The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is hiring a Senior Social Worker to serve within the Housing and Urban Development–Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program. This position focuses on helping homeless and at-risk Veterans secure stable housing while accessing healthcare, mental health services, and community resources.
The successful candidate will provide advanced case management, psychosocial assessments, treatment planning, and ongoing support for Veterans experiencing complex challenges, including homelessness, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders.
Working as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team, the Senior Social Worker will coordinate services across federal, state, local, and community organizations to ensure Veterans receive comprehensive care and housing support.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United States, dedicated to serving Veterans through medical care, benefits programs, and support services.
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) operates medical centers, clinics, and specialized programs nationwide. Through initiatives like HUD-VASH, the VA helps Veterans overcome homelessness by combining housing assistance with personalized healthcare and case management services.
VA careers provide employees with meaningful work, competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and opportunities for long-term professional development.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments for Veterans
- Provide advanced case management services
- Support homeless Veterans participating in the HUD-VASH Program
- Develop individualized treatment and housing plans
- Coordinate services with healthcare providers and community agencies
- Monitor Veterans’ progress toward housing stability
- Facilitate referrals for mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Maintain accurate records and case documentation
- Collaborate with local housing authorities and HUD representatives
- Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings
- Provide crisis intervention when necessary
- Assist with program development and service improvement initiatives
- Deliver specialized social work interventions
- Support Veteran advocacy and resource navigation efforts
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- U.S. citizenship required
- Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited institution
- Current state social work license or certification
- Advanced practice social work licensure required for GS-12 level
- Minimum two years of post-licensure professional experience
- Experience working with vulnerable populations preferred
- Strong assessment and case management skills
- Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse treatment services
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Proficiency in written and verbal communication
- Ability to pass background and security screenings
- English language proficiency required
SKILLS REQUIRED
- Clinical social work practice
- Case management expertise
- Psychosocial assessment
- Crisis intervention
- Veteran advocacy
- Housing support coordination
- Mental health counseling
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Documentation and record management
- Community resource development
- Treatment planning
- Leadership and mentoring skills
SALARY & BENEFITS
Compensation Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Senior Social Worker (HUD-VASH) |
| Employer | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Grade | GS-12 |
| Employment Type | Full-Time |
| Schedule | Monday–Friday |
| Hours | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Pay | Competitive Federal Salary |
| Status | Open |
Federal Employee Benefits
- Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility
- Student loan repayment assistance up to $200,000 for qualified applicants
- Annual salary increases
- Federal pension retirement program
- Thrift Savings Plan (Federal 401(k))
- Up to 5% employer matching contributions
- Federal health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term care insurance
- Paid annual leave
- Paid sick leave
- Paid federal holidays
- Paid parental leave
- Childcare subsidy program eligibility
- Professional development opportunities
- Continuing education support
- Long-term federal career stability
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position is based within a Veterans Affairs healthcare setting and involves extensive collaboration with healthcare professionals, housing agencies, and community organizations. The role includes direct interaction with Veterans experiencing housing instability, mental health concerns, and complex social challenges.
Social workers operate both independently and as members of multidisciplinary teams while helping Veterans achieve long-term housing and health goals.
COMMON DUTIES
- Conduct client interviews and assessments
- Develop treatment and service plans
- Coordinate housing placement activities
- Monitor Veteran progress and outcomes
- Maintain detailed case notes
- Participate in team case reviews
- Connect clients with community resources
- Assist with benefits and service applications
- Provide counseling and support services
- Advocate for Veteran needs and access to care
APPLICATION TIPS
- Highlight advanced social work experience on your resume
- Include details about licensure and certifications
- Emphasize experience with homeless populations or Veterans
- Demonstrate case management and counseling expertise
- Showcase interdisciplinary healthcare experience
- Include measurable outcomes from previous roles
- Carefully review federal application requirements
- Submit all required documents before the application deadline
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates must complete the online application through the USAJOBS hiring system and submit all required documents before the application deadline.
Required Documents:
- Resume/CV
- Social Work License
- Clinical Resume Document (if required)
- Additional supporting documents as applicable
Agency Contact Information
Jade Davis
Phone: (843) 577-5011 Ext. 204804
Email: Jade.Davis@va.gov
Hiring Location:
Carl Vinson VA Medical Center
1826 Veterans Boulevard
Dublin, GA 31021, USA
Additional Contact for EDRP Questions:
Lena Gowder (EDRP Coordinator)
FAQ
1. What is the HUD-VASH Program?
HUD-VASH is a collaborative program between the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs that helps homeless Veterans obtain housing and supportive services.
2. Is a social work license required?
Yes. Candidates must hold an active state social work license or certification, with advanced practice licensure required for the GS-12 level.
3. What education is required?
Applicants must have a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited institution.
4. Is student loan repayment available?
Yes. Qualified employees may be eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which can provide up to $200,000 in student loan repayment assistance.
5. What are the working hours?
The standard schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
6. Is prior experience with Veterans required?
While not always mandatory, experience working with Veterans, homeless populations, or individuals with complex psychosocial needs is highly beneficial.
7. What type of benefits are offered?
Employees may receive federal health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, parental leave, education assistance, and additional government benefits.
8. Is this a leadership-level social work role?
Yes. The GS-12 Senior Social Worker position requires advanced practice skills and significant professional experience.
FINAL SUMMARY
The Senior Social Worker (HUD-VASH) position with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a rewarding opportunity to support homeless Veterans through housing assistance, case management, and coordinated healthcare services. With strong federal benefits, student loan repayment opportunities, and meaningful public service work, this role is ideal for experienced social work professionals seeking to make a lasting impact.
