Embark on a Meaningful Career: Social Work at the Veterans Health Administration

Are you a dedicated social worker looking to make a profound impact on the lives of those who have served our country? The Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS) of the Department of Veterans Affairs is currently recruiting for Social Workers to provide essential support to Veterans and their families. This is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the mission of providing compassionate, whole-health care to our nation's heroes.

About the Agency: The Readjustment Counseling Service

The RCS is a specialized division within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) dedicated to assisting combat-era Veterans and their families as they transition back to civilian life. Our counselors provide a unique, person-centered approach, offering direct counseling, community outreach, and critical referrals to VA and non-VA providers. Working here means joining a team that values team cohesion, professional development, and clinical excellence.

Job Responsibilities

As a Social Worker with the RCS, your day-to-day will involve multifaceted clinical and administrative tasks, including:

Intake and Assessment: Conducting thorough military history assessments and identifying psychosocial stressors.
Treatment Planning: Creating and managing individualized care plans that track measurable goals and outcomes.
Crisis Intervention: Evaluating self-harm and suicide risk, and implementing immediate safety plans.
Collaboration: Partnering with Vet Center outreach workers to ensure that Veterans receive a warm hand-off to needed services.
Documentation: Maintaining detailed clinical records to ensure continuity of care and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Education: A Master's Degree in Social Work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited school.
Licensure: State-issued license to practice at the independent level. (Exceptions available for GS-9 level candidates).
Proficiency: Must be fluent in written and spoken English.

Grade Determination Comparison

Feature	GS-09 Level	GS-11 Level
Required Experience	Entry (No post-MSW required)	1 Year post-MSW or Doctorate
Licensure	Eligible for waiver/3-year path	Required at independent level
Role Intensity	Foundational counseling	Independent clinical practitioner

Salary Overview and Financial Incentives

The position offers a competitive salary range of $71,450 to $154,265, depending on experience and location. Furthermore, the VHA is highly committed to supporting our employees' financial well-being through:

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
Regular Pay Increases: Opportunities for step increases based on qualifications.

Benefits

Beyond salary, you will enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package designed to support your work-life balance:

Time Off: 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (vested after 5 years) and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan.
Health: Access to top-tier federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance programs.
Child Care: Potential for subsidies for families meeting specific income criteria.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position is a deliberate process. To stand out:

Tailor Your Resume: Explicitly use language from the job description to showcase your clinical competencies.
Documentation is Key: Ensure your transcripts, professional licenses, and certifications are current and legible.
Detail Your Experience: Describe your experience with diverse populations, crisis scenarios, and treatment modalities.

Becoming a Social Worker at the VHA is an opportunity to practice at the highest level of your license while contributing to a mission that matters. If you are passionate about clinical excellence and supporting our Veterans, we encourage you to review the full requirements and submit your application today.

Why This Social Worker Job Matters

Empower those who served our nation by providing critical readjustment support—join the Veterans Health Administration as a Social Worker and unlock a rewarding career with exceptional federal benefits and student loan repayment options.

Social Worker Job Overview

The Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS) under the Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking dedicated Social Workers to join our mission of serving Veterans and their families. This role focuses on helping those who have supported combat operations, experienced military sexual trauma, or served in critical medical/mortuary roles. You will provide essential readjustment counseling, conduct psychosocial assessments, and develop treatment plans to improve the quality of life for our nation's heroes. This position is located in multiple states, including California, Hawaii, and Nevada, offering a unique opportunity to provide holistic care within a supportive, multidisciplinary team.

Requirements for Social Worker

United States Citizenship
Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution
Current state license or certification to practice social work independently at the master's level
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker

Minimum of one year of post-MSW clinical experience for GS-11 level
Doctoral degree in social work for GS-11 qualification substitution
Demonstrated ability to perform crisis intervention and suicide risk assessments
Knowledge of medical and mental health terminology and diagnosis
Experience in team-based care coordination and community resource linking

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
✓37-50 days of combined annual leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays
✓Federal pension plan and 401k-style Thrift Savings Plan with 5% matching
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance options
✓Child care subsidy eligibility for qualified families
✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees

💡 How to Apply Social Worker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Social Worker Job

Create or log into your account at the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a detailed, long-form resume or CV reflecting all relevant experience.
Obtain copies of official transcripts confirming your MSW degree.
Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
Attach required documentation including licenses and supporting federal forms (SF-50, etc.).
Submit your complete application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details how your past experience matches the required knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs).
Do not assume the hiring panel knows your background; clearly outline your clinical duties, client populations, and specific interventions used.
Submit all required documents, including transcripts and licenses, to avoid disqualification.
Check your USAJOBS account status regularly after submission for updates.
If you have questions, reach out to the agency contact provided in the announcement before the closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Readjustment Counseling Service?

It is a specialized branch of the Veterans Health Administration that provides counseling, outreach, and referral services to combat Veterans, their families, and those who have experienced military trauma.

Is student loan repayment available?

Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which may provide reimbursement up to $200,000 based on program requirements.

Can I apply if I am not currently licensed at the independent level?

For the GS-9 grade level, VHA may waive licensure for otherwise qualified individuals, provided they obtain independent, master's-level licensure within three years of appointment.

What if I am in the process of getting my independent license?

*A: At the GS-9 grade level, VHA may hire you while you work toward your license, provided you obtain it within three years.*

Is this a remote position?

*A: No, this is an in-person, facility-based role requiring engagement with the community and local clinical teams.*