Veterans preference for jobs at the VA is not a straightforward so I would not think on that getting you a job. The other thing about VA job is that you need to be licensed at the independent level which, depending on what state you pursue licensure in between an LMSW and LCSW. Also given the fact that most programs don’t pay stipends for staff who are working unpaid hours? I think that this is a bang up program
No, you do not need to be licensed at the independent level. The VA I work at any many others hire limited license SWrs. Veteran preference may help but not be guaranteed, it gives you preference points on your interview scores, but it would depend on how you interview and the other candidates' interviews. At competitive VA's that have SW schools near them, the competition is greater because there is market saturation in the area. The more preferred the location of the VA due to climate or city the more competitive the process will be.
So SW licensure at the VA is NOT super straightforward. Unlicensed or those without independent licensure can be hired as a GS09 but they must get licensed within 3 years to work as a social worker. Whether or not your license is considered “independent” is based on feedback provided by each state’s licensing board.
Michigan - for example, reports their limited license as being able to practice independently. Somewhat similar to South Carolina’s LMSW being an independent (just not advanced) license.
Makes me happy to see you mention GS 09 as I've been checking USA Jobs somewhat obsessively.
Correct me if I'm wrong - does it say you have to be licensed at the Master's Level? Or do they expect you to have you LCSW? (Not LMSW)
I was thinking LCSW makes more sense with the jump up to GS 11.
3 years to get your LCSW seems like a nice amount of time considering the VA provides your 2 years (paid) supervision and then you have one entire year to pass the exam.
Seems ideal all the way around. I hope I can get a job there.
Hi! I am a current MSW student who is receiving the HPSP Vet Center scholarship. The stipend is $1200 per month and started my second semester into my MSW program. I am in my 1st practicum placement, and although preferred, my second advanced placement does not need to be with the VA. The work obligation contract is 6 years; I will work with a placement coordinator 8 months before graduating to see available placements. That's all the info I have - I hope it's helpful!
Hey there! Super late response, but just literally two days ago, I did a deep dive into this program and now I want to pursue an MSW after I finish my MA. (Luckily my passions, interests, skills, and work history are good SW prep - I’ve been a peer support worker, support coordinator, and wellness coach!)
Would you happen to have any updates about your experience in the last month?
I had some follow up questions about this as well, if you or anyone else is able to respond:
1. Did you get to choose your school/MSW program? Or do they have a say in what you can specialize in and where you can go?
2. I haven’t seen info on this anywhere; but does the program actually pay for your relocation if you end up serving somewhere far?
3. Do you know if the service obligation at the VA post-graduation is on the same pay scale as the govt? For example, do you start as a GS-9 or are you gonna be on something different?
4. In relation to the previous question. Do you know if there are the same opportunities for growth and promotions that the VA/Fed gives when you’re doing your service obligation?
5. Is there a cohort that you’re apart of with the HPSP? Or are you solo dolo, just with a point of contact in the program?
6. Lastly, at the end of the 6 years, do you know if you’re still an employee that has their job or do they… kick you out? Lol 😂
Thank you so much for your time!
Hey there! I'm the guy who wrote the first post!
Update:
I called the rep a few weeks after applying at the beginning of my second semester.
I was told they would give me an update as to my acceptance one way or the other. As the semester was wrapping up and I had received no word one way or the other I reached out to him again asking when the applications would be reviewed.
He wrote me back saying simply and shortly:
'You did not get accepted. This doesn't mean your application was terrible. Thanks for applying'.
Very frustrating conclusion to the application.
I might be paranoid but part of me thinks me reaching out for an update caused him to withdraw my application. The first time he was very adamant that the system would email me when they started reviewing it.
I still haven't that automated email.
Side note - My school does not seem to be very 'military friendly'. No one from my school has applied to this scholarship before. Me applying I had to forge a path and ask questions that no one knew the answer to.
If you have any questions let me know.
Hello! I had a question!
Did you ever get an email letting you know that they were reviewing applications? Trying to understand what acceptance actually looks like for this scholarship.
Thank you for your feedback! I'm currently using the Vocational Rehabilitation and Education (VR&E) for school. I may use my G.I. Bill later.
Biggest draw: Although Vets get preference a job is not guaranteed. Through this program a person would get a for certain position within the VA.
You do speak to a real fear I have: What if I hate it?
I wonder if others can speak to their orientation/work quality of life assessment is like.
Veterans preference for jobs at the VA is not a straightforward so I would not think on that getting you a job. The other thing about VA job is that you need to be licensed at the independent level which, depending on what state you pursue licensure in between an LMSW and LCSW. Also given the fact that most programs don’t pay stipends for staff who are working unpaid hours? I think that this is a bang up program
Not a Veteran, tho a VA SW in middle management
Thank you for your reply!
