About this role
Job SummaryMake a difference where it matters most! Join the Indian Health Service as a Social Worker providing professional social work services to American Indian communities. Advance your career, enjoy competitive benefits, and be part of a mission that transforms lives every day. Apply today! A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).
QualificationsTo qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. BASIC REQUIREMENT(S): Education: Must fulfill all of the requirements for the master's degree in social work in a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates of schools of social work that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the School of Social Work is fully accredited. Degree verification can be made by going to https://www.cswe.org/Accreditation to verify that the social work degree meets the 3 accreditation standards for a masters of social work. Applications will be accepted if you are currently enrolled in a CSWE institution and expect to complete your master's degree in social work within 9 months of your application date. Your application must include: A copy of your most recent unofficial transcripts; and Documentation from the educational institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official validating your expected completion date. Licensure: For the GS-09 position, you must possess an active, unrestricted U.S. State license as a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Certified Independent Social Worker (CISW), or a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Applications will be accepted if you expect to complete your LCSW, LICSW, LISW, LMSW, or equivalent licensure requirements within 9 months of your application date. Your application must include documentation from an authorized official validating your expected licensure completion date. For the GS-11 position, you must possess an active, unrestricted independent U.S. State license as a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or a Certified Independent Social Worker (CISW) or equivalent. ***NOTE: At the GS-11 level, you MUST possess the LISW, LCSW, CISW or equivalent license. The LMSW license does not authorize independent clinical practice at the GS-11 level. Applications will be accepted if you expect to complete your LCSW, LICSW, LISW, or equivalent licensure requirements within 9 months of your application date. Your application must include documentation from an authorized official validating your expected licensure completion date. In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: GS-11: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Conducting comprehensive biopsychosocial and mental health assessments; Coordinating services to support patient stability and continuity of care; Responding to urgent psychosocial situations by conducting timely risk and safety assessments, and; Consulting with medical, nursing, and behavioral health providers regarding patient needs, barriers and service coordination. OR Completion of 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree, or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). You must meet all qualification requirements by the respective cutoff day of rating to be eligible for consideration.
Major DutiesConducts comprehensive biopsychosocial and mental health assessments and formulates diagnostic impressions using accepted clinical frameworks and diagnostic standards. Responds to urgent and emergent mental health and psychosocial crises in clinical, community, and emergent settings. Provides clinical case management services addressing complex medical, behavioral, social, environmental, and cultural determinants of health. Provides consultation to medical, behavioral health, and administrative staff regarding psychosocial and behavioral health factors impacting patient care.RequirementsSelectee may be subject to a probationary period U.S. Citizenship is required Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes. Position may be subject to rotating shifts: days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/. You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you. Background Investigation Requirement: This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment. A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service. Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process. Financial Suitability Requirement: This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying. Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court-ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS). Prior to the appointment, candidates must present two valid forms of identification. If one of the documents is a state-issued ID or driver's license, it must be REAL ID-compliant.