Social Worker (Open Until Filled)
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Before you apply
Salary$80k – $105k
LocationSupai, Arizona, United States; Peach Springs, Arizona, United States; Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States; Acoma, New Mexico, United States; Sacaton, Arizona, United States; Espanola, New Mexico, United States
Work modeon-site
Typefull-time
SeniorityMid
Experience1+ yrs
DepartmentVarious locations
Company size10,000+ people
PostedNov 4, 2026 · 4d ago
Verified live1d ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited school
One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 performing: Conducting comprehensive psychosocial or behavioral health assessments; Developing and implementing individualized treatment plans; Providing therapeutic counseling or psychotherapy to individuals, families, or groups; Conducting crisis intervention, suicide or violence risk assessments, and safety planning; Collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to coordinate patient care
Current, active, unrestricted independent clinical social work license (LCSW, LICSW, LISW, or equivalent) that authorizes diagnosis and treatment without supervision
U.S. Citizenship
Selective Service Registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Summary
Make 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!
This announcement is open until the vacancy is filled. It may be extended or closed prior to the closing date.
A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).
Duties
Benefits
Total Compensation Package - Check out IHS’s outstanding total compensation package for this job: Social Worker Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov)
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Conduct independent clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and psychotherapy for individuals, families, and groups.
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Provide crisis intervention, risk assessment, safety planning, and interdisciplinary behavioral health consultation.
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Provide clinical case management, care coordination, and referrals to support continuity of patient care.
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Develop, implement, and modify individualized treatment plans based on clinical assessment, patient response, and evolving psychosocial conditions.
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Collaborate with medical providers, behavioral health clinicians, tribal programs, and community resources to ensure integrated, culturally responsive, and continuous patient care.
Requirements
Selectee 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.
Selectees must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy. Exemptions may be available in accordance with agency policy.
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.
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:**Successful completion of a federal background investigation is required as a condition of employment. Applicants must complete all required forms within five (5) calendar days of receiving instructions. Failure to do so may delay processing or result in a determination of unsuitability. Applicants should maintain 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.
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.
This is a competitive vacancy announcement advertised under Delegated Examining Authority. Selections made under this vacancy announcement will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would therefore be given new appointments to the civil service; however, benefits, time served, and all other Federal entitlements would remain the same.
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: Master’s degree, or higher doctoral degree, in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work education. To verify your education, please list your education on your resume or submit unofficial transcripts.
In addition, to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below-
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
GS-11: Applicant(s) must meet one of the following minimum qualification requirements:
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Experience: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-09 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Conducting comprehensive psychosocial or behavioral health assessments; Developing and implementing individualized treatment plans; Providing therapeutic counseling or psychotherapy to individuals, families, or groups; Conducting crisis intervention, suicide or violence risk assessments, and safety planning; Collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to coordinate patient care.
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OR Education: Successfully completed three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree.
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OR Combination of Education and Experience: Combination of education and experience that when combined fully meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Only graduate level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be combined with experience.
In addition, to the Minimum Qualifications, you must also meet the Selective Placement Factor stated below-
Selective Placement Factor: Must possess a current, active, unrestricted independent clinical social work license (e.g., Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), or equivalent) issued by a State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory that authorizes diagnosis and treatment without supervision.
For additional information, please review the OPM General Schedule Qualification Standards: Social Work Series 0185
You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.
Education
This position has an education requirement. If you are substituting education for experience: 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/.
How you will be evaluated
**This job announcement uses the USA Hire Assessment to evaluate applicants.
There is no “pass/fail” outcome; results are used as part of the overall evaluation process to determine applicant qualifications. However, if you do not take the assessment within the assessment window timeframe you will be found ineligible for this position.
For more information, visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center.**
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.
You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
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Attention to Detail
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Customer Service
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Decision Making
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Flexibility
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Integrity/Honesty
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Interpersonal Skills
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Reading Comprehension
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Self-Management
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Stress Tolerance
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Teamwork
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13080281
Your score determines whether you move forward. Candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The quality categories are: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. The category rating process does not add veterans’ preference points or apply the “rule of three” but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans’ preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of professional or scientific positions at the GS-09 level or higher).
All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date of 12/31/2026, to be considered.
Required documents
Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, annual salary, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number.
