Advance Your Clinical Career as a Senior Social Worker with the VA

Are you a dedicated social worker passionate about providing high-quality mental health care to our nation’s Veterans? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Texas is currently seeking motivated, experienced clinicians for the role of Senior Social Worker (BHIP). This position is ideal for professionals ready to apply advanced clinical skills in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Senior Social Worker, you will operate within the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). Your primary responsibilities include:

Advanced Psychotherapy: Providing individual, group, and family counseling for Veterans facing complex issues like PTSD, TBI, addiction, and spinal cord injuries.
Diagnostic Assessment: Conducting psychosocial and psychiatric evaluations to determine appropriate treatment plans.
Crisis Management: Utilizing standardized tools for suicide risk assessment and intervention.
System Improvement: Developing outcome evaluations to measure the effectiveness of social work interventions.
Mentorship: Providing clinical supervision to trainees and mentoring junior staff to foster professional excellence.

Compensation and Benefits

Benefit Category	Details
Salary Range	$94,019 - $122,227 per year
Paid Time Off	13-26 days annual leave + 13 days sick leave
Student Loans	EDRP eligibility up to $200,000
Retirement	Federal Pension + 401k (TSP) with 5% matching
Insurance	Health, Vision, Dental, Life, Long-term care

Requirements for Success

To be considered, you must possess a Master’s Degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program and hold a state-issued, independent clinical license. You must demonstrate at least two years of specialized post-licensure experience.

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Language: Must be proficient in English.
Security: Successful completion of a background check is mandatory.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Clearly highlight your experience with clinical documentation, psychotherapy modalities, and managing complex patient populations.
Documentation is Key: Ensure all transcripts and state license documents are up-to-date and included in your application package.
Follow the Portal Instructions: Use the USAJOBS online tool to complete the required questionnaire; omissions can impact your eligibility.

Joining the VHA as a Senior Social Worker is more than just a job; it is a commitment to service. With competitive pay, robust student loan repayment, and the opportunity to serve Veterans in Texas, this role offers a rewarding path for any experienced clinician. Apply today to start your journey with the VA.

Why This Senior Social Worker (Bhip) - Edrp, Rec/Relo Incentive May Be Offered Job Matters

Advance your career in clinical social work while making a profound impact on the lives of those who served our nation.

Senior Social Worker (Bhip) - Edrp, Rec/Relo Incentive May Be Offered Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking dedicated Senior Social Workers (BHIP) to provide specialized, high-level behavioral health services in Texas. This role offers an opportunity to practice at the top of your license, utilizing advanced clinical interventions to support Veterans with complex needs, including PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and substance use disorders. Positions are available in Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Laredo, and McAllen.

Requirements for Senior Social Worker (Bhip) - Edrp, Rec/Relo Incentive May Be Offered

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Possess a Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school.
Hold a current, state-issued license to independently practice social work at the master's level.
Possess at least two years of post-licensure clinical experience.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must undergo a background/security investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker (Bhip) - Edrp, Rec/Relo Incentive May Be Offered

Prior VA or Department of Defense (DoD) clinical experience.
Experience with measurement-based care and evidence-based psychotherapies.
Demonstrated skill in individual, group, and family psychotherapy.
Experience working in complex outpatient mental health settings.
Ability to provide clinical supervision to students or colleagues.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000).
✓Federal retirement pension and 401k with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Generous leave package: 13-26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid holidays.
✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance options.
✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees.
✓Childcare subsidy program for qualifying families.
✓Recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.

💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker (Bhip) - Edrp, Rec/Relo Incentive May Be Offered Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Senior Social Worker (Bhip) - Edrp, Rec/Relo Incentive May Be Offered Job

Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
Prepare a detailed, long-form resume documenting your clinical experience.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload required documentation, including your professional license and academic transcripts.
Review your application for accuracy before the submission deadline.
Submit your package electronically via the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume—detail your experience with psychotherapies and patient assessments.
Ensure your license status is clearly documented and valid in your state.
Do not assume the hiring team knows your previous experience; explicitly state how you meet the GS-12 requirements.
Keep a copy of all submitted documents for your records.
Verify your transcripts are clearly visible and indicate the degree conferred.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)?

The EDRP is a student loan reimbursement program for specific VA positions. Eligible employees can receive up to $200,000 toward qualified student loans over a period of one to five years.

Are there recruitment incentives available for this position?

Yes, a recruitment or relocation incentive may be offered to highly qualified candidates at the discretion of the hiring manager, subject to approval.

Can I work remotely?

This is not a virtual position, though ad-hoc telework may be available based on agency policy and department needs.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System (VATVCBHCS) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served. Serving over 50,000 Veterans across 20 counties, this system provides comprehensive care including mental health, primary care, and specialty services. As a teaching facility affiliated with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Medical School, the system provides a collaborative, growth-oriented environment for clinical staff.