Senior Social Worker (BHIP)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off: 37–50 days annually

Child Care Subsidy

Retirement: federal pension and 401(k) contributions

Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus)

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Senior Social Worker in Anchorage, Alaska. This role involves providing clinical psychosocial therapies to veterans and conducting assessments and diagnoses. Candidates must possess a master's degree in social work and be licensed to practice at the master's level.

Responsibilities include collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, implementing treatment plans, and mentoring entry-level social workers. The position offers competitive salary and extensive benefits, including paid time off and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Must be licensed or certified to independently practice social work at the master’s degree level.
• English proficiency required.
• Two years of post-licensure experience including one year at the GS-11 grade level.

Responsibilities

• Provide evidence-based therapies to veterans and families.
• Conduct assessments and diagnoses.
• Implement psychosocial treatment plans with interdisciplinary teams.
• Evaluate progress and adjust treatment plans.

Skills

Psychosocial assessment

Evidence-based therapies

Supervisory skills

Advanced practice skills

Education

Master’s degree in social work

Job description

Summary

Eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval – award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

Qualifications

• United States Citizenship (non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy).
• Education: Have a master’s degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates of schools of social work in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the school is fully accredited. A doctoral degree in social work may not substitute the master’s degree.
• Licensure: Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS‑0185 series must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master’s‑degree level.
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• Grandfathering Provision: May qualify if covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (applicable only to current VHA employees who meet the criteria).
• Grade Determinations: Senior Social Worker – GS‑12 (Experience/Education). Must have at least two years of experience post advanced‑practice clinical licensure, including one year at the GS‑11 grade level.
• Advanced Practice: Senior social workers must possess advanced practice skills and judgment, be experts in their specialized area of practice, and may hold certification or other post‑masters training from a nationally recognized professional organization.
• Licensure/Certification at advanced practice level (state license or equivalent).
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Skill in a range of specialized interventions, advanced‑level psychosocial and case management, complex assessment, outcome evaluation, consultation, policy development, etc.
• Physical Requirements: Use of fingers, hearing (aid may be permitted), emotional and mental stability.
• Environmental Factors: Working closely with others, working alone, prolonged sitting.

Duties

• Provide clinical psychosocial and evidence‑based therapies to eligible veterans and their family members to meet biological, psychological, social, and environmental needs.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments, interviews, and diagnoses for veterans and significant others.
• Plan and implement psychosocial treatment plans in coordination with interdisciplinary teams, including referral decisions for VA and non‑VA services.
• Provide individual and group therapy, guidance, and emotional support.
• Receive and complete consult requests from interdisciplinary team members and other social workers.
• Evaluate progress, maintain documentation, adjust treatment plans, and supervise unlicensed social workers and social work associates.
• Serve as a mentor to entry‑level social workers and supervise graduate students as a field instructor or preceptor.
• Work schedule: Monday–Friday, 8 am–4:30 pm.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with optional higher step rate for unique qualifications.
• Paid Time Off: 37–50 days of annual paid time per year (13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays). Credit toward annual leave possible for prior work or military experience.
• Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks paid after 12 months of employment.
• Child Care Subsidy: Eligible employees with total family income below $144,000 may receive up to 25 % of eligible childcare costs, capped at $416.66 monthly.
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and 401(k) with up to 5 % VA contributions. Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care insurance available.
• Telework: Not available. PCS: Not authorized.
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus) and EDRP Incentive: Authorized.