Texas veterans and healthcare professionals – the VA is hiring across the state!

Department of Veterans Affairs Jobs Texas: Complete Hiring Guide

VA jobs in Texas span clinical roles (nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, social workers, LPNs/LVNs) and administrative positions (grant specialists, claims benefit advisors, health system specialists). Texas is home to major VA healthcare systems including VA North Texas, VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend, and the South Texas VA. The application process is through USAJOBS.gov. Veterans may receive hiring preference, and state positions are available through the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC).

Quick Facts

VA Healthcare Systems in Texas

VA North Texas Health Care System

The VA North Texas Health Care System is one of the largest VA systems in the country, serving veterans across North Texas. The main facility is the Dallas VA Medical Center. The system is home to the largest Spinal Cord Injury & Disorders System of Care in the U.S., with a new 30-bed SCI/D Long-Term Care Center currently under construction in Dallas.

Key locations:

• Dallas VA Medical Center (main campus)

• VA clinics throughout North Texas

Contact: Human Resources at 214-857-1701

VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System

The VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System serves veterans in South Texas, with the Harlingen VA Clinic as its primary facility.

Key location: Harlingen VA Clinic, 2601 Veterans Drive, Harlingen, TX 78550

Contact: Human Resources at 956-291-9000

South Texas VA

The South Texas Veterans Health Care System, anchored by the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in San Antonio, serves veterans throughout South Texas.

Types of VA Jobs in Texas

Clinical Positions

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) – Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT)

LVN positions are available at multiple Texas locations. The full performance level is GS-6, with grades ranging from GS-3 to GS-6.

Key duties include:

• Administering prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous)

• Observing and reporting changes in patient conditions

• Supporting diagnostic tests and specialized procedures

• Serves as a preceptor for less experienced LVNs and Nursing Assistants/Health Technicians

Qualifications:

• Active, unrestricted state license

• Education must be accredited by the National League for Nursing (NLNAC)

• Three years nursing experience preferred

• Recent patient care within 5 years preferred

• PACT/Primary Care/ER/Outpatient Clinic experience preferred

Additional information: This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, VA cannot request criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer.

Registered Nurse (Outpatient Primary Care) – Dallas, TX

RN positions are ranked on a three-level clinical ladder:

Basic requirements:

• Graduate of an accredited nursing school (ACEN or CCNE)

• Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license

• English language proficiency (38 U.S.C. 7403(f))

Preferred experience: 5 years Med/Surg RN experience, 2 years RN ER/ICU experience within the last 3 years, 1 year RN Adult Outpatient Primary Care experience within the past 3 years, BSN or above, AAACN Ambulatory Care Certification, VA Experience

Special Note: If you are a foreign graduate, you must possess a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration to meet the graduation requirement for an appointment as a Nurse.

Registered Nurse (Pathway to Excellence and Magnet Recognition Coordinator)

This leadership role requires clinical and administrative experience.

Preferred experience: 3-5 years Clinical RN Experience, current Leadership/Management experience in the last 3 years, previous Magnet or Pathway experience/knowledge, Master’s degree in nursing or related field.

Physical requirements: Walking, standing, and sitting up to 8-12 hours per day; lifting up to 44 pounds; fine manipulation including keyboarding for 4-6 hours.

Advanced Practice Nurse/Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) – Dallas, TX

CRNA positions offer recruitment/relocation incentives and EDRP (Education Debt Reduction Program) authorization. The role requires RRNA supervision and training experience and experience in invasive lines placement and regional anesthesia.

Physician (Physiatrist) – Dallas VA Medical Center

The VA North Texas Health Care System is seeking a Board-Certified/Eligible Physiatrist with expertise in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Medicine.

Position highlights:

• New 30-bed SCI/D Long-Term Care Center under construction

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): up to $200K student loan repayment

• 50-55 days paid time off (including holidays and CME leave)

• Federal pension + 401K with 5% VA match

• Malpractice coverage + tail insurance

• No employment contract; flexible schedules

Key responsibilities: Provide diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for Veterans with SCI/D; perform procedures (joint injections, wound care, osteopathic manipulation); lead an interdisciplinary team.

Preferred qualifications: Board Certified/Eligible in PM&R & SCI Medicine; completed PM&R residency + SCI Fellowship; experience in acute/subacute rehab & outpatient procedures.

Senior Social Worker (Emergency Department) – San Antonio, TX

This GS-12 position pays $112,783 – $146,621 per year.

