Empowering Change: Social Worker Opportunities for Homeless Veterans in Salt Lake City
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to the men and women who have served our country. In Salt Lake City, the VA Health Care System is seeking a compassionate and driven Social Worker to serve as a Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Outreach Specialist. This role is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to directly impact the lives of Veterans experiencing homelessness by bridging the gap between them and the support services they rightfully deserve.
Job Responsibilities
As an HCHV Outreach Specialist, your primary mission is to identify, engage, and support homeless Veterans. Daily responsibilities include:
- Field Outreach: Traveling to shelters, resource centers, parks, and campsites to connect with unhoused Veterans.
- Clinical Assessment: Conducting biopsychosocial assessments to identify barriers to self-sufficiency.
- Care Coordination: Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans.
- Advocacy: Serving as a liaison between Veterans and community agencies, including HUD voucher programs.
- Crisis Intervention: Responding to urgent calls, messages, and walk-in requests at the medical center.
Requirements
To ensure our Veterans receive the highest quality of care, candidates must meet specific criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited institution. |
| Licensure | Must hold an active, independent-level state license to practice. |
| Experience | GS-11 requires at least one year of post-MSW clinical experience. |
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. citizen. |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range from $72,500 to $114,040 annually, commensurate with grade level and experience. Beyond the base pay, the VA offers an exceptional benefits package, including:
- Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Potential for up to $200,000 in student loan repayment.
- Work-Life Balance: Comprehensive leave packages and federal retirement options.
- Professional Development: Ongoing training and opportunities to grow within the VA system.
If you are a licensed social worker with a passion for advocacy and community outreach, this role offers the perfect chance to build a meaningful career while supporting those who have sacrificed so much. Join our team in Salt Lake City and help us make homelessness among Veterans a thing of the past.
Why This Social Worker -Health Care For Homeless Veterans Hchv Outreach Specialist Job Matters
Join the front lines of change: Help homeless Veterans regain independence as a specialized Outreach Social Worker at the VA.
Social Worker -Health Care For Homeless Veterans Hchv Outreach Specialist Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to serve as a Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Outreach Specialist in Salt Lake City. In this vital role, you will perform essential field outreach, crisis intervention, and case management to support Veterans facing housing insecurity. You will coordinate with community partners, provide psychosocial assessments, and facilitate access to life-changing resources. This position offers a unique chance to make a direct impact on the lives of those who have served our nation, while working in the scenic, vibrant environment of Utah's Silicon Slopes.
Requirements for Social Worker -Health Care For Homeless Veterans Hchv Outreach Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship (unless otherwise authorized by VA policy).
- Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Current state licensure or certification for independent practice at the master's level.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Valid state driver's license for community-based travel.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Successful completion of a background and security investigation.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker -Health Care For Homeless Veterans Hchv Outreach Specialist
- Direct professional experience working with homeless populations.
- Experience managing substance use disorders or mental health crises.
- Ability to provide clinical consultation to interdisciplinary staff and graduate students.
- Strong proficiency in navigating electronic health records and case management databases.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000 for qualifying loans).
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
- ✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities.
- ✓Relocation incentives (subject to agency policy).
- ✓Contribution toward federal employee annual leave accrual based on prior service.
💡 How to Apply Social Worker -Health Care For Homeless Veterans Hchv Outreach Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Social Worker -Health Care For Homeless Veterans Hchv Outreach Specialist Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a long-form resume or CV detailing your clinical experience.
- Gather supporting documents such as your MSW transcript, state license, and DD-214 if claiming Veterans' preference.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
- Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on November 2, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be explicit in your resume about your clinical duties; do not rely on the hiring committee to assume your experience based on job titles.
- Ensure your license status is clearly documented, as this is a strict requirement for the GS-11 grade level.
- Highlight any volunteer work, as it counts toward your qualifying experience.
- Review your application thoroughly for omissions to avoid disqualification during the initial screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this role?
Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP, which may provide up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement depending on program approval and eligibility.
Does this position require travel?
Yes, this is an outreach-heavy role. You will be expected to travel to homeless shelters, parks, and other community locations to meet with Veterans, using either a government vehicle or your own arrangements.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System is a hub of excellence in the Intermountain West. Situated at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, our facility serves approximately 70,000 Veterans across Utah, Idaho, and Nevada. We pride ourselves on offering a dynamic professional environment that combines clinical complexity with a supportive, patient-centered culture. Whether you are beginning your clinical career or looking to specialize in crisis intervention, our medical center offers the perfect balance of challenging work and a high quality of life.