The WTVAHCS Social Work Chief manages Social Work Service and has responsibility for overseeing the clinical and professional practice of all facility social workers regardless of organizational alignment, including participation in the selection and credentialing of social workers and the process for obtaining licensure.
Summary
The WTVAHCS Social Work Chief manages Social Work Service and has responsibility for overseeing the clinical and professional practice of all facility social workers regardless of organizational alignment, including participation in the selection and credentialing of social workers and the process for obtaining licensure.
Yes—This is an onsite position. Telework may be offered when deemed necessary by the department AD-HOC (Employees who telework on an occasional, episodic, or short-term basis, and have completed required telework training and telework agreement.) (Portion of day acceptable).
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
This announcement is open to (Current & Permanent) Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.
The WTVAHCS has a variety of clinical programs with a wide range of services providing residential and outpatient services and treatment for patients in general medicine, primary care, medical specialty programs, geriatric and extended care, psychiatry, substance abuse, palliative care, hospice care, home-based primary care, community care, Caregiver and Homeless Programs and various other ambulatory care programs with educational and program evaluation functions. The position requires that the employee travel to various sites and to other VA facilities within the WTVAHCS, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), or VACO as necessary. Incumbent is a full-time administrator which includes oversight of subordinate social workers, coordinators, and program managers. Ensures high quality social work services across multiple VA sites throughout the WTVAHCS in Texas and New Mexico.
The incumbent serves as the liaison to other services or care lines, other facilities, VISN and VHA Central Office. This position also serves as liaison with Veterans Benefits Administration Offices, other government agencies, and the community. The incumbent is responsible for advising management of specific clinical or administrative issues within Social Work Service and within the medical center. The position serves as a consultant, mentor, and advisor to subordinates, peers and administration.
The Social Work Chief serves on facility committees and attends leadership meetings, ensuring social work representation as necessary. Attends and participates in VISN and VACO Social Work meetings. When needed, they may also serve on VISN and VACO level committees.
The incumbent is expected to provide clinical supervision and maintain active clinical practice as determined by the facility Chief of Staff.
Duties are continued in the Education Section.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: This is an onsite position. Telework may be offered when deemed necessary by the department AD-HOC (Employees who telework on an occasional, episodic, or short-term basis, and have completed required telework training and telework agreement.) (Portion of day acceptable) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 55040-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure: Required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Subject to background/security investigation.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
your performance and conduct;
the needs and interests of the agency;
whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Qualifications
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.
English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in written and spoken English
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 and meet the criteria).
Education
You must possess 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. Note: A doctoral degree in Social Work may NOT be substituted for the master's degree in Social Work.
License or Certification - You must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level.
Grade Determinations:
Social Work (Service Chief), GS-185-14
Licensure Requirement: You must be licensed or certified at the advanced practice level, and must be able to provide supervision for licensure.
Experience Requirement: You must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to: responsibility for management of small to moderately complex social work service within a healthcare organization; provides supervision to social work service staff members of different grade or experience levels; supervision may include multiple disciplines, treatment sites that are limited and in close proximity to the medical facility, and programs are with limited administrative oversite responsibility; full responsibility for managing and supervising all aspects of social work service operations including clinical practice, program management, education, human resource management and supervision. Experience must demonstrate possession of supervisory and management skills as well as advanced practice skills and judgment, demonstrating progressively more professional competency.
*Note: To be equivalent to the GS-13 level, experience must have also been obtained while having an advanced practice level social work license as described above.
In addition to the experience above, you must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Skill in providing the full range of supervisory duties across multiple service divisions/sections, which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed, performance evaluation, selection of staff, and recommendations of awards, advancements, and when appropriate, disciplinary actions.
Skill in applying legal, ethical, and professional standards to social work practice.
Skill in developing, maintaining, and managing social work services in multiple divisions/sections.
Ability to ensure compliance with social work practice, policy, and accreditation standards across the continuum of health care.
Skill in providing consultation to facility leadership, managers, and other staff on social work qualification standards, practice, competency, productivity, and continuing education requirements.
Skill in administrative oversight to ensure compliance with social work licensure requirements.
Preferred Experience:
1 to 2 years supervisor experience managing a Social Work program such as Health Care for Homeless Veterans/HUDVASH, Caregiver Support Program, or PACT Social Work.
Experience resolving grievances and serious complaints from employees, Veterans/families, community partners and stakeholders.
Excellent interpersonal skills to address requests/needs of staff, colleagues, leadership, VISN, VACO, Congressional Representativeness.
Knowledge of programs aligned with Social Work (such as HCHV, HUDVASH, Caregiver)
Clinical Supervisor Credential in a US State or Territory
The grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-14. This position is above the full-performance level for this occupation.
Physical Requirements:
Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination
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/.
You must possess 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. Note: A doctoral degree in Social Work may NOT be substituted for the master's degree in Social Work.
NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
NOTE: If your school was accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the CSWE website (https://www.cswe.org/accreditation/about/directory/), you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.
