Making a Difference: Social Worker Opportunities at the Tomah VA Medical Center

Are you a dedicated social worker looking to transition your career toward public service? The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled Social Worker to join the team at the Tomah VA Medical Center in Wisconsin. This role is not just a job; it is an opportunity to serve the men and women who have sacrificed for our nation by helping them secure safe, stable, and permanent housing through the HUD-VASH program.

Job Responsibilities

As a Social Worker in the HUD-VASH program, you will work on the front lines of Veteran support. Key responsibilities include:

Case Management: Providing intensive support to Veterans transitioning into stable housing.
Assessment: Conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments to determine needs and strengths.
Treatment Planning: Developing and implementing individualized treatment plans in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team.
Advocacy: Connecting Veterans with community resources and navigating government programs.
Clinical Documentation: Maintaining precise records in our electronic health system.

Comparison: GS-9 vs GS-11 Levels

Feature	GS-9 Level	GS-11 Level
Experience Requirement	Basic entry requirements	1+ year of post-MSW experience
Licensure	State requirements apply	Must hold independent clinical license
Primary Focus	Development of clinical skills	Independent case management

Requirements

Applicants must possess a Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution and hold a state license that allows for independent clinical practice. Furthermore, all applicants must pass a background check, physical exam, and commit to the VA's health personnel standards.

Salary Overview

This position offers a highly competitive federal salary range depending on your experience and qualifications:

GS-9: $67,111 to $87,249 per year
GS-11: $81,198 to $105,563 per year

Benefits

The VA offers a robust benefits package that supports both your career and personal life, including:

Retirement: Federal pension and 401k-style TSP options.
Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual, plus 11 paid holidays.
Insurance: Extensive choices for health, dental, and vision coverage.
Balance: Programs like parental leave and childcare subsidies.

Application Tips

To be successful in your application, ensure your resume is detailed. Focus on your specific clinical outcomes and how your work has directly benefited patients or clients. Since the VA uses structured evaluations, be as explicit as possible about your work history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this a remote position?
A: No, this position is onsite at the Tomah VA Medical Center. Q: What is the trial period?
A: Federal employees typically serve a 1 to 2-year trial period to evaluate conduct and performance.

Serving as a Social Worker at the Tomah VA Medical Center is a unique way to combine your clinical expertise with a noble mission. We invite you to apply and become part of a team that honors our Veterans every single day.

Why This Social Worker Job Matters

Empower those who served our nation by providing vital housing stability and clinical social work support as a Case Manager at the Tomah VA Medical Center.

Social Worker Job Overview

The Tomah VA Medical Center is seeking a compassionate Social Worker to serve in our HUD-VASH program. This role is dedicated to helping homeless Veterans transition into stable housing through intensive case management. You will serve as a key member of an interdisciplinary team, performing psychosocial assessments, facilitating community placements, and ensuring our Veterans receive the comprehensive care they deserve. This is a rewarding opportunity to provide whole-health clinical services in a mission-driven environment in Wisconsin.

Requirements for Social Worker

U.S. Citizenship.
Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Current state licensure or certification for independent clinical practice.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and background/security investigation.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
Willingness to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker

Experience in intensive case management.
Background in providing supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Expertise in addressing substance use disorders and complex psychosocial needs.
Prior experience working in interdisciplinary healthcare settings.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, and dental insurance.
✓Federal 401K retirement plan with matching contributions.
✓Generous paid time off, including up to 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave.
✓11 paid federal holidays.
✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees.
✓Childcare subsidy options for qualifying family incomes.
✓Career growth and professional development opportunities within the VA system.

💡 How to Apply Social Worker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Social Worker Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a comprehensive long-form resume or CV.
Gather supporting documents such as transcripts, professional licenses, and performance appraisals.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly illustrates how your specific experience matches the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed.
Double-check that all required documents are attached before hitting submit.
Review your application for accuracy to avoid disqualification due to omissions.
Use the 'Track My Application' feature in USAJOBS to monitor your status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I haven't finished my licensure requirements yet?

For GS-9 roles, there are limited exceptions for those pending licensure, but for GS-11 positions, active independent licensure is mandatory.

What is the HUD-VASH program?

It is a collaborative program between the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the VA that provides permanent housing and intensive case management for homeless Veterans.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing comprehensive care to millions of Veterans, the VHA is committed to President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The Tomah VAMC is an integral part of this network, providing essential services to Veterans across Wisconsin.