Social Work Health Professions Trainee Program

Washington DC VA Medical Center Social Work Health Professions Trainee (SW HPT) Program is committed to providing quality field placement instruction to social work trainees. Our goal is to train and mentor future generations of Social Workers to become effective, ethical, clinically, and culturally competent practitioners equipped with the tools necessary for successful entry into the social work profession. 

The SW HPT Program offers up to 10 stipend-paid trainee placements during each traditional academic year. Students must meet stipend eligibility requirements to be awarded a stipend, which is $7,500.00 or $15.00 per hour after completing the mandatory 500 field hours. Any additional hours needed to meet school field program requirements will be unpaid. The DC VAMC Program has the capacity to offer uncompensated/unpaid placements opportunities based on availability. 

Our program focus is on the generalist scope of clinical practice. A clinical generalist focus provides trainees with a unique opportunity to explore and learn many areas of social work in one agency setting. The DC VAMC offers a diverse and wide variety of placement opportunities in various treatment settings to include outpatient, inpatient, specialty, primary care, as well as treatment for substance use dependent, mental health interventions and support around housing stability. 

• Give 100% to the Veterans you serve, the VA and your assigned program placement - follow through with assignments and responsibilities. 
• Professional attire and behavior are expected. 
• Be self-motivated, proactive and demonstrate effective time management skills.

• Actively participate in the learning process by identifying learning needs and goals, providing agenda and case material prior to weekly supervision, completing assigned tasks, and attend required meetings.

   

The Washington DC VA Medical Center Social Work Health Professions Trainee Program accepts applicants who are qualified advanced-standing or second/specialization year master-level graduate students enrolled in programs accredited by the Council of Social Work Education. 

All referrals to the program must be made through a university liaison which our program has an established affiliation agreement. Each educational institution liaison submits the student referral to the SW HPT Coordinator.  

Washington DC VA Medical Center currently has agreements with ten universities. Students from George Mason University; Howard University; The Catholic University of America; University of Maryland Baltimore; Virginia Commonwealth University; Grand Canyon University; Arizona State University; Salisbury University; Fordham University; and University of Kentucky may apply to our Social Work Health Professions Trainee Program.

Applications for paid and uncompensated field placements are accepted during January and February prior to the start of the Fall placements during any given year. After receipt of the referral, students will be provided with an application packet to complete which will be screened to determine if the student is a best fit for our agency and to ensure our placement is suitable to meet the student’s learning goals.  

Application Packet Contains: 

1. Field Placement Application and Information Sheet
2. Statement of Interest – Addressing the following items: 

• Goals for your practicum placement 
• Primary reason(s) for your interest in social work 
• Any specific experiences that have prepared you for a clinical field placement. 

3. Current Resume 

Completed application packets will be reviewed and the top applicants will be referred for an in-person interview. Those selected for an interview will be contacted to schedule an appointment. The VA uses a Performance Based Interview (PBI) process which provides an opportunity to share current or past experiences illustrating your knowledge, skills, and abilities regarding a specific question or topic. To prepare, you may want to visit Performance Based Interviewing (PBI) Home You can also search the internet using the terms "Performance Based Interview " or "PBI

• Opportunities to participate in didactics, observational and experiential rotations outside of primary placement to enhance the field practicum experience. 
• Exceptional training and supervision while developing skills and abilities to successfully fulfill the role of a professional social worker in the workforce. 
• Experience within a large health care system and interdisciplinary treatment teams. 
• Familiarity with the VA system, position duties, and key staff for networking & potential future job opportunities. 
• Opportunity to give back by serving the Veterans who have served us. 

Trainees are not eligible for the Federal Employee Retirement System. However, if a trainee later becomes a federal employee, time spent in the trainee program status can be credited toward retirement. The DC VA is interested in offering jobs to former trainees, and they are encouraged to apply for federal employment, which would begin after completion of degree requirements. Training will be provided during the field placement on how to apply for VA federal employment.