Duties include:

• Psychosocial assessments and treatment planning

• Substance abuse referrals and discharge planning

• Short-term solution focused counseling for patients in crisis

• Education and referral for resources and benefits

• Brief case management and post-intervention follow-up

Application deadline: July 7, 2026

Special Note: Applicants must use the standard Clinical Resume Document for this position. The resume can be downloaded from the VA Careers website and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted Resume document upload field. A full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the Other document upload field.

Texas Veterans Commission (State) Positions

The Texas Veterans Commission offers state-level positions supporting veterans across Texas.

TVC – Grant Officer (Grant Specialist II) – Austin, TX

This role manages a portfolio of 20-30 grantee organizations serving Texas veterans and their families. The position administers the Fund for Veterans Assistance (FVA), which awards competitive reimbursement grants to non-profits and units of local government.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (experience may be substituted on a year-by-year basis)

• Two years experience as a grants specialist, cashier, bank teller, banking-related experience, business administration, financial experience or public administration

• Must be able to obtain Grants Management Certificate Program within 18 months if not already certified

Knowledge required: Code of Federal Regulations (CFR200), Texas Grant Management Standards (TGMS)

Preferred qualifications: Experience with an electronic grant management system; experience working for a state agency or nonprofit; honorably discharged veteran.

Application: Must apply through CAPPS Recruit. Work in Texas (WIT) applicants must complete supplemental questions.

TVC – Claims Benefit Advisor – Cedar Park, TX

This entry-level position assists veterans and eligible persons with the VA claims process.

Qualifications:

• Associate degree or higher with major coursework in social work, business management, political science or a related field (experience may substitute)

• One year specialized experience assisting with documentation to determine basic eligibility for benefits or programs

Preferred qualifications: Honorably discharged veteran; experience in filing benefit claims with the Department of Veteran Affairs; fluent in Spanish.

Duties include: Interviewing veterans and family members; interpreting VA laws; preparing and filing claims and appeals; maintaining accreditation with the VA.

TVC – Claims Benefit Advisor (Strikeforce) – Houston, TX

This senior-level position performs claims review for the State Strike Force Team.

Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (experience and education may be substituted)

• Three years specialized experience assisting with documentation to determine basic eligibility for benefits or programs, preferably VBA experience

Knowledge required: VA rules and regulations; VA databases such as VBMS, SHARE, and CASEFLOW.

Preferred qualifications: Honorably discharged veteran.

Health System Specialist (Strategic Planner) – Harlingen, TX

This GS-12 position is part of the Veterans Health Administration, focusing on strategic planning and healthcare administration.

Time-in-Grade requirement: Current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at GS-11 within the past 52 weeks.

Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR): Major study hospital administration, public health administration, or related fields such as business or public administration with course work in health care administration (transcripts required).

OR Specialized Experience: Progressively responsible analytical or administrative, or clinical management or supervisory experience in the health care field that involved close working relationships with facility managers and analysis/coordination of administrative, clinical, or other service activities.

How to Apply for VA Jobs in Texas

Step 1: Create a USAJOBS Account

All federal VA job applications must go through USAJOBS.gov. Create an account, build your profile, and upload your resume. Search for jobs by location “Texas” and agency “Department of Veterans Affairs”.

Step 2: State Positions (TVC)

State positions with the Texas Veterans Commission are advertised through CAPPS Recruit. Work in Texas (WIT) applicants must complete supplemental questions on the CAPPS Recruit site.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Required documents vary by position but typically include:

• Resume or CV: For clinical positions, use the standard Clinical Resume Document from VA Careers

• DD-214: For veterans claiming preference (member #1 not accepted)

• SF-50: For current or former federal employees (shows time-in-grade)

• Transcripts: For education requirements

• Professional Licenses: For clinical positions

• VA Disability Letter: For 10-point preference

• SF-15: “Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference” with required proof

Important: College transcripts are required before an interview can be extended. Attaching documents to the application is preferred.

Step 4: Complete the Application

Follow the instructions in each job announcement. Pay attention to “How to Apply” and “Required Documents” sections. The application package must be submitted before the closing date.

Step 5: Apply for Veterans’ Preference

Eligible veterans should claim preference (5pt/TP, 10pt/CP/CPS/XP, or Sole Survivor Preference/SSP) in the questionnaire. Documentation is required to award preference.

Important Requirements

Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship is generally required; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.

English Language Proficiency

All VA employees in direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English (38 U.S.C. 7403(f)).

