Advance Your Career: Senior Social Worker (MHCM Team Leader) at the VA
If you are a seasoned social worker with a passion for mental health and a commitment to serving Veterans, the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System has an exceptional career opportunity for you. We are seeking a Senior Social Worker to serve as a Mental Health Case Management (MHCM) Team Leader in Marion, Indiana. This role offers the perfect blend of clinical practice and program leadership, allowing you to improve the lives of our nation's heroes while advancing your professional career within a prestigious federal system.
Job Responsibilities
As the MHCM Team Leader, your time will be split evenly between administrative duties and direct clinical care.
- Administrative Oversight (50%): You will lead a multidisciplinary team, coordinating daily operations, assigning tasks, and overseeing the development of treatment plans. You will also be responsible for analyzing program outcomes, ensuring cost-effectiveness, and providing professional consultation to colleagues and students.
- Clinical Care (50%): You will provide comprehensive outpatient treatment for Veterans who are chronic users of inpatient resources. Utilizing recovery-oriented principles, you will conduct individual, family, and group therapy sessions to help Veterans successfully adjust to community-based settings.
Requirements
To be considered for this high-impact position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Licensure: You must possess an active, full, and unrestricted independent state license to practice social work at the master's level.
- Experience: At least two years of post-advanced practice clinical licensure, with one year of experience at the GS-11 grade level (or equivalent).
- Documentation: Ability to provide official transcripts and proof of current licensure.
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-12 grade level. The salary range for this role is between $92,589 and $120,368 per year, commensurate with experience and organizational guidelines.
Comparison Table: Why Choose the VA?
| Benefit Feature | VA Employment | Private Sector (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Loan Forgiveness | EDRP (up to $200k) | Limited/Rare |
| Retirement | FERS Pension Plan | 401(k) Match |
| Stability | High Federal Security | Market Dependent |
| Mission | Service to Veterans | Profit-Driven |
Benefits
The VA prides itself on providing a comprehensive total rewards package. Beyond competitive pay, employees enjoy:
- Debt Relief: Generous student loan repayment through the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- Comprehensive Health Care: Multiple federal health insurance and life insurance options.
- Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Application Tips
- Be Precise: When writing your resume, don't leave room for guesswork. Clearly describe your clinical accomplishments and the populations you have served.
- Include Transcripts: Ensure your transcripts clearly display your name and the institution's name and address.
- Follow Procedures: The VA requires a specific application format via the USAJOBS portal. Ensure you answer every question on the questionnaire thoroughly.
Serving as an MHCM Team Leader is more than a job; it is a calling. If you are ready to use your clinical expertise to lead a team dedicated to Veteran recovery, we encourage you to apply. Join the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System and help us honor the promise to care for those who served.
Why This Senior Social Worker Job Matters
Make a lasting impact on those who served. Lead intensive case management teams at the VA and help Veterans navigate their path to recovery with the support of the Education Debt Reduction Program.
Senior Social Worker Job Overview
The VA Northern Indiana Health Care System is seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Social Worker to serve as a Mental Health Case Management (MHCM) Team Leader in Marion, Indiana. In this pivotal leadership role, you will direct specialized intensive case management services for Veterans, blending clinical expertise with administrative oversight to ensure our heroes receive the highest standard of whole health care. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape treatment strategies, mentor staff, and directly influence positive patient outcomes in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
Requirements for Senior Social Worker
- U.S. Citizenship
- Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program
- Active, full, and unrestricted independent state licensure or certification at the master's level
- Two years of post-licensure clinical experience, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-11 level
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Valid driver's license for travel and Veteran transport
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination
- Ability to complete a one or two-year trial period
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker
- Experience in outpatient mental health care delivery
- Advanced practice certification or specialized clinical training
- Demonstrated expertise in individual, family, and group psychotherapy
- Proven history of leading multidisciplinary teams and clinical supervision
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
- ✓Federal health insurance plans
- ✓Comprehensive retirement programs
- ✓Paid annual and sick leave
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Ad-hoc telework flexibility
💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Social Worker Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a long-form resume or CV detailing your clinical experience.
- Gather your official or unofficial transcripts and state social work license.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation, including Veterans' preference forms if applicable.
- Submit your final application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly lists the type of degree, major, and relevant courses.
- Be specific in your descriptions; do not assume the reviewer understands your internal job titles.
- Highlight your volunteer or community service experience if it relates to social work competencies.
- Check your USAJOBS portal regularly for updates on your application status.
- Submit all documents well in advance of the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?
Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan payment reimbursement for qualified candidates, subject to program guidelines and approval.
What level of license is required for this GS-12 position?
You must hold an active, full, and unrestricted independent license to practice social work at the master's level in the state where you are authorized to practice.
Is travel required for this role?
Yes, the role requires regular driving and travel throughout the medical center and potential home visits, requiring a valid driver's license and the ability to operate a government vehicle.
Is this a fully remote position?
*A: No. This is not a virtual position. However, it does offer ad-hoc telework opportunities depending on agency policy.*
Can I apply if my license is not yet active?
*A: No. You must possess a full, active, and unrestricted independent license to be considered for this GS-12 series position.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing world-class care to millions of Veterans. The VA Northern Indiana Health Care System (VANIHCS) is a vital part of this network, dedicated to delivering compassionate, comprehensive care. Whether providing primary care, surgery, or specialized mental health services, the VANIHCS operates on a model of Whole Health—empowering Veterans to take control of their well-being in a supportive, healing environment.