Partnerships and social work: A strategy for Veteran support

VA’s National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP) facilitates partnerships that use a holistic approach deeply rooted in social work to improve the health and well-being of Veterans. This strategy addresses the social determinants of health (SDOH) impacting Veterans’ living situations, employment opportunities and community resources. Social workers are experts in identifying resources and services in the community, linking those resources to those in need and developing partnerships to address any gaps in service for Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors. 

The social work perspective in Veteran support 

More than 20,500 social workers are employed with VA to provide comprehensive support tailored to each Veteran’s unique needs and to help Veterans and their families navigate complex issues like mental health, substance abuse, housing stability, employment and food security. By building relationships and fostering collaborations across communities, social workers individualize care, ensuring Veterans successfully improve their health outcomes.  

“Social workers provide an important service, engaging directly with Veterans to forge partnerships that extend beyond healthcare,” said Heather Luper, HAP clinical social worker. “By understanding the unique and complex journey of Veterans and their families, social workers offer coordinated support to enhance their well-being.”

The role of social work in community engagement 

Social work is a crucial element of VA’s mission to expand services and resources for Veterans. Two public-private partnerships led by VA’s Post-9/11 Transition and Case Management Program with both the Wounded Warrior Project and the Avalon Action Alliance demonstrate the value of social work services. These partnerships incorporate VA liaisons and social workers who coordinate VA health care for Veterans after intensive outpatient treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury.

In 2023, VA liaisons engaged with 1,055 Veterans and provided education on VA health care benefits personalized to each Veteran; they also coordinated VA health care for those interested in receiving ongoing care at their home VA facility. These partnerships are instrumental in ensuring that regardless of where Veterans choose to receive care, there is a clear pathway to access the VA Health Care System.

HAP facilitates partnerships with community organizations to expand the services provided by VA and empower Veterans to engage with their communities, enhancing their sense of belonging and security. Social work principles are central to HAP’s approach to enhance Veteran health and well-being, demonstrated through HAP-led initiatives like the Veteran Community Partnerships (VCP) and Veteran Sponsor Partnership Network (VSPN).

The VCP initiative exemplifies the impact of local collaborations to improve access to services, foster community-based support and promote community engagement. VSPN unites various VA programs and community organizations to offer a comprehensive support network, enhancing the connection of Veterans to essential services including health care, employment and peer sponsor support. 

Looking ahead  

Through dedicated efforts to facilitate impactful partnerships, HAP continues to make strides to support Veterans’ health and well-being. By embracing a model of care that values community, personal connection and holistic support, HAP helps create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all Veterans. 

“HAP constantly adapts to meet the changing needs of Veterans driven by the commitment to support them with care, dignity and innovation,” said Chien Chen, HAP chief officer and nurse executive. “Facilitating partnerships that embody the ideals of social work enables HAP to ensure effective and meaningful health care for Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors.”

For more information about VA partnerships, visit the HAP website.  

For more information about VA social work, visit the VA Social Work website. 

For more information about Post-9/11 Transition and Case Management, visit thePost-9/11 TCM website.