Empowering Veterans: Social Worker Opportunities at the Lexington VA
The Lexington VA Health Care System is dedicated to providing world-class medical and mental health support to those who have defended our nation. We are currently looking for a compassionate, skilled Social Worker to join our clinical team at the Troy Bowling Campus. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to directly improve the quality of life for Veterans, their families, and their caregivers through clinical expertise and dedicated advocacy.
Job Responsibilities
As a Social Worker within the Acute Care division, your daily impact will be significant. Core duties include:
- Conduct thorough psychosocial assessments to identify Veteran needs.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to formulate holistic treatment plans.
- Facilitate safe, timely discharge planning to ensure continuity of care.
- Provide individual and group counseling to address trauma, substance abuse, and medical adaptation.
- Act as a consultant for medical students and new staff regarding social work ethics and VA policy.
Comparison of GS-9 vs. GS-11 Positions
| Feature | GS-9 Level | GS-11 Level |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Requirement | Basic requirements met | 1 year post-MSW clinical experience |
| Licensure | State licensure required (waiver possible) | Independent licensure required |
| Scope of Practice | Foundation of clinical care | Independent, autonomous practice |
| Consultation | Supervision provided | Mentor/consultant for others |
Requirements
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program and possess a current license to practice at the independent master’s level. You must demonstrate strong communication skills and a deep understanding of medical terminology and mental health diagnoses. All applicants must be U.S. citizens and able to pass a background check and a pre-employment physical.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive compensation package ranging from $68,798 to $108,218 per year, commensurate with your experience and the grade level of the appointment. Regular salary increases are standard within the federal system.
Benefits
- Health and Wellness: Full range of federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual and sick leave accrual, plus 11 federal holidays.
- Retirement Planning: Traditional pension system and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with employer matching.
- Family Support: Paid parental leave and accessible childcare subsidies.
Application Tips
To be successful in your application, ensure your resume is detailed. Use concrete examples of how you have handled crisis interventions or complex case management. Clearly state your licensure status and ensure all academic transcripts are included in your submission.
Serving those who served is a noble calling. If you are a licensed social worker looking for a challenging and rewarding career in a top-tier medical environment, the Lexington VA Health Care System offers the stability, benefits, and professional growth you deserve. Apply today to make a difference.
Why This Social Worker Job Matters
Make a lasting impact on those who served our nation: Join the Lexington VA Health Care System as a clinical Social Worker and help Veterans navigate their journey toward wellness and recovery.
Social Worker Job Overview
The Lexington VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to join our interdisciplinary team at the Troy Bowling Campus. In this vital role, you will provide comprehensive clinical social work services, including psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, and discharge planning. You will work closely with Veterans and their families to develop personalized care plans that address medical, psychiatric, and social needs, ensuring a continuum of care that honors our mission to support those who have served.
Requirements for Social Worker
- U.S. Citizenship
- Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
- State licensure or certification at the independent practice level
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation
- Mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program participation
Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker
- Proven experience in medical social work environments
- Demonstrated expertise in discharge planning and care coordination
- Familiarity with VA clinical programs and health care standards
- Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary medical team
- Experience in complex transitions of care for clinical patients
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with periodic increases
- ✓Generous paid time off (up to 26 days annual leave plus 13 days sick leave)
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays per year
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan
- ✓Federal 401K (TSP) with agency matching contributions
- ✓Paid parental leave after 12 months
- ✓Available childcare subsidies for eligible employees
💡 How to Apply Social Worker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Social Worker Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy questionnaire for specific requirements.
- Upload your resume, transcripts, licensure verification, and any required federal forms (e.g., SF-50).
- Submit your complete application package through the online portal by the deadline.
- Monitor your email for status notifications regarding your referral and potential interview invitations.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume—do not leave room for assumptions about your clinical experience.
- Ensure all documentation, particularly regarding licensure and accreditation, is attached.
- Highlight your experience with diverse populations and complex care settings.
- Check your application status regularly via your USAJOBS dashboard.
- Reach out to the listed agency contact if you require an alternative submission method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am not currently licensed?
For GS-9 level positions, the VHA may waive the licensure requirement temporarily, provided you are in the process of completing state prerequisites. However, full independent licensure is required for GS-11.
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this is an onsite position located in Lexington, Kentucky, and is not eligible for full-time telework or virtual status.
What is the work schedule for this role?
The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, with some required weekend and holiday rotations.
What is the trial period?
New federal hires must complete a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and alignment with agency goals.
Can I use foreign education?
Yes, provided you include a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. The Lexington VA Health Care System stands out for its commitment to excellence, consistently ranking high in national quality benchmarks and recognized by Forbes as a premier workplace. Whether providing acute medical care or psychiatric rehabilitation, our staff operates at the highest standards of professional practice.