Become a Senior Social Worker for the Veterans Health Administration

Are you a licensed clinical social worker looking for a career that balances high-level practice with meaningful service? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is hiring a Senior Social Worker for our Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) program in Davenport, Iowa. This is a unique opportunity to serve those who have served our country while working within one of the nation's most respected health care networks.

Job Responsibilities

As a Senior Social Worker, your primary duty is to bring high-quality care to Veterans who have difficulty leaving their homes due to life-limiting illnesses or disability. Your work will include:

Psychosocial Assessments: Evaluating the clinical and emotional needs of Veterans and their families.
Interdisciplinary Planning: Working with doctors, nurses, and other specialists to create holistic care plans.
Clinical Counseling: Providing individual, group, or family therapy to help patients cope with chronic illness or cognitive decline.
Community Coordination: Acting as a liaison between the VA and community resources.

Role Comparison Table

Feature	Standard Social Work	Senior Social Worker (GS-12)
Scope	Generalist	Specialized Practice
Supervision	Receives Supervision	Provides Supervision
Independence	High	High (Advanced Practice)
Focus	Clinical Support	Complex Case & Systems Management

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-12 role, you must hold a Master’s degree from a CSWE-accredited program and maintain an independent, advanced clinical social work license. You must be able to perform in the field, meaning a valid driver's license and physical fitness for home visits are mandatory.

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary range of $94,906 – $123,380 per year. Beyond the paycheck, the federal government offers a "Total Rewards" package, which includes:

13–26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave.
11 paid Federal holidays.
A comprehensive federal pension and 401(k) matching program.
Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.

Application Tips

To be successful, ensure your resume is detailed. Use your KSA document to describe past clinical achievements clearly. Avoid generic language—highlight specific interventions and the outcomes of your casework.

If you are an advanced practice social worker ready to make an impact, the Davenport HBPC team is waiting for you. Apply today to begin a rewarding career serving our nation's Veterans.

Why This Social Worker-Rehabilitation And Extended Care/Home Based Primary Care Job Matters

Make a tangible difference in the lives of those who served by providing compassionate, expert social work care in their own homes.

Social Worker-Rehabilitation And Extended Care/Home Based Primary Care Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Social Worker to join the Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) team in Davenport, Iowa. In this role, you will provide critical clinical support, case management, and psychosocial interventions to Veterans facing complex medical and behavioral health challenges. You will work independently in the community, helping Veterans navigate health transitions, manage debilitating conditions, and maintain their quality of life.

Requirements for Social Worker-Rehabilitation And Extended Care/Home Based Primary Care

United States Citizenship
Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school
Active, independent clinical social work license in a state
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Valid state-issued Driver's License and ability to pass a driving physical
Must be able to provide supervision for licensure
Participation in the annual influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker-Rehabilitation And Extended Care/Home Based Primary Care

Two years of post-licensure clinical experience
One year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level
Advanced practice clinical licensure
Demonstrated ability to perform specialized psychosocial interventions
Experience in interdisciplinary treatment planning

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
✓Generous paid time off (up to 50 days including holidays)
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
✓Federal 401(k) retirement plan with agency matching
✓Childcare subsidy for eligible employees
✓Opportunities for research and professional development

💡 How to Apply Social Worker-Rehabilitation And Extended Care/Home Based Primary Care Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Social Worker-Rehabilitation And Extended Care/Home Based Primary Care Job

Prepare your long-form resume, transcripts, and professional license documentation.
Draft a document addressing your Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).
Log in or create a profile on the official federal jobs portal.
Complete the occupational questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documents before the closing date.
Submit your application and monitor your email for status updates.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume—do not leave room for assumptions regarding your experience.
Explicitly address each KSA in your supporting documentation.
Ensure your transcript clearly shows your graduate degree accreditation.
Double-check that your license information is current and clearly stated.
Apply well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary work location for this role?

This position is based in Davenport, Iowa, and requires regular travel within the community to provide care in Veterans' homes.

Is telework available for this position?

No, this is not a telework or virtual position as it requires direct, in-home clinical care.

What level of license do I need?

You must possess an advanced practice clinical license that allows for independent practice and, in many cases, provides the ability to supervise others.

Is there a trial period?

Yes, all new appointees to the VA in this series will serve a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate performance.

Can I use foreign degrees?

Only if they are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and accompanied by a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Iowa City VA Health Care System is a hub of excellence. As a 5-star CMS-rated facility and a recipient of the ANA Pathway to Excellence designation, we pride ourselves on a culture of innovation and compassion. Our clinical teams partner with top-tier academic institutions, ensuring our social workers are at the forefront of evidence-based practice.