Empowering Veteran Recovery: Join the Battle Creek VA Medical Center

Are you a dedicated social worker passionate about mental health and recovery? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering a unique career opportunity at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center. We are seeking a skilled Social Worker for our Psychosocial Rehabilitation & Recovery Center (PRRC). This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the men and women who have served our nation, providing them with the support they need to regain stability and independence.

Job Responsibilities

As a PRRC Social Worker, your day-to-day will involve:

Providing psychosocial services to Veterans with Severe Mental Illness (SMI).
Developing and implementing individualized Recovery Plans.
Conducting initial clinical assessments and ongoing diagnostic reviews.
Collaborating with recovery teams to provide group and individual therapy.
Connecting Veterans with vital community resources and VA programs.

Requirements

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

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Possess a Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution.
Hold an active, independent state social work license.
Maintain proficiency in English.
Meet specific physical requirements to handle clinical duties.

Grade Level Comparison

Feature	GS-9 Level	GS-11 Level
Experience	Entry level (post-MSW)	1+ year professional clinical experience
Licensure	Required (with possible waivers)	Required (Independent level)
Autonomy	Supported supervision	High level of independent practice

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $70,459 to $110,830 annually. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Get help paying down your student loans up to $200,000.
Health and Wellness: Full health insurance, dental, and vision.
Time Off: Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
Retirement: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Clearly document your experience with SMI populations.
Be Specific: Use the "KSA" (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) sections as a guide for your resume content.
Submit Early: Don't wait until the closing date to upload your documents.
Verify Documents: Ensure your SF-50 and transcripts are clearly legible.

Working at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center provides a unique pathway to meaningful clinical work. With excellent benefits, student loan repayment, and the opportunity to serve those who served us, this is a career move that matters. Submit your application today to join a team dedicated to recovery and excellence.

Why This Social Worker- Psychosocial Rehabilitation & Recovery Center Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on Veteran mental health recovery at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center, where your expertise in psychosocial rehabilitation changes lives.

Social Worker- Psychosocial Rehabilitation & Recovery Center Job Overview

The Battle Creek VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Social Worker to join our Psychosocial Rehabilitation & Recovery Center (PRRC). As a vital member of our interdisciplinary team, you will provide recovery-oriented psychosocial rehabilitation services to Veterans living with severe mental illness. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to collaborate on personalized recovery plans, conduct clinical assessments, and facilitate group and individual interventions designed to empower Veterans in their journey toward holistic health and community integration.

Requirements for Social Worker- Psychosocial Rehabilitation & Recovery Center

U.S. Citizenship
Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
Active state license or certification to practice social work independently at the master's level
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Ability to pass a background/security investigation
Completion of a trial period upon appointment
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker- Psychosocial Rehabilitation & Recovery Center

Direct professional experience in a mental health setting
Training or certifications in Evidence-Based Protocols (e.g., CPT for psychosis)
Experience working with populations diagnosed with Serious Mental Illness (SMI)
Strong clinical assessment and crisis intervention skills

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Retirement savings plans including FERS and TSP
✓Professional development and training opportunities
✓Supportive work-life balance initiatives

💡 How to Apply Social Worker- Psychosocial Rehabilitation & Recovery Center Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Social Worker- Psychosocial Rehabilitation & Recovery Center Job

Log in or create a profile on the official federal hiring portal.
Prepare a comprehensive, long-form resume documenting relevant clinical experience.
Ensure you have digital copies of your academic transcripts and current state social work license.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided application link.
Submit your full application package before the closing date on November 3, 2026.
Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly highlights your clinical experience and direct work with mental health patients.
Include specific details about your use of evidence-based practices in your clinical work.
Current federal employees must provide a copy of their most recent SF-50.
Double-check that your transcripts clearly indicate the date of degree conferral.
Do not leave gaps in your professional history without explanation.
Verify that your state license is current and meets the independent practice requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of the PRRC?

The Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC) provides recovery-oriented services to Veterans with severe mental illness, focusing on restoring functioning and improving quality of life.

Is this position eligible for loan repayment?

Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan reimbursement for qualifying participants.

Can I apply if I am not currently licensed?

For GS-11 positions, licensure is mandatory. For GS-9, some exceptions may apply regarding the timing of licensure, but requirements must be strictly met per agency policy.

What if I have questions about EDRP?

You can contact the EDRP coordinator for specific guidance on eligibility and the application process for student loan assistance.

Is there a trial period?

Yes, a one-to-two-year trial period is required for all new federal appointees to ensure a mutual fit.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Battle Creek VA Medical Center serves as a cornerstone of mental health care in Michigan, acting as the neuropsychiatric hub for the region. Our facility serves over 42,000 Veterans across 22 counties. We pride ourselves on offering evidence-based, recovery-oriented care in an environment that values compassion, clinical excellence, and interdisciplinary collaboration.