About the opportunity
The incumbent provides a full range of clinical social work duties in an inpatient mental health setting, as approved by their clinical privileges and scope of practice, within the Psychiatry Service, Inpatient Mental Health at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Major duties involve direct patient care, psychotherapy, psychosocial assessments, and managing admission and legal documentation processes in accordance with the Michigan Mental Health Code. The full performance level of this vacancy ranges from GS-09 to GS-11.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive salary ranging from $70,459 to $110,830 per year with regular salary increases
- Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% employer contributions
- Comprehensive federal insurance including health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care
- Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment
- Child care subsidy up to 25% of eligible costs for employees with total family income below $144,000 after 60 days of employment
Who can apply?
- Must be a citizen of the United States
- Must be proficient in spoken and written English
- Must hold a master's degree in social work from a school fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level for GS-11 (licensure may be waived at GS-9 pending completion of state prerequisites)
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
Required documents
- Resume
- Transcripts (official or unofficial, showing institution name, applicant name, degree conferred, and conferral date)
- Standard Clinical Resume Document downloaded from VA careers page for the primary resume field
- Cover Letter, if applicable
- DD-214 / Statement of Service, if applicable
- License or professional certifications, if applicable
- SF-50 / Notification of Personnel Action for current or former federal employees, if applicable
When to apply
- Application opening date: 2026-09-09
- Application closing date: 2026-09-17 at 11:59 PM (ET)
How to apply
- Create or log in to your existing account on USAJOBS
- Review the job announcement and complete the online occupational questionnaire
- Download and upload the standard Clinical Resume Document in the primary resume field and full CV/resume in the other documents field along with transcripts and required licenses
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of September 17, 2026
Additional information
- Selected applicants will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel
- Position is located in Battle Creek, Michigan
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Licensed clinical social workers seeking a stable role within the federal Veterans Health Administration system.
- Professionals with experience in inpatient mental health settings and familiarity with clinical documentation.
- Candidates looking for a comprehensive benefits package, including federal retirement plans and parental leave.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position requires an on-site presence in Battle Creek, Michigan, necessitating relocation if you are not local.
- Applicants must be prepared for a mandatory 1 to 2-year trial period upon selection.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a mandatory requirement for all personnel.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is ideal for a social worker aiming to build a long-term career within the federal government, offering a structured path with clear salary progression from GS-9 to GS-11. It provides a stable environment for those focused on direct patient care and clinical psychotherapy within the veteran community.
Our take
Licensed social workers who value federal benefits and a dedicated clinical focus should apply. Those seeking remote work or who are unable to commit to the trial period may find this less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
