Social Services Assistant

Veterans Health Administration; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

VA San Diego Healthcare System is seeking a Social Services Assistant within Social Work Service to support Veterans and families. Primary duties include screening Veterans, assessing their needs, guiding them to VA services or benefits, and providing counseling and referrals to appropriate programs.

The role involves coordinating with local Vet Centers, supporting multiple clinical programs, and ensuring documentation in CPRS. Schedule: Mon-Fri, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM; telework not available.

Qualifications

• Transcript must be submitted with your application for education qualifications.
• Experience in counseling and assisting veterans is preferred.
• Strong communication and coordinating referrals with VA programs.

Responsibilities

• Assess Veterans' needs and inform them of VA services or benefits.
• Provide supportive counseling and refer to appropriate programs.
• Link veterans with Social Worker or programs as needed.
• Triages calls and transmits information into CPRS.
• Provide administrative support to clinical services and events.

Skills

Counseling

Communication

Client assessment

Referral coordination

Administrative support

Education

Transcript submission for education

Tools

CPRS

Job description

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

The position is at the full performance level located at the VA San Diego Healthcare System in Social Work Service. In his/her capacity as a Social Services Assistant the incumbent engages in activities which extend the functions and support the mission of Social Work Service. One focus of this position is on the effective screening of Veterans.

Key Responsibilities

Major duties include, but are not limited to: Makes assessment of the Veterans needs, identify problems, inform them of the VA services or benefits available, provide supportive counseling, refer them to appropriate programs and resources, and when needed, assist them in linking up with a Social Worker or program that can be of most assistance.

Provides education/guidance and assists Veterans and family members with completing Advance Directives (Living Will/Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care) and provides guidance to patients regarding these documents. Triages incoming calls and inquiries regarding the transfer of Veterans from outside facilities to the VAMC. Ensures that all necessary information is transmitted into CPRS.

Acts as the service's liaison with both local Vet Centers to ensuring that they receive all necessary administrative support. Refers Veterans to these centers as appropriate. Participates in the formulation, structure and assessment of the policies and procedures for the service.

Provides administrative support to the following clinical services: Transition and Care Management program, Healthcare for Homeless Veterans program, the Contract Nursing Home program, Community Residential Care program, the Contract Adult Day Health care program, the Contract Homemaker/Home Health aide program, Caregiver Support program, and the Intimate Partner Violence program, and to the main Social Work office.

Provides administrative support for the planning and throughout the annual homeless Stand Down event. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30AM to 4:00PM. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Social Services Assistant/PD12508A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

Requirements & Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $57641 – $74935/yr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-13.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.