Advance Your Clinical Career: Senior Social Worker Opportunity at the VA
Are you a dedicated clinical social worker looking to make a meaningful difference? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a Senior Social Worker (GS-12) to join our mission-driven team in Newington, Connecticut. This is more than a job; it is an opportunity to provide compassionate, expert care to the men and women who have served in our nation’s military.
About the Veterans Health Administration
The VA is the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system, committed to providing "whole health" care. Our mission is rooted in the "I CARE" values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. As a member of our clinical team, you will work in a supportive environment that prioritizes your professional growth and work-life balance.
Job Responsibilities
The Senior Social Worker serves as an expert in specialized mental health care. Key responsibilities include:
- Clinical Assessment: Performing thorough diagnostic evaluations and developing comprehensive treatment plans for patients with acute and chronic mental illness.
- Therapeutic Intervention: Facilitating individual, family, and group therapy sessions utilizing evidence-based modalities.
- Case Management: Navigating complex systems of care to ensure Veterans receive timely support for housing, substance use recovery, and mental health stability.
- Crisis Management: Assessing high-risk patients for suicide and implementing immediate safety protocols.
- System Leadership: Contributing to policy development, conducting outcome evaluations, and mentoring junior staff and students.
Comparison: Standard Social Work vs. Senior VA Social Work
| Feature | Standard Clinical Role | Senior VA Social Worker (GS-12) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | General Case Management | Specialized Clinical Expertise |
| Autonomy | Supervised Practice | Independent Advanced Practice |
| Mentorship | Recipient of Guidance | Role Model and Clinical Supervisor |
| Benefits | Standard | Federal Benefits + EDRP Loan Repayment |
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution.
- Licensure: Current, active state licensure for independent practice at the advanced/clinical level.
- Experience: A minimum of two years post-licensure experience, including one year at a GS-11 equivalent level.
- Citizenship: You must be a United States citizen.
Salary and Benefits
Competitive pay is a hallmark of a VA career. This position offers a salary range of $100,992 to $131,293 per year. Beyond the paycheck, you will enjoy:
- EDRP Assistance: Student loan reimbursement of up to $200,000.
- Time Off: Substantial annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- Financial Security: Federal pension and 401(k)-style thrift savings plan.
- Insurance: A variety of premium health, dental, and vision coverage options.
How to Apply
- Prepare Documentation: Ensure your CV, transcripts, and license are current.
- Use the Template: Use the mandatory Clinical Resume document available on the VA Careers website.
- Apply Online: Visit the official USAJOBS listing to submit your package before the November 4, 2026 deadline.
If you possess the clinical skill and heart to serve, we invite you to join the VA. This Senior Social Worker position in Newington offers the platform to refine your clinical practice while impacting the lives of those who deserve the best care possible. Apply today to start your journey with the VA.
Why This Senior Social Worker Job Matters
Advance your clinical career while serving those who have served our country. Join the Veterans Health Administration as a Senior Social Worker and make a direct impact on the lives of our nation's heroes in Newington, Connecticut.
Senior Social Worker Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Senior Social Worker to join our team in Newington, CT. This position focuses on providing advanced clinical care to Veterans with complex mental health and substance use needs. As a Senior Social Worker, you will play a critical role in treatment planning, crisis intervention, and case management, ensuring that our Veterans receive the comprehensive, whole-person care they deserve.
Requirements for Senior Social Worker
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- State licensure for independent practice at the advanced/clinical level.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Two years of post-licensure clinical experience, including at least one year equivalent to the GS-11 level.
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation.
- Mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program participation.
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker
- Experience working with Veterans struggling with serious mental illness and substance use disorders.
- Expertise in crisis intervention for suicidal patients.
- Proven track record in community-based or home-care mental health settings.
- Experience in writing clinical policies and mentorship of staff or students.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, and dental insurance
- ✓Generous paid time off (up to 26 days of annual leave plus 13 days of sick leave)
- ✓11 paid federal holidays per year
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401(k)-style retirement savings with agency matching
- ✓Paid parental leave
- ✓Child care subsidy for eligible employees
💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Social Worker Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA careers site.
- Prepare your long-form resume, CV, and transcripts.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
- Submit your full application package by the closing date of November 4, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details how your experience aligns with the GS-12 grade level.
- Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided to avoid disqualification.
- Double-check that your state license is active and documented in your application.
- For current federal employees, attach non-award SF-50s that reflect your current grade and step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EDRP program?
The Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) provides student loan reimbursement for eligible professionals, with potential awards up to $200,000 based on program approval.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an onsite position in Newington, CT, with ad-hoc telework eligibility.
Do I need to be a veteran to apply?
*A: No, this position is open to the public. While we encourage veterans to apply, no military background is required for this role.*
What is the trial period?
*A: New federal employees must complete a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and alignment with agency goals.*