Advance Your Career as a Senior Social Worker with the VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to those who have served our country. We are currently seeking a compassionate, highly skilled Senior Social Worker for our Intensive Community Mental Health Recovery (ICMHR) program in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This role offers the opportunity to practice at the top of your license while engaging in a rewarding, multidisciplinary environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior Social Worker, you will operate as a subject matter expert and leader within the ICMHR program. You will serve Veterans with serious mental illness who require intensive, recovery-oriented services. Your daily tasks will include:
- Providing psychotherapy and counseling to individual Veterans and their families.
- Participating in daily multidisciplinary team meetings to coordinate complex care.
- Conducting community visits to provide outreach and support.
- Serving as a clinical mentor for junior staff and interns.
- Developing and implementing evidence-based treatment plans using CBT, IMR, and SST models.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must meet the following baseline standards:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: A Master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution.
- Licensure: You must hold a current, independent license to practice social work at the master's level.
- Communication: Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory.
- Physical Requirements: Must be able to travel locally for community-based services.
Comparison: Standard vs. Senior Social Worker
| Feature | GS-11/Entry Level | GS-12/Senior Level |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Independent Practice | Expert/Specialist |
| Leadership | Clinical Contributor | Lead/Supervisor |
| Case Complexity | Standard | High Complexity |
| Policy Development | Following Protocols | Creating Guidelines |
Salary Overview
This position offers a highly competitive salary range of $98,721 to $128,341 per year. Pay may be set above the minimum rate based on your unique clinical experience and the needs of the agency.
Benefits
- Student Loan Support: Eligible for the EDRP (up to $200,000).
- Time Off: 13-26 days of annual leave plus 13 days of sick leave.
- Retirement: Federal pension and 401(k) matching up to 5%.
- Flexibility: Paid parental leave after 12 months.
Application Tips
- Ensure your resume highlights your specific experience with severe mental illness.
- Clearly document all clinical supervision hours.
- Double-check that your license information is accurate and active.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the travel requirement? A: As this role is community-based, daily travel to visit Veterans at various sites is required. Q: Are there relocation benefits? A: No, this position does not offer relocation assistance.
If you are a driven social worker ready to make a significant difference in the lives of our nation's heroes, this role with the VA is the perfect next step. Apply through USAJOBS to start your journey.
Why This Senior Social Worker - Icmhr Job Matters
Join the VA as a Senior Social Worker and provide life-changing, recovery-oriented care to Veterans in the Colorado Springs community.
Senior Social Worker - Icmhr Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Senior Social Worker for our Intensive Community Mental Health Recovery (ICMHR) program in Colorado Springs, CO. This role is ideal for an experienced clinical professional who thrives in community-based settings. You will serve as a subject matter expert and lead, providing intensive, recovery-focused services to Veterans struggling with serious mental illness. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), offering a potential student loan reimbursement of up to $200,000.
Requirements for Senior Social Worker - Icmhr
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Must hold a current, independent, state-level license or certification for master's level social work practice.
- Valid state driver's license for community travel.
- Ability to pass a background/security investigation and physical examination.
- Completion of mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker - Icmhr
- Advanced clinical experience with individuals living with serious mental illness.
- Demonstrated expertise in evidence-based practices such as CBT, Motivational Interviewing, IMR, and SST.
- Experience with Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) principles.
- Proven history of mentoring, supervising, or leading quality improvement initiatives.
- Ability to develop and implement outcome evaluation methods for service improvement.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000).
- ✓Competitive Federal salary with regular increases.
- ✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 Federal holidays.
- ✓Comprehensive Federal insurance options (Health, Dental, Vision, Life).
- ✓Federal pension and 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with 5% employer match.
- ✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
- ✓Childcare subsidy eligibility for qualifying families.
💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker - Icmhr Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Social Worker - Icmhr Job
- Create a USAJOBS account if you do not already have one.
- Prepare your resume, academic transcripts, and clinical licensure documentation.
- Complete the required occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
- Submit your application and all supporting documentation through the portal.
- Monitor your email for status updates and requests for further information.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume regarding clinical hours and types of interventions performed.
- Ensure your license is clearly identified with current state and registration details.
- Review your application thoroughly to avoid omissions that could delay processing.
- Keep a digital copy of your entire submission for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position remote?
No, this is not a virtual position. It involves frequent travel within the community to conduct visits for Veterans.
What is the EDRP?
The Education Debt Reduction Program is a VA initiative that provides reimbursement for qualifying student loans, up to $200,000 for eligible participants.
What documentation is strictly required?
You must submit your professional license, a long-form resume (or CV), and academic transcripts.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) offers a state-of-the-art campus in Aurora, CO, providing excellent growth opportunities for clinical professionals. We believe in providing holistic care that supports the whole Veteran, utilizing cutting-edge technology and research to deliver superior mental health outcomes.