About the opportunity
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Social Worker for the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs Counselor position located in Sheridan, Wyoming. This role involves identifying patient needs, developing and executing individualized treatment plans, delivering professional individual and group counseling, managing cases from admission through post-discharge follow-up, and addressing crises with minimal supervision. The incumbent will collaborate with an interdisciplinary medical team, conduct therapeutic lectures, provide aftercare treatment, and serve as a mentor or field instructor. The position offers a comprehensive federal benefits package, competitive pay ranging from $76,981 to $121,089 per year, and potential eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) student loan reimbursement up to $200,000.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive salary ranging from $76,981 to $121,089 per year with regular salary increases and possible above-minimum rate placement for unique qualifications
- 37 to 50 days of annual paid time off (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays)
- Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment
- Child care subsidy up to 25% of total eligible costs (up to $416.66 monthly maximum) for full-time employees with family income below $144,000 after 60 days of employment
- Traditional federal pension (5-year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% employer contributions
- Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance programs
- Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) student loan payment reimbursement up to $200,000 for eligible applicants
- Recruitment incentive (sign-on bonus) may be authorized
Who can apply?
- Must be a U.S. citizen (non-citizens may be appointed only when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy)
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service
- Must hold a master's degree in social work (MSW) from a school fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- For GS-9: No experience beyond the basic requirements is required; licensure may be waived at the GS-9 level pending completion of prerequisites
- For GS-11 and above: Must possess a minimum of one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in health care or social work-related settings, and hold a state license or certification at the independent practice level
- Must be physically and mentally able to perform essential job functions and participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
Required documents
- Resume (must upload standard Clinical Resume Document into the restricted 'Resume' field and full CV/resume into the 'Other' field if applicable)
- Cover Letter
- DD-214 or Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Professional Certification
- SF-15
- SF-50 or Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
When to apply
- Applications open on August 26, 2026
- Initial cutoff date for reviewing applicants is September 10, 2026
- Final application closing date is October 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM (ET)
How to apply
- Click 'Apply Online' on the official USAJOBS posting to create an account or log into an existing account
- Download and complete the standard Clinical Resume Document template
- Upload required documents including your resume, transcripts, and relevant licenses into the designated fields
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire
- Review your application package and click 'Submit My Answers' prior to the closing deadline
Additional information
- Announcement Number: CBSU-13047984-26-AGL
- Control Number: 882312800
- Full performance level is GS-13, with actual selection ranging from GS-11 to GS-13
- Position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status
- Selected applicants must serve a 1 or 2-year trial period
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…
- Social workers holding an MSW who are ready to provide clinical counseling and manage complex cases in a residential setting.
- Professionals interested in interdisciplinary collaboration and mentoring within a dedicated mental health rehabilitation program.
- Candidates seeking significant financial support for student loans through the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is located in Sheridan, Wyoming, which will necessitate relocation for non-local applicants.
- The role is in the Excepted Service and requires the successful completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period.
- Applicants must hold an independent practice-level license for GS-11 and above, so you should verify your current state licensure meets these requirements.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position serves as an excellent platform for an experienced social worker to advance their clinical practice while benefiting from substantial student loan reimbursement. It is well-suited for someone looking to integrate into a specialized medical team and take on leadership responsibilities, such as mentoring or field instruction, within a stable federal healthcare framework.
Our take
This is a compelling opportunity for licensed clinical social workers committed to Veteran mental health who are looking for high-level financial support and a structured career path; those unable to relocate to Wyoming or who prefer private practice settings may find it less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
