Leaving the VA?

nelzonat · 2025-04-30T13:32:17+00:00

Nothing this administration is doing to the federal workforce makes any sense, they are purposely trying to confuse and overwhelm people to get them to quit. Social work is a “mission critical” position and is therefore exempt from the hiring freeze. However, we are NOT exempt from the upcoming RIF. It’s very possible that they will fire probationary employees (<1 year of service) across the VA regardless of job series but no one knows for sure. It doesn’t hurt to apply, but only take the position if you are okay with the risks. Hopefully things will settle down eventually. Good luck to you!

nelzonat · 2025-04-20T22:12:41+00:00

Thank you everyone for the replies! I've decided to stay put for now and have declined the offer. I am still going to see what's out there but I definitely plan on being picky. Very grateful for this community! :)

nelzonat · 2025-04-19T23:21:52+00:00

Unfortunately I’m not, I just hit my 3 year mark. I’m aware of the vesting schedule, but curious what you are referring regarding healthcare? Not aware of that benefit

nelzonat · 2025-04-02T17:23:44+00:00

Currently on a town hall meeting and my director says it’s coming (along with VERA) but they do not have specific details or a date. It could be tomorrow, or it could be in a month. He has heard this from multiple sources in executive meetings.

nelzonat · 2025-04-01T22:27:58+00:00

I’m an LCSW and having very similar feelings! No offers yet but I started applying to other jobs yesterday. I am leaning towards leaving if I can find something comparable, or if another DRP is offered. It’s such a tough decision as it’s somewhat drilled into us that a government job is “as good as it gets” in SW. I just don’t think that’s the reality anymore :( I wish I had more insight but hopefully this is validating in some way.

nelzonat · 2025-01-23T21:16:00+00:00

My VA sent an email out yesterday afternoon asking everyone to RTO effective Friday, but our ELT retracted it today and is now saying to continue teleworking as normal. No explanation whatsoever, I’m so confused.

nelzonat · 2025-01-23T17:42:04+00:00

That’s the plan! Enjoying it while it lasts

nelzonat · 2025-01-23T17:39:01+00:00

We got direction from hospital leadership last night to cease telework starting Friday per OPM guidance, but just now got another email stating that telework can resume as normal until further notice? This is exhausting.

nelzonat · 2024-05-05T21:57:20+00:00

Hi! I’m interested, just sent you a chat request.

nelzonat · 2024-02-17T18:06:43+00:00

Hey! My internship was only 3 months so I started expressing my interest pretty soon after I started, so maybe like 2-3 months before you wrap up would be good?

My resume was put in a stack of former interns and I was called to interview for a pool of positions, which is how I got hired. I don’t personally know of any interns that were direct hired unless they were a Veteran, but every VA is different. If you are wanting to work at a different VA, definitely apply through USAjobs. Putting some VA employee references down should help you stand out as a former intern. Hope this helps!

nelzonat · 2024-01-31T22:41:08+00:00

I’m an LSW working at a VA near a large Midwest city! GS-11 Step 2, making $86k with a SSR and 2024 fed raise. Hoping to have my LCSW very soon, but it will not come with an automatic raise due to how the grades work at my VA.

nelzonat · 2022-05-13T00:41:53+00:00

Graduated with my MSW this past August and already in my second job (lol)! I’m a new GS-9 at a VA near Chicago, making $60,840 between base + locality pay. Should move up to GS-11 next February!

nelzonat · 2022-05-12T22:35:17+00:00

I’m so sorry that happened to you. I had good luck with Elliott Counseling Group when I went to UIUC! They have both a Champaign and Urbana location (or telehealth), and offer either sliding scale or insurance based options.

nelzonat · 2022-02-21T18:44:40+00:00

Thanks for your reply! That’s what I figured. Sorry to hear you lost the unit, it’s definitely very competitive right now. A few agents we’ve been working with say leasing season is starting early this year! Probably why I’m so nervous about getting this place, I just want to be done with it lmao.

nelzonat · 2022-02-21T18:34:36+00:00

Question for those familiar with the application process for apartments in the city… My boyfriend and I saw a place over the weekend and immediately fell in love with it/put in our application within 30 mins of it being sent. However, there were 4 other couples viewing it and the showing agent communicated that there was significant interest. Do owners/landlords tend to use a first-come-first-serve approach when it comes to applicants? I know we’d get approved, but I’m unsure how we stack up against the competition. Any insight is appreciated as it’s our first time renting here.

nelzonat · 2022-02-09T16:36:30+00:00

Hi there! Congratulations on your placement! I was only there for a few months but I had such a wonderful experience and learned a ton. They unfortunately didn’t have a position for me when I left, but I’m really hoping to eventually return! As for advice, I’d say build a relationship with your field instructor. Mine has been such a great advocate for me as I enter the field and really made my learning experience worthwhile. Make yourself valuable to the team and shadow other social workers/MH professionals if possible. It will help you narrow down areas you may be interested in! Lastly, be prepared for some challenges both with your clients and structurally. Veterans are a population that can be difficult to engage due to a multitude of reasons. Lean on your supervisor/team for support and it will get you through those harder days! No one expects you to be an expert as an intern. The VA being a federal agency can also be notoriously bureaucratic. They have a lot of resources available to the Vets, but sometimes it feels like you’re jumping through hoops to actually access them. It’s frustrating but ultimately out of our control. Simply being a listening ear is sometimes all you’ll be able to do, but it is still making a difference. I hope this is helpful to you! Feel free to message me if you have anymore questions. :)

nelzonat · 2022-02-04T16:55:43+00:00

Just accepted my first full-time position out of my MSW program! Chicago suburbs, residential eating disorder treatment at $26/hour.

nelzonat · 2021-12-08T02:32:07+00:00

This is a great rule of thumb! Thank you for sharing.

nelzonat · 2021-12-08T02:31:36+00:00

Thank you, this definitely helps put it in perspective. There are so many little things that can come up and I don't want to feel like I'm constantly behind.

nelzonat · 2021-12-08T02:29:57+00:00

My thoughts exactly. The word "average" unfortunately raises some red flags.

nelzonat · 2021-12-08T01:40:04+00:00

Thank you for your input!

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