Advance Your Career: Senior Social Worker at the VA in Connecticut

Are you a seasoned clinical social worker looking for a role that combines advanced practice with a profound sense of purpose? The Veterans Health Administration (VA) is currently seeking a Senior Social Worker to join our team in West Haven, Connecticut. This is a unique opportunity to provide high-level clinical services to Veterans struggling with PTSD and anxiety, while shaping the future of care through supervision and program development.

Job Responsibilities

As a Senior Social Worker, you will serve in the PTSD Outpatient Program within the Mental Health Care Line. Key responsibilities include:

Direct Patient Care: Providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy for Veterans with complex psychosocial needs.
Clinical Supervision: Mentoring and supervising social work students and junior clinical staff.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Serving as a vital member of the medical team to ensure integrated treatment planning and seamless discharge processes.
Program Development: Consulting with leadership on outcome evaluations to improve treatment services and designing system-wide practice guidelines.

Requirements

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

Education: A Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution.
Licensure: You must hold an active, state-issued license to practice independently at the advanced clinical level.
Experience: A minimum of two years of post-advanced practice licensure is required, including at least one year at a level equivalent to the GS-11 grade.
Citizenship & Compliance: You must be a U.S. citizen and pass all necessary background and pre-employment physical requirements.

Comparison of Benefits

Benefit	Feature
Salary	$105,481 - $137,128 per year
Student Loans	EDRP Program (Up to $200k)
Time Off	Up to 50 days (Vacation, Sick, Holidays)
Retirement	Federal Pension + 401(k) Match

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-12 grade level, offering a highly competitive salary range of $105,481 to $137,128 per year. The VA provides regular salary increases and considers unique qualifications when setting the starting step rate.

Benefits

Beyond the competitive base pay, the VA offers a comprehensive federal benefits package designed to support work-life balance and long-term security. This includes access to federal health insurance programs, a robust retirement plan with 5% agency matching, and extensive paid time off. Additionally, the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) can provide up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement for eligible professionals.

Application Tips

Focus on Details: Ensure your resume clearly lists the duties performed under each job title. Do not assume recruiters know your responsibilities.
Documentation is Key: Attach your transcripts and current LICSW license early in the process.
Tailor to KSAs: Your application must demonstrate the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) requested in the announcement, such as proficiency in evidence-based psychotherapies.

Serving our Veterans requires specialized skill and deep compassion. If you are ready to apply your advanced clinical knowledge to support those who have served our country, we invite you to submit your application by the closing date. Join us in West Haven and take the next step in your career with the VA.

Why This Senior Social Worker Job Matters

Advance your clinical career while directly impacting the lives of Veterans at the VA Connecticut Health Care Center, where your expertise in trauma-informed care meets a mission-driven, supportive environment.

Senior Social Worker Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Senior Social Worker for our PTSD Outpatient Program in West Haven, CT. In this pivotal role, you will function as a senior member of an interdisciplinary team, providing advanced clinical services, supervising trainees, and contributing to program development. We are looking for a clinician who is passionate about evidence-based psychotherapies and committed to providing holistic, compassionate care to those who have served our country.

Requirements for Senior Social Worker

U.S. Citizenship
Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
Active, independent clinical social work license at the advanced practice level
Proficiency in written and spoken English
At least two years of post-licensure clinical experience
Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and background check

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker

Direct experience in mental health diagnostic assessment and psychotherapy
Expertise in treating PTSD and anxiety disorders
Proficiency in evidence-based psychotherapeutic modalities
Experience in clinical supervision of trainees or less experienced social workers
Background in program development and outcome evaluation

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
✓Federal pension plan and 401(k) with 5% matching
✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance
✓13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year
✓11 paid Federal holidays
✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service

💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Senior Social Worker Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a detailed, long-form resume highlighting clinical duties, specific dates, and hours worked.
Gather necessary documentation: LICSW license, transcripts, and relevant SF-50s.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided application link.
Submit your full application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Tailor your resume to explicitly address the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed in the job description.
Be precise with your work history—include specific dates, titles, and whether roles were full-time or part-time.
Ensure your LICSW license status is clearly documented.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical delays.
Proofread your application package to ensure all required documents are attached and legible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?

Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which offers significant student loan reimbursement for qualified participants.

What level of social work licensure is required?

You must hold an active, independent clinical license at the advanced practice level that includes a clinical or advanced generalist examination.

Can I work remotely?

No, this is an onsite clinical position based in West Haven, Connecticut, and is not eligible for telework or remote status.

Can I apply if my degree is from a foreign university?

*A: Yes, but you must include a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript.*

Is the influenza vaccine mandatory?

*A: Yes, annual influenza vaccination is a condition of employment for all VHA health care personnel.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in the military and their families. At the VA, we value integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect, and excellence (the "I CARE" values). By joining our team, you become part of a professional community dedicated to innovation, patient-centered care, and continuous clinical growth.