What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Worker position at U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)?
Social Worker
Department of Health and Human Services
Indian Health Service
Summary
This job is open to
Duties
Requirements
How you will be evaluated
Required documents
How to apply
Summary
Join the IHS as a Social Worker and make a lasting impact! You'll provide compassionate, culturally grounded care to American Indian and Alaska Native patients, addressing social and emotional needs that affect health. Work with a dedicated team to strengthen wellness, resilience, and community well-being. Enjoy competitive benefits, professional growth, and a mission-driven career that truly matters. Apply today!
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Federal employees - Competitive service
Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.
Federal employees - Excepted service
Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
Land and base management
Current or former employees of a base management agency.
Veterans
Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference
Military spouses
Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.
Individuals with disabilities
Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.
Family of overseas employees
Family members of a federal employee or uniformed service member who is or was, working overseas.
Native Americans
Native Americans or Alaskan Natives with a tribal affiliation.
Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista
Individuals who have served at least 2 years with the Peace Corps or 1 year with AmeriCorps VISTA.
Clarification from the agency
The IHS is required by law to give absolute preference to qualified applicants who meet the Secretary of the Interior's definition of Indian for appointment to vacancies within the IHS in accordance with established IHS policy as outlined in the Indian Health Manual Part 7, Chapter 3.
Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessment of each patient, with emphasis on patients health condition, mental status, safety and protection issues, cultural beliefs, financial situation, housing, social support system, and other psychosocial elements.
Assist individuals, families, and groups enhance or restore their ability to function physically, socially, emotionally, mentally, and economically.
Provide emergency on-call crisis intervention to assist and serve as a consultant to the medical staff in dealing with patients who may be at risk of harm to themselves or others.
Provide assistance to patients, families, and relatives in planning for the individuals care when medical or psychological needs must be met in a facility away from home.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial 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.
The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements. If privileges are not obtained or maintained during employment, the employee will be subject to adverse actions, up to and including removal from Federal service.
IHS Selectees whose duties and responsibilities require them to work permanently, temporarily, or occasionally in an IHS healthcare facility must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy related to vaccine-preventable diseases, consistent with recommendations for healthcare workers. Vaccine exemption requests may be available, as outlined in the IHS Employee Immunization Policy and facility guidance.
On-call hours or standby duty may be required.
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.
Qualifications
To 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):
Degree: social work. 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.
In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
GS-12: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least next lower grade level
Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Application of psychological principles and processes. Utilizing knowledge of psychotropic medications, including indications, contraindications, and side effects, in the delivery, coordination, or evaluation of mental health care services. Utilizing professional social work knowledge to provide clinical interventions, including individual and family therapy, psychotherapy, and case consultation, in support of patient treatment planning and outcomes. Applying the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to assess, diagnose, and support treatment planning for individuals with mental health conditions
Selective Placement Factor
Must possess a current, unrestricted 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 a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
Time In Grade
Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).
You must meet all qualification requirements by the respective cut-off day of rating to be eligible for consideration.
Education
This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.
Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Salary : $97,108 - $126,243