Senior Social Worker - VJO/HCRV

To qualify for this GS-12 Senior Social Worker position, you must meet basic requirements including U.S. Citizenship, English proficiency, a master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program, and state licensure at the advanced practice level. Additionally, you need at least two years of post-advanced practice licensure experience, with one year equivalent to GS-11.

• U.S. Citizenship required; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens are not available.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited school. Doctoral degree in social work cannot substitute for the master's.
• State licensure or certification to independently practice social work at the master's degree level.
• Senior social workers must be licensed at the advanced practice level, including passing an advanced generalist or clinical examination (except California grandfathered licenses).
• At least two years of post-advanced practice licensure experience, with one year equivalent to GS-11.
• Demonstrated KSAs: skill in specialized interventions (individual, group, family counseling); ability to incorporate complex causation in diagnosis; knowledge of outcome evaluation methods; ability to provide specialized consultation; ability to write policies and practice guidelines.
• Preferred experience: homeless experience.
• Must be able to provide supervision for licensure.
• Selective Service Registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.

Conduct psychosocial assessments and case management for Veterans involved with the justice system.

• Provide continuous quality improvement activities, evaluation, consultation, and placement services.
• Develop referral and linkage to community agencies for Veterans within six months of release or under court supervision.
• Meet regularly with judges, court officers, correctional administrators, and staff to design and maintain policies and procedures.
• Attend justice system staff trainings relevant to working with offenders and high-risk populations.
• Represent VA at community meetings and serve on relevant boards, councils, and task forces.
• Collaborate with other Justice Outreach clinicians to support engagement in care for eligible Veterans recently discharged from correctional institutions.
• Conduct active outreach to Veterans involved with the justice system.
• Maintain contact with providers, government staff, social, financial, legal, health, and mental health agencies, Veterans and their families, conservators, employers, landlords, police, attorneys, judges, and probation/parole officers.
• Provide specialized consultation to colleagues and students on psychosocial treatment of patients in the service delivery area.

U.S. Citizenship required.

• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in seasonal influenza vaccination program required for all VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must serve a 1- or 2-year trial period.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Driver's license or state-issued ID must be REAL ID compliant (effective May 7, 2025).
• May be subject to urinalysis screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment.

Complete federal benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave.

• Eligibility for benefits depends on position type (full-time, part-time, intermittent).
• Access to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) similar to a 401(k).
• Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
• Annual and sick leave accrual.

This vacancy is open to the public. Current federal employees should apply under vacancy number 13007774.

• The 2-page resume requirement does not apply to this position.
• Agency contact: Trena O. Melvin, [email protected].
• Address: Columbia VA Health Care System, 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209.
• All applicants tentatively selected are subject to drug testing.
• Influenza vaccination is a condition of employment; exemptions may be granted for medical or religious reasons.
• This position requires a trial period of 1 or 2 years.
• Veterans and transitioning service members are encouraged to visit VA for Vets for career resources.

The Columbia VA Health Care System is part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, providing complete healthcare services to Veterans in South Carolina. The system includes a medical center, community-based outpatient clinics, and specialized programs such as the Justice Outreach initiative. This Senior Social Worker role directly supports Veterans transitioning from correctional institutions, reflecting VA's commitment to serving those who have served. Working here means joining a dedicated team focused on improving Veterans' lives through clinical care, case management, and community partnerships.