Advance Your Clinical Career: Senior Social Worker Position at the VA

Are you a dedicated social worker looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a skilled Senior Social Worker to join the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) team in Hinesville, Georgia. This position provides a unique opportunity to work in a PACT (Patient Aligned Care Team) environment, focusing on the comprehensive well-being of our Veterans.

About the Veterans Health Administration

The VHA is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served and their families. Joining our team means entering a community committed to compassionate, whole-health care and professional excellence.

Job Responsibilities

As a Senior Social Worker (GS-12), you will serve as a core member of the Primary Care team. Your primary responsibilities include:

Conducting advanced psychosocial assessments to identify barriers to patient care.
Providing individual, group, and family counseling.
Developing and implementing evidence-based treatment plans.
Coordinating care across interdisciplinary teams to support Veterans with complex medical and psychiatric needs.
Serving as a subject matter expert and consultant for fellow clinical staff.

Requirements

You must meet the following criteria to qualify:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Education: A Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
Licensure: An active, independent clinical-level social work license is required.
Clinical Experience: At least two years of post-licensure experience in a specialized area.

Salary Overview

The compensation package for this role is highly competitive for the GS-12 pay scale:

Pay Range	Type
$97,108 - $126,243	Annual Salary

Note: Starting salary may be higher based on qualifications and organizational needs.

Benefits

Beyond a competitive salary, the VA offers a comprehensive federal benefits package:

Financial: Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000.
Leave: Up to 50 days of paid time off per year (annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays).
Retirement: Federal pension plan and a 401k-style Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching.
Work-Life: Paid parental leave and childcare subsidies.

Application Tips

To ensure your application stands out:

Detail Your Experience: Clearly describe your clinical interventions, focusing on specific modalities like CBT or CPT.
Use the Required Format: Download the standard clinical resume template provided by the VA to avoid technical disqualification.
Highlight Specialized Skills: If you have certification in specialized areas, ensure they are documented on your CV.

If you possess the clinical expertise and passion to support our nation’s Veterans, this Senior Social Worker position offers an unparalleled opportunity for professional growth and personal fulfillment. Apply before October 30, 2026, to be considered for this vital role.

Why This Senior Social Worker Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on those who served—join the Veterans Health Administration as a Senior Social Worker and provide vital, compassionate care in a patient-centered environment.

Senior Social Worker Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Senior Social Worker for the Primary Care Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) in Hinesville, Georgia. This pivotal role involves providing advanced clinical social work services to Veterans and their families, addressing complex psychosocial challenges, and collaborating within an interdisciplinary team to ensure optimal health outcomes. This position offers a unique chance to grow your career while utilizing your expertise in evidence-based psychotherapy.

Requirements for Senior Social Worker

U.S. Citizenship.
Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school.
Current, valid, and unrestricted independent clinical social work license.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Completion of a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Ability to pass a background/security investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker

At least two years of post-licensure clinical experience.
Expertise in evidence-based psychotherapies such as CBT, CPT, or Prolonged Exposure.
Experience working in complex, interdisciplinary primary care environments.
Demonstrated ability to design and implement outcome-based improvements for social work services.
Experience in clinical supervision and professional mentorship.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000).
✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days annual leave, 13 sick days, and 11 paid holidays.
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
✓Federal pension and 401K retirement plans with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
✓Child care subsidy for eligible employees.

💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Senior Social Worker Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Download and complete the standard clinical resume document as instructed.
Complete the occupational questionnaire.
Upload your resume, transcripts, licensure documentation, and any applicable veterans' preference documents.
Submit your full application package before the closing date of October 30, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details your clinical duties, month/year start and end dates, and hours worked per week.
Verify your degree against CSWE standards before applying.
Tailor your response to demonstrate how your specific clinical experience meets the required KSAs.
Submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment to ensure eligibility for loan repayment assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for remote work?

No, this is an onsite position located in Hinesville, Georgia, and is not eligible for telework.

What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)?

The EDRP is a student loan reimbursement program that can provide up to $200,000 in assistance for qualified healthcare professionals. Approval is based on a review by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office.

What is the primary focus of this role?

This is an advanced-level clinical role within a Primary Care Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT), focusing on complex case management and psychosocial interventions.

Is relocation assistance offered?

No, this position does not offer relocation assistance (PCS).