US Department of Veterans Affairs Reviews

Pros

Serving veterans daily who served our country selflessly.

Cons

None that are enough to complain about

Pros

Get to see the world

Cons

Have to kill people around the world

Pros

Good place to work treat employees fairly

Cons

No opportunity to work from home

Pros

I came from the private sector where it is all about fattening someone's pockets while you work work work. I'll never go back to that. This job is fulfilling because you get to help our nation's hero's. Nothing can compete with this vacation policy, I have more time off than I'll ever use. If you enjoy helping others and not helping your CEO get his 4th vacation home, you'll like this place. Oh and the insurance and retirement are outstanding.

Cons

It is true about what you hear about Government employees. Just don't fall into that loop and you'll be happy. Don't let other peoples' negativity get you down, because when you look at these Veterans and realize what they went through, the piddly arguing goes out the window.

Pros

This is definitely the highest salary I've earned as a social worker with an independent license. It is also a clinical case management position so you will need to use your clinical and resource management skills. The interdisciplinary teams are great if you have a good mix of people and personalities. Lots of autonomy with the right supervisor(s) and the introduction of telework made being able to work in the field a lot easier. Government vehicles are made available so you aren't putting wear and tear on your own vehicle. There are COL increases annually. ALL federal holidays are paid time off and PTO and sick time are accrued the same as civilian positions I've had. Opportunities to take on new roles and additional certifications that the program can use may result in a 'step' or pay increase regardless of your tenure or GS level.

Cons

A bit too much micromanagement for independent practitioners, esp. after telework was introduced during the height of the pandemic Limited space at the office for work and parking

Pros

If you are lazy/not ambitious and can ignore the crushing bureaucracy, then the Miami VA is just for you. The AFGE union local is a joke and is in bed with management If you are ambitious and detail oriented about doing a great job - forget it....you'll just be beating your head against an ossified, ancient and inflexible bureaucracy. Basic supplies are hard to come by. Clean linen is scarce and workplace mask mandates are permanent.

Cons

Poor pay for Miami. Location pay is supposedly tied to Consumer Price Index, but many similar-cost markets are paid much higher. Pay should have been adjusted for Miami cost-of-living 40 years ago. Management only worries about whistleblowers rocking the boat. If you complain,, retribution is swift. You'll be transferred to the darkest of holes in another remote state against your will.

Pros

After you complete training the ability to do OT is great to make some extra money.

Cons

The expectation of meeting the production requirements is unrealistic with the PACT Act changes. I did six months of training as a new person and as soon as I went on production the PACT Act changed everything I learned in training. All of my training was basically obsolete the day my training period ended. The PACT Act changed how disabilities were rated and what was service connected. With no longer having a mentor readily available to answer any questions it took longer to complete cases. There is a list of Quality Review Specialists, which is always changing, who are supposed to be available if you have questions. I have had several times where I went to reach out to one and they were just not available or they did not give helpful feedback which is very frustrating when you are new and still trying to grasp on to the fundamentals.

Pros

Vacation time. Closed on Federal Holidays.

Cons

NPs clinic schedule booked every 30 minutes. No lunch because secure messages must be completed in that time. Always short nurses. I listed vacation time as a pro. However, it must be placed 45 days in advance. Leadership looks down upon canceling clinic even to use earned vacation time. My clinic is booked out for 6 months. There is not another Provider to cover for my vacation that was approved 4 months ago. ALWAYS trying to hire new Providers. New Providers don't stay more than a few years. Leadership turn over is high and is poor quality. All the good Providers are always looking for something better.

Pros

Good Benefits, Health Care Benefits. Generally, the staff cares about Veterans and there are many great workers who are dedicated to their jobs. If you want to work at another hospital this is a great place to start!

Cons

Management is awful at their job, and corruption and law-breaking are just ignored by the union. Don't be a whistleblower here. If you do, you will face retaliation even though the policy says it is illegal. Also, discrimination is common and you have to ignore the comments by management and supervisors if you want to keep this job for the long term. Lastly, no matter how hard you work they want you to work more. It makes up for the other workers who don't work as hard. Keep a steady pace to avoid BURN OUT.

Pros

Working with the other veterans was very fulfilling; this facility is a positive environment and my co-workers were great. Also, pay/benefits are good compared to other Fresno employers.

Cons

Employee parking is a major issue at Fresno's VA hospital. One must park a 1/2 mile away at a mall and then take a shuttle to get to work because the parking lot is too small for anyone other than doctors, residents and patients. If you've missed the shuttle then you're going to be late so it means you have to get up extra early and leave your house extra early to get there in time, to catch the shuttle, and then make a second commute from the mall to the hospital. Parking in the local neighborhoods around the hospital is illegal for non residents thanks to a recent ordinance from Fresno's city council.