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Va Social Work Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Social Worker

Lima, OH · On-site

$77K/yr

Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. * Education: Must have a Master's degree in Social Work from a school of social ...

Social Worker

Fargo, ND · On-site

$61K/yr

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 ...

$72K/yr

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 ...

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Va Social Work information

See salary details

$34.5K

$76.3K

$117K

How much do va social work jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for va social work in the United States is $76,266.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a VA Social Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a VA Social Worker, you need a degree in social work (BSW or MSW), state licensure, and a solid understanding of veterans' issues and resources. Familiarity with VA case management systems, electronic health records, and relevant federal regulations is essential. Excellent communication, empathy, and cultural competence are crucial for building trust and effectively supporting veterans and their families. These competencies ensure that veterans receive comprehensive, personalized care and assistance navigating complex benefits systems.

What are some common challenges faced by VA Social Workers when supporting veterans, and how are these typically addressed?

VA Social Workers often encounter challenges such as navigating complex benefits systems, addressing co-occurring mental health and substance use issues, and supporting veterans who may be experiencing homelessness or trauma. These challenges are typically managed through ongoing training, interdisciplinary teamwork, and access to robust community and VA resources. Collaboration with medical professionals, case managers, and community agencies is essential to ensure veterans receive comprehensive care and support. Additionally, VA Social Workers have access to supervision and professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices.

What are VA social workers?

VA social workers are licensed professionals who provide support, counseling, and resources to veterans and their families through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). They help veterans access benefits, cope with mental health or substance abuse issues, and navigate challenges such as homelessness, disability, or family problems. VA social workers collaborate with medical teams and community organizations to ensure veterans receive comprehensive care tailored to their needs.
More about Va Social Work jobs
What cities are hiring for Va Social Work jobs? Cities with the most Va Social Work job openings:
What states have the most Va Social Work jobs? States with the most job openings for Va Social Work jobs include:
Infographic showing various Va Social Work job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 27% Full Time, 71% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,266 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

$79K/yr

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

The position is located within the Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System within the Community Engagement and Reintegration Service (CERS). The incumbent will be assigned to one of the facilities locations where a HUD-VASH team is based. The incumbent is an unlicensed entry level Social Worker assigned to the Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH).
Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
  • 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 that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the School of Social Work is fully accredited. A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master's degree in social work. Verification of the degree can be made by going to http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation to verify that the social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a masters of social work.
  • [Transcripts must be submitted at time of application. Conferral of degree(s) must be stated on transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts(s) are acceptable].
  • Licensure. Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-0185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. Current state requirements may be found by going to http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/T38Hybrid/. [COPIES OF LICENSE/CERTIFICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION PACKET]
Grandfathering Provision: May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation).
NOTE: If social workers covered under the grandfathering provision of the 1991 Federal law regarding licensure or certification of VHA social workers leave the GS-0185 social work series, they lose the grandfathering protection. If they choose to return at a later date to the GS-0185 series, they must be licensed or certified to qualify for employment as a social worker.
Preferred Experience: Holds an Independent license
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
Social Worker, GS-09
Experience and Licensure. None above the basic qualifications
Social Worker, GS-11
Experience and Licensure. Appointment to the GS-11 grade level requires completion of a minimum of one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the field of health care or other social work-related settings, (VA or non-VA experience) and licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level.
OR
Education. In addition to meeting basic requirements, a doctoral degree in social work from a school of social work may be substituted for the required one year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services.
  • Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational and other diversified backgrounds.
  • Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities and treatment procedures (i.e. acute, chronic and traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications and their effects/side effects, and medical terminology) to formulate a treatment plan.
  • Skill in independently implementing different treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical, and social problems to achieve treatment goals.
  • Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers, social work graduate students, and other staff about the psychosocial needs of patients and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and compliance with treatment.
References: VA Handbook 5005/120, Part II, Appendix G39, Social Work Qualification Standard, GS-0185, Veterans Health Administration.
Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking; standing; hearing (aid permitted). Frequent travel into the community is required for this position.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/.Employment Type: OTHER