Background Investigation

Most positions require a background/security investigation. The Fair Chance to Compete Act prohibits requesting criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer.

Time-in-Grade

Current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade level to be eligible for promotion. Document with SF-50.

Probationary/Trial Period

New federal employees are typically required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period. The agency will evaluate fitness and whether continued employment advances the public interest.

Influenza Vaccination

Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

REAL ID Requirement

Effective May 7, 2025, driver’s licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.

Excepted Service

Health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38 and are in the Excepted Service, which does not confer competitive status.

Common Questions

1. Where are VA jobs located in Texas?

VA jobs are located at VA North Texas Health Care System (Dallas), VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System (Harlingen), and South Texas VA (San Antonio). Texas Veterans Commission positions are located in Austin, Cedar Park, Houston, and other cities.

2. How do I apply for a VA job in Texas?

Apply through USAJOBS.gov for federal positions. For Texas Veterans Commission positions, apply through CAPPS Recruit.

3. Do veterans get preference for VA jobs?

Yes. Veterans’ preference applies to VA positions. Preference eligible candidates receive preference when qualifications are approximately equal. Eligible veterans should claim 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire and provide DD-214 documentation.

4. What is the VA North Texas Health Care System?

VA North Texas is a large VA system based in Dallas, home to the largest SCI/D System of Care in the U.S. A new 30-bed Spinal Cord Injury Long-Term Care Center is under construction.

5. What is the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System?

This system serves South Texas veterans with the Harlingen VA Clinic as its primary facility. Positions are available in Harlingen and surrounding areas.

6. What is the pay for a Senior Social Worker in Texas?

A GS-12 Senior Social Worker in San Antonio earns $112,783 – $146,621 per year.

7. What is EDRP and how does it help with student loans?

The Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) provides student loan repayment for qualifying VA employees. A CRNA position in Dallas offers EDRP authorization. A Physiatrist position in Dallas offers up to $200K student loan repayment.

8. Are there signing bonuses for VA jobs in Texas?

Yes. Recruitment/relocation incentives are authorized for many positions. The CRNA position in Dallas offers recruitment/relocation incentives. The Physiatrist position offers recruitment incentives and no employment contract.

9. What is the Fair Chance to Compete Act?

The Fair Chance to Compete Act prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from requesting an applicant’s criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer.

10. How does the LVN nursing ladder work?

LVNs are ranked GS-3 through GS-6. GS-3 is entry-level with minimal experience. GS-6 is the full performance level requiring significant clinical experience. The specific grade is determined by the applicant’s qualifications.

11. What are the benefits for VA physicians?

Benefits for VA physicians in Dallas include 50-55 days paid time off per year, traditional federal pension, 401K with up to 5% VA match, free liability protection with tail insurance, and up to $1,000/year CME reimbursement.

12. Do I need a specific resume format for VA clinical jobs?

Yes. For clinical positions like Social Worker, applicants must use the standard Clinical Resume Document from VA Careers. This one-page document must be uploaded into the two-page restricted Resume document upload field.

Key Takeaways

• VA jobs in Texas include clinical roles (LVNs, RNs, Nurse Practitioners, CRNAs, Physicians, Social Workers) and administrative positions (Grant Specialists, Claims Benefit Advisors, Health System Specialists).

• Major VA systems in Texas include VA North Texas (Dallas), VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend (Harlingen), and South Texas VA (San Antonio).

• Veterans’ preference applies to VA positions; documentation (DD-214, SF-15) is required.

• Texas Veterans Commission positions are state-level jobs, applied for through CAPPS Recruit, not USAJOBS.

• EDRP (student loan repayment) is available for many clinical positions, with up to $200K for physicians.

• Sign-on and relocation incentives are authorized for hard-to-fill clinical roles.

• The Fair Chance to Compete Act prohibits criminal history inquiries before a tentative job offer.

• Influenza vaccination is a condition of employment for health care personnel.

• Time-in-grade requirements apply to federal employees seeking promotions.

• VA health-related positions are in the Excepted Service under Title 38.

Official Resources

• USAJOBS.gov: Federal government’s official job site. USAJOBS.gov

• VA Careers: Information on health care careers at VA. vacareers.va.gov

• VA North Texas Health Care System: www.va.gov/north-texas-health-care/

• VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System: www.va.gov/texas-valley-health-care/

• Texas Veterans Commission: tvc.texas.gov

• CAPPS Recruit: For TVC job applications. erphcmprd.cpa.texas.gov

• VA Qualification Standards: va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/

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