Senior Social Worker - Rural Access Network Enhancement; RANGE at U.S. Department o

Senior Social Worker – Rural Access Network for Growth Enhancement (RANGE)

Location:

Anchorage, AK.

Eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. Candidates must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit their EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval and award amount (up to $200,000 for one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office after review.

The RANGE program is administered locally under the Mental Health Service Line at the Alaska VA Healthcare System. RANGE develops, implements, and assesses the benefit of a behaviorally‑oriented treatment intervention, psychosocial rehabilitation, intensive case management, and community‑based treatment for chronic mentally ill Veterans. Services are provided in community settings such as Veterans’ homes and other locations.

• Provide intensive case management services to assigned Veterans and family members, emphasizing assertive outreach, individualized treatment planning, and frequent direct contacts.
• Coordinate care across locations and with any RANGE team member, ensuring Veterans are seen in any setting with the required assistance.
• Promote treatment, rehabilitation, recovery, and discharge consistent with program goals and individualized plans.
• Collaborate with inpatient teams to assure continuity of care, providing consultation regarding clinical needs, treatment plans, and case management services.
• Maintain comprehensive clinical documentation in the Electronic Health Record and RANGE forms for evaluation, monitoring service delivery, and reporting to program managers and the Northeast Program Evaluation Center.
• Serve as a mentor and supervisor to entry‑level Social Workers, unlicensed Social Workers, and Social Work associates, and as a field instructor or preceptor for graduate students.
• Apply professional judgment, knowledge of normal and abnormal behavior, and advanced practice skills to treat Veterans with serious psychiatric problems and complex histories.

Work Schedule:

8:00AM – 4:30PM, Monday through Friday.

Salary:
Competitive, with potential higher step rates based on qualifications. Regular salary increases and opportunities for additional raises.

Paid Time Off: 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year (including leave, sick leave, and federal holidays). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior experience.

Parental Leave:
Up to 12 weeks paid after 12 months of employment for birth, adoption, or foster placement.

Child Care Subsidy:
Eligible employees may receive up to 25% of childcare costs (capped at $416.66 monthly) after 60 days of employment.

Retirement:
Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contributions.

Other Benefits:
Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care (many eligible for continuation into retirement). Telework:
Not available. Virtual:
Not a virtual position.

• U.S. Citizenship required;
  Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English required.
• Background/security investigation required; possible trial period and pre‑employment physical examination and influenza vaccination.
• Educational requirement:
  Master’s degree in social work from a CSWE‑accredited school. Doctoral degree not substituted. Verification of degree required.
• Licensure:
  Must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master’s level. State requirements and advanced practice level licensure or certification required.
• Experience:
  
  At least two years of post‑advanced practice clinical licensure, with one unique year at GS‑11 grade level or equivalent.
• Skills:
  
  Advanced interventions, complex differential diagnosis, outcome evaluation, consultation, policy development, and mentoring.
• Physical requirements:
  
  Light to moderate lifting, visual acuity standards, hearing, emotional/mental stability.

Applicants may not be required to apply online; alternative methods may be requested. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting criminal history prior to offering an employment contract.

For questions about EDRP, contact: VHAEDRPProgram

Support.

The health‑related positions in VA are covered by Title
38 and are not covered by ScheduleA excepted appointment authority. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history in areas covered by the Fair Chance to Compete Act.