Advance Your Clinical Career: Senior Social Worker Opportunities at the VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently looking for dedicated Senior Social Workers to provide world-class care to our nation's heroes. If you are a licensed clinical social worker with a passion for mental health and interdisciplinary collaboration, the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center offers a fulfilling path to grow your expertise while serving those who have served us.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior Social Worker (GS-12), you will function as an expert in your field. Key duties include:
- Collaborative care planning within Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) teams.
- Managing complex cases and conducting advanced psychosocial assessments.
- Providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy.
- Implementing outcome-based treatment plans and measuring clinical effectiveness.
- Educating Veterans and their families on mental health care and relapse prevention.
Requirements
To be considered, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- A Master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited school.
- Current, full, and unrestricted state-level clinical licensure.
- Two years of post-licensure experience.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $108,119 - $143,639 |
| Annual Leave | 13-26 days per year |
| Sick Leave | 13 days per year |
| Retirement | Federal Pension + 401(k) Matching |
| Student Loans | EDRP Eligible (up to $200k) |
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Quantify your impact. If you managed a caseload, state the size and complexity.
- Check Your License: Ensure your current license matches state requirements for independent practice.
- Prepare for the Trial Period: Note that this role includes a trial period as part of the federal onboarding process.
This role is an excellent opportunity for seasoned social workers to transition into a high-impact federal role. With significant debt reduction potential and a robust benefits package, the VA is the ideal setting for your next professional chapter. Apply today to begin your journey.
Why This Senior Social Worker Job Matters
Transform the lives of those who served while advancing your clinical career at the VA. Join a dedicated team in the Ark-La-Tex region and take advantage of generous student loan repayment and federal benefits.
Senior Social Worker Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking highly skilled Senior Social Workers to join the team at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center. This role focuses on providing advanced clinical interventions, care coordination, and interdisciplinary collaboration for our nation's Veterans. If you are an experienced professional ready to make a significant impact on Veteran mental health and wellness, we invite you to apply for this vital role in either Monroe, Louisiana, or Texarkana, Texas.
Requirements for Senior Social Worker
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions may apply per VA policy)
- Master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Current state licensure or certification at the master's level for independent practice
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Minimum of two years post-clinical licensure experience, with at least one year at the GS-11 level equivalent
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and background investigation
- Must meet influenza vaccination requirements for health care personnel
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker
- Experience in crisis response and patient engagement
- Demonstrated ability in interdisciplinary clinical collaboration
- Strong skills in data-informed clinical decision-making
- Expertise in specialized social work interventions and treatment modalities
- Certification or advanced training from a nationally recognized professional body
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
- âś“37-50 days of combined annual leave and sick leave
- âś“11 paid Federal holidays per year
- âś“Paid parental leave after 12 months
- âś“Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- âś“Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting
- âś“Federal 401(k) (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching
- âś“Childcare subsidies for eligible employees
đź’ˇ How to Apply Senior Social Worker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Social Worker Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS profile
- Prepare a comprehensive long-form resume documenting your duties, dates of employment, and hours worked
- Gather supporting documents: state license, transcripts, and relevant SF-50 forms
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of October 30, 2026
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; do not rely on assumptions—explicitly link your experience to the listed KSAs.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are clearly labeled and legible.
- Apply early to avoid technical issues as the deadline approaches.
- Review your responses to the questionnaire against your resume entries for consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) available for this position?
Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP, which can provide up to $200,000 in student loan repayment. Eligibility and award amounts are determined after a review of your application.
Can I work remotely for this position?
No, this is not a virtual or remote position. It requires work in an office or clinical setting at the assigned location.
What level of licensure is required?
You must possess an advanced practice clinical license that allows for independent practice as defined by your state board.
Is relocation assistance offered?
Relocation incentives are not currently authorized for this specific announcement.
Can I apply if I don't have my clinical license yet?
No, you must possess the appropriate independent practice license at the time of hire.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to honor President Lincoln's promise to care for Veterans and their families. Working at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center means becoming part of a community that values clinical excellence, compassion, and professional growth. Located in the vibrant Ark-La-Tex area, our facility provides a supportive, professional environment where your work directly improves the lives of Veterans.