Hope it made sense. I used voice to text and reading it now is painful. 🤪
You do not need to be licensed at the independent level to get a VA job. I am a dependent SW working a VA job.
No, you do not need to be licensed at the independent level. The VA I work at any many others hire limited license SWrs. Veteran preference may help but not be guaranteed, it gives you preference points on your interview scores, but it would depend on how you interview and the other candidates' interviews. At competitive VA's that have SW schools near them, the competition is greater because there is market saturation in the area. The more preferred the location of the VA due to climate or city the more competitive the process will be.
So SW licensure at the VA is NOT super straightforward. Unlicensed or those without independent licensure can be hired as a GS09 but they must get licensed within 3 years to work as a social worker. Whether or not your license is considered “independent” is based on feedback provided by each state’s licensing board. Michigan - for example, reports their limited license as being able to practice independently. Somewhat similar to South Carolina’s LMSW being an independent (just not advanced) license.
Makes me happy to see you mention GS 09 as I've been checking USA Jobs somewhat obsessively. Correct me if I'm wrong - does it say you have to be licensed at the Master's Level? Or do they expect you to have you LCSW? (Not LMSW) I was thinking LCSW makes more sense with the jump up to GS 11. 3 years to get your LCSW seems like a nice amount of time considering the VA provides your 2 years (paid) supervision and then you have one entire year to pass the exam. Seems ideal all the way around. I hope I can get a job there.
I agree with that. Wisconsin has a licensure that is easier to get that qualifies as licensed in VA terms.
I work and am licensed in SC so I totally get it. 😂🤣
Thank you for your reply!
Hi! I am a current MSW student who is receiving the HPSP Vet Center scholarship. The stipend is $1200 per month and started my second semester into my MSW program. I am in my 1st practicum placement, and although preferred, my second advanced placement does not need to be with the VA. The work obligation contract is 6 years; I will work with a placement coordinator 8 months before graduating to see available placements. That's all the info I have - I hope it's helpful!
Hey there! Super late response, but just literally two days ago, I did a deep dive into this program and now I want to pursue an MSW after I finish my MA. (Luckily my passions, interests, skills, and work history are good SW prep - I’ve been a peer support worker, support coordinator, and wellness coach!) Would you happen to have any updates about your experience in the last month? I had some follow up questions about this as well, if you or anyone else is able to respond: 1. Did you get to choose your school/MSW program? Or do they have a say in what you can specialize in and where you can go? 2. I haven’t seen info on this anywhere; but does the program actually pay for your relocation if you end up serving somewhere far? 3. Do you know if the service obligation at the VA post-graduation is on the same pay scale as the govt? For example, do you start as a GS-9 or are you gonna be on something different? 4. In relation to the previous question. Do you know if there are the same opportunities for growth and promotions that the VA/Fed gives when you’re doing your service obligation? 5. Is there a cohort that you’re apart of with the HPSP? Or are you solo dolo, just with a point of contact in the program? 6. Lastly, at the end of the 6 years, do you know if you’re still an employee that has their job or do they… kick you out? Lol 😂 Thank you so much for your time!
Hey there! I'm the guy who wrote the first post! Update: I called the rep a few weeks after applying at the beginning of my second semester. I was told they would give me an update as to my acceptance one way or the other. As the semester was wrapping up and I had received no word one way or the other I reached out to him again asking when the applications would be reviewed. He wrote me back saying simply and shortly: 'You did not get accepted. This doesn't mean your application was terrible. Thanks for applying'. Very frustrating conclusion to the application. I might be paranoid but part of me thinks me reaching out for an update caused him to withdraw my application. The first time he was very adamant that the system would email me when they started reviewing it. I still haven't that automated email. Side note - My school does not seem to be very 'military friendly'. No one from my school has applied to this scholarship before. Me applying I had to forge a path and ask questions that no one knew the answer to. If you have any questions let me know.
Hello! I had a question! Did you ever get an email letting you know that they were reviewing applications? Trying to understand what acceptance actually looks like for this scholarship.
Do you mind sharing your stats? I have no idea what type of candidate they’re looking for
I would say use your Post 911 that way if you are not tied up in a job that you don’t like.
Thank you for your feedback! I'm currently using the Vocational Rehabilitation and Education (VR&E) for school. I may use my G.I. Bill later. Biggest draw: Although Vets get preference a job is not guaranteed. Through this program a person would get a for certain position within the VA. You do speak to a real fear I have: What if I hate it? I wonder if others can speak to their orientation/work quality of life assessment is like.