mandatory participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker (Program Manager) - Outpatient Mental Health Section
- One year of experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the federal service.
- Demonstrated expertise in large-scale program coordination and administration.
- Proven ability to manage fiscal matters, including budgets, contracts, and resource forecasting.
- Experience in developing and implementing organizational policies and practice guidelines.
- Advanced supervisory skills, including performance evaluation and staff development.
- Ability to foster collaborative partnerships with internal and external community stakeholders.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive salary with regular increases.
- âś“Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- âś“Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- âś“Federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
- âś“401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% agency matching.
- âś“Paid parental leave for eligible employees.
- âś“Childcare subsidies for qualified families.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Social Worker (Program Manager) - Outpatient Mental Health Section Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Social Worker (Program Manager) - Outpatient Mental Health Section Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Prepare your long-form resume, current license documentation, and any relevant SF-50 forms.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents, ensuring clear and specific evidence of your experience.
- Review your application package for accuracy.
- Submit your application before the closing date of September 30, 2027.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; the hiring committee will not make assumptions about your experience.
- Highlight volunteer experience, as it counts toward qualifying work history.
- If you are a veteran, ensure your DD214 is uploaded to claim preference correctly.
- Proofread your application to ensure all licensing information is up to date.
- Check your USAJOBS application status regularly for updates following the close of the announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of independence is required for this license?
Candidates must hold a state license or certification that allows them to practice social work independently at the master’s degree level.
Is this a remote or virtual position?
No, this is an onsite position located in Tacoma, Washington, though ad-hoc telework may be available.
What happens during the trial period?
New hires are required to serve a 1- or 2-year trial period, during which the agency evaluates fitness for the role and service to the public interest.
Do I need to be a veteran to apply?
*A: While we encourage veterans to apply, this position is open to all qualified U.S. citizens.*
What is the trial period?
*A: The federal trial period is 1 to 2 years, focused on evaluating performance and alignment with the agency's goals.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Puget Sound Healthcare System (VAPSHCS) is a Level 1a major interdisciplinary teaching facility. Renowned for its complexity and dedication to comprehensive care, the system supports a wide range of services including specialized psychiatric care, spinal cord injury support, and home-based primary care. Joining the VAPSHCS means becoming part of a community dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to honor the men and women who served in the military.