Duties continued:
The Social Work Service Chief
manages and directs all social work activities in a dedicated social work product line, including supervisory authority, interventions to resolve administrative problems, and participates in program evaluations and performance appraisals.
consults with other services, program managers, or care line managers on issues pertaining to Social Work clinical practice, ethics, ethical dilemmas in the delivery of care and ethical issues within the larger organization.
serves as the Social Work professional practice consultant and primary contact for all Social Work services at the West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS). The role entails providing professional practice oversight of all WTVAHCS Social Workers requiring a collaborative and professional working relationship with Service Chiefs to ensure successful co-management of social workers not aligned under Social Work Service.
serves as the liaison with other services and facilities.
9In collaboration with other Service Chiefs, managers, and other staff), provides guidance and recommendations on social work qualification standards, social work practice, social work competency, social work productivity, and social work continuing education.
works with other service line chiefs to ensure that all social workers, regardless of their alignment within the VA medical facility, have performance plan elements and standards specific to their programs. These standards must comply with the social work functional statement, licensure requirements, scope of practice, and clinical privileging.
has full responsibility for program administration in the delivery of Social Work services.
ensures the delivery of Social Work services on a routine and emergent basis, informs other disciplines in writing of changes in social work program policies and procedures and ensures quality essential clinical Social Work functions are provided.
ensures social work services, including services provided off-site, are incorporated across clinical care areas, as clinically indicated and with VA medical facility social workers practicing at the top of their education, skill, and licensure level and in accordance with their scope of practice, credentialing, privileging, and clinical assignment.
develops and monitors procedures to ensure local compliance with social work practice standards and guidelines on documentation, workload, data entry, ethical practice, and service delivery as defined by the VHA and other professional accrediting and regulatory agencies. This includes implementing a standardized process for supervising and monitoring the documentation of social work trainees, as outlined in VHA Handbook 1400.04(1), Supervision of Associated Health Trainees.
develops and implements a Social Work professional practice review system. In collaboration with Human Resources or other offices responsible for credentialing, the incumbent tracks required licensure and/or certification for all social workers, including: continuing education requirements, licensure renewal and other requirements social workers must meet to deliver appropriate care; assisting with credentialing and primary source verification of degree, license and state certification; ability to provide supervision for social work licensure and practice supervision for facility social workers.
is responsible for maintaining academic affiliations for social work practice, which may include arranging and coordinating Social Work Field Practice placements at the Medical Center and serves as the point of contact for universities seeking to place Social Workers.
coordinates and oversees clinical supervision towards licensure for entry level social workers to ensure supervision hours are completed for facility staff and ensure licensure at the independent or advanced practice level within 3 years of appointment.
has the ability to provide supervision for social work licensure and practice supervision for facility social workers.
makes recommendations for recruitment of staff and continuing education of staff.
manages, coordinates, and has administrative oversight regarding legal services for guardianship appointment for patients, as needed. Incumbent will educate clinical staff throughout the organization on the process and appropriate use of guardianship.
Duties continued in Additional Info section
Additional information
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
develops and monitors standards of clinical practice/standards of care for Social Work, including development of care guidelines, manuals, and guides to professional practice.
compiles and disseminates social work quality management findings, actions, and outcomes to social workers, medical care center staff, and leadership personnel. Incumbent has responsibility for the preparation of reports, as assigned by the Chief of Staff, Medical Center Director, VISN 17, or to VHA Social Work in Care Management and Social Work Service at VA Central Office.
serves on facility committees and attend leadership meetings or ensure appropriate social work representation is appointed to required meetings at the local, VISN and National level.
serves as a vital professional resource with consultative authority to Local Leadership in their compliance with standards defined by VHA and accrediting organizations, such as The Joint Commission of Hospital Accreditation (TJCHA) and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) standards applicable to Social Work. Sites with current 3-year accreditation from CARF must keep up with annual requirements until the accreditation expires.
establishes and chairs the Social Work Professional Practice Council to oversee social work practice at WTVAHCS. The council identifies areas of social work practice improvement and ensures compliance with VHA Directive, Social Work Professional Practice, 1110.02.
ensures professional Social Work services are effectively incorporated in patient care delivery systems across the medical center with the intention of promoting the scope, integrity and fidelity of professional Social Work practice and ensuring the delivery of appropriate and comprehensive Social Work services to Veterans.
is available on an emergency basis for emergent social work needs (abuse and neglect concerns, patient abandonment etc.). Upon opening an urgent care center, the incumbent will ensure on-site or on-call access to social work services for Urgent Care patients to ensure compliance with the VHA Urgent Care Directive 1101.13(1).
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (Schedule A)
Disability Letter (VA)
License
Resume/CV
Other (2)
PCS Orders
Performance Appraisal
Professional Certification
Resume
Separation Notice (RIF)
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 02/03/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12869084.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
George H O'Brien Jr VA Medical Center
300 Veterans Boulevard
Big Spring, TX 79720
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (Schedule A)
Disability Letter (VA)
License
Resume/CV
Other (2)
PCS Orders
Performance Appraisal
Professional Certification
Resume
Separation Notice (RIF)
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 02/03/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12869084.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
George H O'Brien Jr VA Medical Center
300 Veterans Boulevard
Big Spring, TX 79720
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
