Advance Your Career: Senior Social Worker (Inpatient Psychiatry) at VA Puget Sound
Are you a dedicated clinical social worker passionate about providing high-acuity mental health care? The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled professional to join the team at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle, Washington. This role offers the chance to work in a Level 1a facility—one of the most complex and robust healthcare environments in the country.
Job Responsibilities
The Senior Social Worker (Inpatient Psychiatry) serves on the 7West unit, the primary inpatient psychiatric hub for Western Washington. Key duties include:
- Clinical Case Management: Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments and facilitate daily group programming.
- Legal and Crisis Coordination: Coordinate care for Veterans under the Involuntary Treatment Act and provide clinical testimony as a court evaluator.
- Multidisciplinary Leadership: Collaborate with psychiatrists, nurses, and other specialists to develop effective treatment plans.
- Mentorship: Supervise students, interns, and unlicensed social workers to help develop the next generation of clinical experts.
Comparison of Compensation and Benefits
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $104,892 - $136,362 (per year) |
| Annual Paid Time Off | 37-50 Days (Vacation, Sick, Holidays) |
| Parental Leave | Up to 12 Weeks Paid |
| Retirement | Federal Pension + 401K-style Thrift Savings Plan |
Requirements
To qualify for the GS-12 level, you must hold a Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution and maintain a current, independent clinical license. Candidates should have at least two years of specialized post-licensure clinical experience. Proficiency in written and spoken English and U.S. Citizenship are required. Applicants with a strong background in inpatient psychiatric settings or emergency behavioral health are highly encouraged to apply.
Application Tips
Success in your application starts with a detailed, well-formatted resume. Because federal recruiters cannot make assumptions, ensure your resume documents your experience in specialized settings—especially regarding involuntary treatment and crisis management. Proofread your submission carefully and ensure that all supporting documents, including your license and transcripts, are attached as specified.
Joining the VA Puget Sound team is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the men and women who have defended our nation. If you are an experienced social worker ready to lead, mentor, and provide high-quality care in a dynamic setting, we invite you to apply today.
Why This Senior Social Worker (Inpatient Psychiatry) Job Matters
Make a transformative impact on the lives of those who served by leading clinical social work initiatives at the VA’s premier inpatient psychiatric facility in Seattle.
Senior Social Worker (Inpatient Psychiatry) Job Overview
The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is seeking an experienced Senior Social Worker to join the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit (7West) in Seattle, Washington. As a Level 1a facility, this site serves as the hub for inpatient psychiatric care in Western Washington. You will play a pivotal role in a multidisciplinary team, managing high-acuity care for Veterans, facilitating complex discharge planning, and serving as a key clinical expert for inpatient mental health services.
Requirements for Senior Social Worker (Inpatient Psychiatry)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Current, unrestricted state licensure for independent clinical social work practice
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- At least two years of post-licensure clinical experience
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 1959
- Ability to pass a background and security investigation
- Compliance with annual influenza vaccination requirements
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker (Inpatient Psychiatry)
- Experience with severe and persistent mental illness in acute psychiatric or emergency settings
- Strong background in involuntary psychiatric treatment and the Washington State Involuntary Treatment Act
- Expertise in complex discharge planning and multidisciplinary case management
- Experience in providing court testimony or serving as a court evaluator
- Prior experience supervising students, interns, or clinical staff
- Track record in program development and evidence-based clinical initiatives
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year
- âś“11 paid Federal holidays
- âś“Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
- âś“Federal pension (FERS) and 401k-style Thrift Savings Plan with 5% matching
- âś“Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- âś“Childcare subsidies for eligible employees
- âś“Ongoing professional development and training
đź’ˇ How to Apply Senior Social Worker (Inpatient Psychiatry) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Social Worker (Inpatient Psychiatry) Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement requirements.
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume or CV highlighting relevant clinical experience.
- Gather supporting documents, including state licenses, transcripts, and SF-50s if applicable.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application link.
- Submit your application package before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for confirmation and status updates.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details how your experience meets the GS-12 grade requirements.
- Quantify your clinical impact whenever possible to show the depth of your expertise.
- Highlight experience with involuntary psychiatric holds and legal documentation, as this is a core component of the role.
- Double-check that your state license information is current and clearly listed.
- Follow the specific formatting guidelines for USAJOBS to ensure your application is processed correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for telework?
No, this is an on-site position at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System requiring in-person care for inpatient Veterans.
What level of psychiatric care is provided on the 7West unit?
The 7West unit provides high-intensity psychiatric care, including 16 beds for voluntary and involuntary patients, detox services, and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).
Do I need to be licensed in Washington state specifically?
You must hold an independent license to practice social work at the master's degree level. Please ensure your current licensure meets the criteria for independent practice.
What is the primary focus of the 7West unit?
7West provides high-intensity psychiatric care, detoxification services, and ECT to Veterans in a secure inpatient environment.
Is relocation assistance provided?
This position does not offer relocation or recruitment incentives at this time.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served. As a major interdisciplinary teaching facility, VAPSHCS provides comprehensive care, ranging from primary medicine to specialized psychiatric and surgical services. Working here means becoming part of a "I CARE" culture: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.