Empowering Veterans: Careers in Social Work at the VA Eastern Oklahoma Health Care System

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class, compassionate care to those who have served our country. If you are a licensed social worker with a passion for mental health and a drive to serve, the VA Eastern Oklahoma Health Care System offers a unique professional environment. This role allows you to make a direct, tangible impact on the lives of Veterans in the Muskogee area, combining clinical complexity with a supportive team structure.

Job Responsibilities

As an Inpatient Psychiatric Social Worker, your primary focus will be the care and management of Veterans undergoing treatment. Your key duties include:

Performing comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments.
Developing and implementing individualized treatment plans in a multidisciplinary team setting.
Providing crisis intervention and suicide risk evaluations.
Facilitating effective discharge planning to ensure continuity of care.
Providing individual, family, and group counseling.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Licensure: State-issued license/certification for independent social work practice.
Education: A Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited school.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Language: Demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written English.

Salary and Grade Comparison

This position is available at the GS-9 and GS-11 levels. Compensation reflects the scope of responsibility and experience level of the selected candidate.

Grade Level	Experience/Qualification Requirement	Salary Range
GS-9	Entry Level / Meets Basic Requirements	$64,501 - $101,458
GS-11	1 Year of Post-MSW Experience or Doctorate	$64,501 - $101,458

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides more than just a paycheck. Employees at the VA enjoy:

Time Off: Up to 50 days of combined annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Retirement: Federal pension and 401(k) options with agency matching.
Insurance: Premium health, vision, dental, and life insurance coverage.
Flexibility: Paid parental leave and potential for childcare subsidies.

Application Tips

Be Comprehensive: Detail every aspect of your professional history in your resume.
Verify Qualifications: Ensure your state license is current and documented.
Stay Timely: Submit all required documentation before the closing date to avoid missing your window for consideration.

If you are ready to elevate your career while giving back to our nation's Veterans, the VA Eastern Oklahoma Health Care System is the ideal place to grow. With a blend of clinical challenge and professional stability, you will find both purpose and balance in Muskogee.

Why This Social Worker Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on those who served. Join the VA Eastern Oklahoma Health Care System as a Social Worker and deliver essential, patient-centered care in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment.

Social Worker Job Overview

The VA Eastern Oklahoma Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to join its Mental Health team. Based in Muskogee, Oklahoma, this role focuses on providing clinical social work services within the inpatient psychiatric unit. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to perform psychosocial assessments, implement treatment plans, and facilitate discharge planning, ensuring our Veterans receive the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve.

Requirements for Social Worker

U.S. Citizenship
Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program
Active state license or certification for independent clinical practice
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Ability to complete a background/security investigation
Completion of the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Ability to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period

Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker

Prior experience working in an inpatient psychiatric setting
Demonstrated ability to perform complex psychosocial assessments and crisis intervention
Strong skills in multidisciplinary treatment planning and community resource coordination
Expertise in medical terminology and common mental health medication side effects

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases
✓Generous Paid Time Off (up to 50 days annually including leave and holidays)
✓Paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster care
✓Federal pension plan and 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance
✓Childcare subsidy for eligible full-time employees

💡 How to Apply Social Worker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Social Worker Job

Create a profile on USAJOBS if you do not already have one
Prepare your long-form resume, transcripts, and relevant licensure documentation
Access the online questionnaire through the provided application link
Upload all required documentation, including SF-50 if currently a federal employee
Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM ET closing date

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes detailed start/end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position listed.
Be explicit about your experience; do not assume the hiring panel will infer duties.
Verify your transcripts are from a U.S. Department of Education accredited institution.
Review your application thoroughly for missing documents, as errors can delay or disqualify your submission.
Check your USAJOBS account regularly for status updates after the announcement closes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a license required to apply for the GS-09 level?

Yes, all social workers in the GS-0185 series must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice at the master's level, though exceptions may be available for the GS-9 grade pending exam completion.

Can I work remotely for this position?

No, this position is based on-site at the VA Eastern Oklahoma Health Care System in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

What is the full performance level of this position?

The full performance level for this vacancy is GS-11.

Does the VA cover licensure exam costs?

Please refer to the official VA OHRM guidelines for the latest information on professional development and benefits.

What is the work schedule?

This position follows a standard Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM schedule.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA Eastern Oklahoma Health Care System (EOVAHCS) prides itself on an integrated, patient-centered approach. Located in Muskogee—a vibrant community at the confluence of the Arkansas, Grand, and Verdigris rivers—the system provides a range of services from inpatient medical care to behavioral health. Choosing a career here means joining a team dedicated to honoring the promises made to America's Veterans and their families.