Advance Your Clinical Career: Senior Social Worker Opportunity in Fairview, Oregon

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Senior Social Worker to join our team at the Fairview Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Oregon. This role represents a unique opportunity for a seasoned clinician to practice at the top of their license while providing essential support to those who have served in our nation's military.

Job Responsibilities

As a Senior Social Worker, your duties are multifaceted and critical to our mission. Key responsibilities include:

Psychosocial Assessment: Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to perform in-depth evaluations of Veterans to determine their clinical and social service needs.
Treatment Intervention: Providing advanced individual, family, and group psychotherapy tailored to the specific needs of the Veteran population.
Care Coordination: Serving as the primary advocate and link for Veterans navigating the health care continuum.
Process Improvement: Utilizing outcome evaluations to design systemic changes and improve the quality of care within the clinic.
Mentorship: Acting as a subject matter expert and providing consultation to colleagues and students.

Comparison: Standard vs. Senior Social Worker

Feature	Standard Social Worker	Senior Social Worker (GS-12)
Experience Level	Entry to Intermediate	Advanced Clinical Expertise
Supervision	Often Supervised	High Autonomy/Independent
Scope	Generalist Practice	Specialized/Complex Treatment
Mentorship Role	Mentee	Clinical Role Model & Mentor

Requirements

To be considered for this role, applicants must meet the following baseline federal requirements:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Education: Master’s degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program.
Licensure: Current, active, and unrestricted clinical licensure to practice social work independently.
Experience: Minimum of two years of post-licensure clinical experience in a specialized area.
Competency: Demonstrated knowledge in advanced psychotherapeutic modalities and case management.

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-12 grade level. The salary range for this role is $89,508 to $116,362 per year, commensurate with qualifications and the specific needs of the agency. The VA offers regular pay increases and the potential for a higher starting step based on exceptional qualifications.

Benefits

The VA provides a comprehensive federal benefits package designed to support your work-life balance and long-term financial security:

Generous Paid Time Off: 13 to 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, plus 11 paid federal holidays.
Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents.
Retirement: Federal pension and 401K-style Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching.
Insurance: Extensive options for health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
Work-Life Support: Childcare subsidies and professional development programs.

Application Tips

Be Detailed: Ensure your resume highlights specific, measurable accomplishments. Do not assume the reviewer knows the scope of your previous roles.
Evidence Matters: Explicitly state your licensure status and provide documentation confirming your completion of accredited programs.
Track Your Application: Use the USAJOBS portal to monitor your status and respond promptly to any requests for further information.

If you are a driven, experienced social worker looking for a role that offers both personal autonomy and the chance to make a profound difference in the lives of Veterans, we encourage you to apply. Join us in Fairview and help us deliver the high-quality care our Veterans deserve.

Why This Senior Social Worker Job Matters

Advance your clinical career while making a direct impact on the lives of those who served our nation. Join the Department of Veterans Affairs in Fairview, Oregon, as a Senior Social Worker and provide vital, expert care in a close-knit community setting.

Senior Social Worker Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking an experienced Senior Social Worker to join the team at the Fairview Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Oregon. This role is ideal for a dedicated clinician capable of working with high levels of autonomy. You will serve as a primary provider for Veterans, managing complex psychosocial needs and coordinating care across disciplines. This position involves travel to The Dalles CBOC, ensuring that our rural Veteran population receives the high-quality, compassionate mental health support they deserve.

Requirements for Senior Social Worker

U.S. Citizenship
Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
Current, full, active, and unrestricted state licensure to practice social work independently at the master’s level
At least two years of post-licensure clinical experience
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination
Completion of a background/security investigation
Adherence to seasonal influenza vaccination requirements

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker

Demonstrated ability to perform advanced psychosocial assessments and interventions
Experience developing treatment plans in independent, rural settings
Expertise in outcome evaluation and system-level process improvement
Ability to serve as a clinical mentor and role model for students and junior colleagues
Specialized training or certification from a nationally recognized clinical organization

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with periodic pay increases
✓37-50 days of paid time off per year (Annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays)
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of service
✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance plans
✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting
✓Federal 401K (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching contributions
✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees

💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Senior Social Worker Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the full job announcement details and qualification standards.
Prepare your resume, proof of licensure, and required transcripts.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application link.
Upload all necessary supporting documentation, including SF-50 if applicable.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date of October 28, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly details your clinical experience, specifically emphasizing work performed after receiving your advanced practice license.
Do not assume the hiring team knows your background; use specific examples to describe your proficiency in treatment modalities.
Verify that your licensure is current and clearly documented in your application materials.
Double-check that you have attached all required documents, such as transcripts and professional certifications, to avoid disqualification.
Use the USAJOBS status tracker to monitor the progress of your application after submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of the Senior Social Worker at the Fairview CBOC?

You will provide expert-level psychosocial assessments, therapy, and case management to Veterans while serving as a key link between patients and their interdisciplinary treatment teams, often working independently in a rural outpatient setting.

Is this position eligible for relocation incentives?

No, relocation assistance and sign-on bonuses are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

What level of independence is expected in this role?

Because this position is based at a remote, highly rural CBOC, the incumbent must be capable of practicing independently and making complex clinical decisions without direct on-site supervision.

Do I need on-site supervision?

This position is located in a rural CBOC, meaning you must be fully licensed to practice independently and will function without direct on-site supervision.

Is travel required?

Yes, you will be required to travel to The Dalles CBOC at least three times per pay period.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We are committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for our Veterans, their families, and their caregivers. By joining our team, you become part of a nationwide network of professionals dedicated to the "Whole Health" model of care, which empowers Veterans to live their best lives.