Advance Your Career as a Senior Social Worker at the Memphis VA
Are you a dedicated social worker looking to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a highly qualified Senior Social Worker to join our Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) team in Memphis, Tennessee. This role offers the perfect blend of clinical autonomy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and competitive federal benefits.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior Social Worker in PCMHI, you will function as a vital member of the primary care team. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Conducting comprehensive psychological assessments for complex and difficult patients.
- Providing evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions, such as CBT and Motivational Interviewing.
- Managing same-day access to mental health services through in-person, telehealth, and telephone modalities.
- Consulting with PACT (Patient Aligned Care Team) staff to develop and implement effective treatment plans.
- Mentoring interns, post-doctoral fellows, and junior social work staff.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Education: A Master's Degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school.
- Licensure: You must hold a current state license to practice social work independently at the master's level.
- Experience: At least two years of post-licensure experience, with one year at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
- Proficiency: Must be fluent in written and spoken English.
Comparison Table: Why Choose the VA?
| Benefit | Private Practice | VA Clinical Role |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement Plan | Limited/Self-funded | Federal Pension + 401k Matching |
| Paid Time Off | Unpaid/Variable | 37-50 Days Annually |
| Debt Relief | Rarely Offered | EDRP (Up to $200k) |
| Job Security | Market Dependent | High (Federal Status) |
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this position is highly competitive, ranging from $113,708 to $147,824 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. Beyond the base pay, the VA offers an industry-leading benefits package:
- Education Debt Reduction Program: Significant student loan repayment options.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
- Paid Time Off: Generous leave accrual for annual and sick time, plus 11 federal holidays.
- Parental Leave: 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires precision. Follow these steps to maximize your chances:
- Tailor Your Resume: Clearly document your specialized clinical experience rather than just generic duties.
- Quantify Results: Mention how your interventions improved patient outcomes or clinical efficiency.
- Prepare Documents: Ensure your license and transcripts are scanned clearly and ready for upload.
This position represents a substantial opportunity for a senior-level professional to lead, mentor, and provide high-quality care to Veterans. If you are ready to bring your advanced skills to a supportive and mission-driven organization, the Memphis VA invites you to apply today.
Why This Senior Social Worker-Primary Care Mental Health Integration (Pcmhi) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on Veteran health in Memphis by joining a world-class integrated care team as a Senior Social Worker.
Senior Social Worker-Primary Care Mental Health Integration (Pcmhi) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled Senior Social Worker for the Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) program at the Memphis VA Medical Center. This role is central to our mission, providing specialized clinical support and bridging the gap between primary care and mental health services for those who have served our nation.
Requirements for Senior Social Worker-Primary Care Mental Health Integration (Pcmhi)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Hold a Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Possess a valid, active state license to practice social work independently at the master's level.
- Minimum of two years post-licensure experience, including one year equivalent to the GS-11 level.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Must undergo a background and security investigation.
- Requirement to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker-Primary Care Mental Health Integration (Pcmhi)
- Advanced clinical certification or specialized training in mental health modalities.
- Expertise in complex patient populations, including those with comorbid medical and mental health conditions.
- Proven leadership in program development, clinical supervision, or staff training.
- Demonstrated ability to function effectively in fast-paced, complex clinical environments.
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
- ✓12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months
- ✓Federal health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance
- ✓Traditional federal pension and 401K-style savings plan with matching
- ✓Childcare subsidies for eligible families
💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker-Primary Care Mental Health Integration (Pcmhi) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Social Worker-Primary Care Mental Health Integration (Pcmhi) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the specific questionnaire for this position.
- Upload your long-form resume, CV, and professional license.
- Attach supporting documents like transcripts, SF-50s (if applicable), and veteran status proof.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire and submit your application before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights your clinical expertise and scope of practice.
- Specify your role in interdisciplinary settings to demonstrate your teamwork capabilities.
- Submit all required documents early to avoid technical issues near the deadline.
- Double-check your licensure documentation for accuracy as this is a strict requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for remote work?
No, this is an onsite position based at the Memphis, Tennessee VA Medical Center.
What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)?
It is a student loan reimbursement program offering up to $200,000 in assistance. Eligibility is determined post-appointment by the VHA.
Can I apply if my social work license is not yet active?
No, you must possess a state license to independently practice social work at the master's level to be eligible for this position.
Is there an age limit for this position?
No, the VA is an equal opportunity employer.
Can I use foreign education?
Yes, provided you include a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript.
How often is the position open?
This announcement is active for a specific period, so we encourage interested applicants to submit their packages as early as possible.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We provide comprehensive care to our nation's Veterans, focusing on holistic health, recovery, and wellness. The Memphis VA Medical Center is a premier facility that serves over 206,000 Veterans across Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi, offering everything from spinal cord injury units to advanced mental health treatment programs.