Required as applicable for the purposes of specific eligibility and appointment claim(s), and position requirements:
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Indian Preference Applicants: If claiming Indian preference, applicants must provide a completed copy of the Form BIA-4432, “Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only.” Indian preference will not be given unless a properly signed and dated form is submitted with your application, including any verification by an authorized Tribal Representative or BIA Official of tribal enrollment records. For detailed instructions, see form BIA-4432. Refer to BIA-4432 link: Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS When an Indian Preference candidate possesses Veterans preference the rules regarding Veterans preference apply under ESEP and the applicant must provide documentation in order to receive preference.
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Veterans Preference: If claiming Veteran’s Preference provide a copy of your DD214 Form (Member 4 copy). To claim 10-Point Veterans Preference, submit a SF-15 Application (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf) along with the appropriate supporting documentation. For additional information regarding Veterans Preference visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov.
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Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP, follow the instructions below: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf.
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Transcripts: You are encouraged to submit copies of transcripts (official or unofficial) although not required at the time of application. You must list your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Official transcripts will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.
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Licensure, Certifications: Applicants should list their license/certifications on their resume, along with the expiration date, if applicable. Certification of licensure/certification will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.
You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: 12/31/2026
OPEN UNTIL FILLED: Applications received within the first 10 business days will be reviewed for initial consideration. Additional applications will be reviewed every two weeks thereafter, as needed. Locations may be removed from consideration as vacancies are filled, and the announcement may close prior to the stated closing date once all vacancies are filled.
How to apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
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Click the Apply Online button.
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Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
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Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
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If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click “Track this application” to return to your assessment completion notice.
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Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
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Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
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Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
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Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
You may update your application documents and some questions related to your personal information at any time during the announcement open period. Upon application, you may be provided a testing window to complete additional assessments. This testing window may stipulate a completion deadline before the announcement closes. It is your responsibility to complete the additional online assessments within the timeline provided to remain in consideration for this vacancy announcement. Failure to complete the online assessments within the testing window for this announcement will not preclude you from being considered for and completing the online assessments during a testing window on a future announcement.
For additional questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) found here: https://www.ihs.gov/jobs/faq/.
The following links below provide information on how you may be eligible for various hiring authorities. If you are a Veteran, qualified CTAP and ICTAP eligible, or an individual with a disability, please refer to the following links below for additional guidance. CTAP and ICTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a “well qualified” rating of 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management’s Workforce Restructuring Career Transition website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. CTAP/ICTAP documentation requirements are listed in the “Required Documents” section of this announcement.
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Veterans, i.e. (VEOA, VRA, and 30% or more disabled) - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals/
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Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) - http://www.ihs.gov/jobs/support-documents/
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Interagency Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/
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Schedule A Appointments for the Disabled - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/hiring/
Other information
OPEN UNTIL FILLED: Applications received within the first 10 business days will receive initial consideration. Applications will be reviewed every two weeks thereafter, as needed. Locations may be removed as vacancies are filled, and the announcement may close once all vacancies are filled.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you have a disability covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, that may interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you may request an RA in your online application. Your request and supporting documentation must be received before you begin the assessments RA requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be notified of the RA decision and receive an email invitation to complete the assessments, as applicable. If the assessment link is received after the announcement closes, you must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving that link. For additional information, see Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063131363475-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)
Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement.
This position may be covered by a Bargaining Unit.
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 1-year service agreement will be required.
The Indian Health Service (IHS) and National Health Service Corps (NHSC) have student loan repayment programs for qualifying health disciplines. This is a competitive process separate from the hiring process. Opportunities for LRP are based on agency hiring priorities and availability of funds. For additional information please visit:
For IHS - https://www.ihs.gov/loanrepayment/
For NHSC - https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loanrepayment/
You will be evaluated for this position in accordance with the OPM Merit Hiring Plan.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide short essay responses (200 words or less each) to the following four questions.
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How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government?
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In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness?
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In this role, you will be expected to professionally and efficiently implement executive direction. Provide an example where you implemented leadership direction on a strategy or policy decision that differed from your own recommendation.
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How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements?
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Your responses are optional and will not be scored.
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However, they may be reviewed by hiring managers and agency leadership (or designees) during the evaluation process.
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You will be asked to certify that your responses are written in your own words and that you did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) tool (such as ChatGPT or Copilot).