Job Description
Social Worker (PACT) is listed by Veterans Health Administration. The Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) Social Worker is a key member of an interdisciplinary team dedicated to eliminating barriers to care for Veterans.
You will independently conduct psychosocial assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide therapeutic interventions to Veterans and their families facing complex medical, psychiatric, and psychosocial challenges. This role requires a high level of skill in establishing effective therapeutic relationships and collaborating with community agencies.
The position may involve travel to other VA locations for outreach or training events. This announcement is open to current permanent VA Nationwide employees and Health Professions Trainees (HPT). If you are not a current VA employee or HPT, you must apply under announcement CBTG-13019727-26-HO.
Salary & Compensation
Salary: $73,312 - $115,317 per year.
Qualification
To qualify for this Social Worker (PACT) 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 independent practice level. Grade determinations (GS-9 or GS-11) are based on experience and education.
- U.S. Citizenship required; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens are not available.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
- Master's degree in social work from a school fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- A doctoral degree in social work cannot be substituted for the master's degree.
- Licensure or certification by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level.
- GS-9: No experience beyond basic requirements; must demonstrate KSAs including Veteran-centric approach, psychosocial assessment, treatment planning, and knowledge of medical/mental health diagnoses.
- GS-11: One year of post-MSW experience equivalent to GS-9 in health care or social work settings, plus independent practice licensure; OR a doctoral degree in social work.
- GS-11 KSAs include knowledge of community resources, independent psychosocial assessment, and consultation skills.
- Grandfathering provision may apply for current VHA employees in this occupation.
- Selective Service Registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Independently complete thorough psychosocial assessments to determine Veterans' functioning and needs.
- Develop and implement treatment plans aimed at attaining the highest level of independence and benefit.
- Provide therapeutic interventions using supportive, problem-solving, or crisis intervention techniques.
- Actively participate as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team.
- Collaborate with Veterans, families, caregivers, and community agencies to coordinate services.
- Maintain documentation consistent with professional standards and agency policies.
- Travel to other VA locations for coverage, outreach, or training events as needed.
- Provide consultation to new social workers, graduate students, and staff on psychosocial needs.
Conditions & Requirements
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for all VA Health Care Personnel.
- Must serve a 1- or 2-year trial period.
- Driver's license or state-issued ID must be REAL ID compliant (effective May 7, 2025).
- Selective Service Registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- May be required to travel to other VA locations.
Benefits
- 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 the full range of federal employee benefits designed for career federal service.
How You Will Be Evaluated
- Your application, resume, and supporting documents will be reviewed to ensure you meet qualification and eligibility requirements.
- You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in the announcement.
- Be clear and specific in describing your experience; assumptions will not be made.
- Volunteer work, including National Service programs, is credited as qualifying experience.
- The VA performs pre-employment reference checks to verify information and assist in final selection.
- Referred applicants may be contacted for an interview.
- All referred applicants receive a final notification after a selection decision is made.
Required Documents
- Resume (CV) – no page limit; upload into the 'Other' document field if needed.
- Clinical Resume Document – download the standard one-page form and upload into the 'Resume' field.
- License – proof of state licensure or certification.
- Transcript – official or unofficial showing your MSW degree.
- SF-50 (for current/former federal employees) – most recent non-Award SF-50 for verification.
- DD-214 or Statement of Service (for Veterans).
- Disability Letter (VA) if claiming preference.
- SF-15 if claiming 10-point Veterans' preference.
- Performance Appraisal (if applicable).
- Professional Certification (if applicable).
How to Apply
- Review the full announcement and required documents on the official application portal.
- Create or log in to your the official application portal account using Login.gov.
- Click 'Apply Online' to start the application process.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire and provide all required information.
- Upload your federal resume, clinical resume document, license, transcripts, and any other required documents.
Additional Information
- This announcement is open to current permanent VA Nationwide employees and Health Professions Trainees (HPT) only.
- If you are not a current VA employee or HPT, apply under announcement CBTG-13019727-26-HO.
- Selections will be made without regard to Veterans preference per Office of the Chief Human Capital Office Bulletin dated 10/1/2024.
- A current (2025) non-Award SF-50 must be submitted for verification.
- The full performance level of this position is GS-11; actual grade selected may be GS-9 or GS-11.
- Telework is available on an ad-hoc basis.
- Travel may be required for outreach or training events.
- Agency contact: Hector Ocasio Melendez, Phone: 828-318-7817, Email: [email protected].
- Address: Tennessee Valley HCS - Nashville, 1310 24th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212.
About Company
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care to over 9 million Veterans each year.
VHA operates through a network of medical centers, outpatient clinics, and community-based programs, with a mission to honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
This Social Worker (PACT) position is part of the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, serving Veterans in the Nashville area. The role offers an opportunity to work within a patient-centered medical home model, collaborating with a dedicated interdisciplinary team to address the psychosocial needs of those who have served.
Veterans Health Administration is named as the hiring organisation for the Social Worker (PACT) post.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common applicant questions about this position, eligibility and the application process.