Organization: Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Location: The Villages, FL
Salary: $62,035 – $110,000 per year (GS 9 – 11)
Appointment Type: Permanent
Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Application Deadline: December 31, 2026
Promotion Potential: GS-11
Telework Eligible: No

About the Department

The North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health Care System is dedicated to providing exceptional care for Veterans while fostering the growth and development of VA academic hospital programs. The Mental Health Service at The Villages location is seeking a Social Worker to join the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program. The ideal candidate is committed to supporting Veterans’ mental health needs and enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration.

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Position Overview

The Social Worker will deliver clinical services to Veterans, assessing, diagnosing, and developing treatment plans for psychosocial and mental health challenges. The role requires engagement during times of crisis, providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions, and advocating for the Veteran within the VA and community systems.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct psychosocial and mental health assessments, independently or collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team.
Develop patient-centered treatment plans and achievable goals with Veterans and, when appropriate, family members or caregivers.
Educate Veterans and families on available services and facilitate appropriate referrals.
Maintain and utilize VA and community resources to ensure comprehensive care.
Advocate for Veterans navigating bureaucratic processes.
Provide education on VA systems, community resources, entitlements, and goals of care.
Offer ongoing counseling and psychoeducation individually, in groups, and with families.
Build and maintain professional relationships with VA staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders.

Required Candidate

Education Requirements:

Master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Doctoral degrees cannot substitute for a Master’s degree.

Licensure:

State licensure or certification to practice independently as a social worker is required.
GS-9 level may have licensure temporarily waived; full licensure must be obtained within 3 years.

Experience & Grade Requirements:

GS-9: No additional experience beyond basic requirements.
GS-11: One year of post-MSW experience in healthcare or social work settings, or a doctoral degree in social work, may substitute for the experience requirement.
Experience with multidisciplinary teams and evidence-based treatment modalities preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Counseling skills with Veterans and families.
Conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment planning.
Implementing treatment modalities for individuals, families, and groups.
Effective communication and relationship-building with clients and community agencies.
Understanding of medical and mental health diagnoses, treatments, and medications.

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Benefits

Paid Time Off: 37–50 days annually (annual leave, sick leave, federal holidays).
Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave after 12 months of employment.
Childcare Subsidy: Eligible employees may receive a 25% subsidy on childcare costs.
Retirement: Federal pension with 5-year vesting, 401K with up to 5% VA contribution.
Insurance: Federal health, dental, vision, term life, and long-term care.
Competitive salary and regular pay increases.

Application Process

Applicants must submit a complete application through USAJOBS by 11:59 PM (ET) on December 31, 2026. Applications should include:

Resume/CV detailing experience and qualifications.
Transcripts verifying education.
Licensure or certification documentation.

How to Apply:

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Select the appropriate resume and supporting documents.
Complete the occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application before the closing date.

Apply

Agency Contact:

Desiree Dellafosse
Phone: (209) 557-6225
Email: Desiree.Dellafosse@va.gov
Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
1601 Southwest Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608

Additional Information

U.S. citizenship required.
A trial period of 1–2 years may apply.
Compliance with the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Position is excepted service; veterans’ preference may not apply.
Applications from persons with disabilities are encouraged.
Volunteer experience may be credited as relevant work experience.

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Evaluation Process

Candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications, experience, and ability to perform the duties outlined. Areas of consideration include:

Current permanent VA employees of the facility.
Other VA employees.
Permanent federal employees of other agencies.

The full performance level of this position is GS-11. An appointment may be made at the GS-9 to GS-11 level, depending on qualifications.