Social Worker

Job summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to provide a full range of professional social work services within operational Air Force (AF) squadrons.

Major duties

Observes and participates in squadron activities in order to identify psychosocial stressors and barriers to optimal human performance. Develops and implements initiatives to mitigate psychosocial stressors and risks and optimize airmen performance. Provides psychological consultation, education, and training to military commanders/senior leaders, other mental health professionals, and medical staff. Conducts psychodiagnostic assessments and provides evidence-based psychotherapy.

Qualification

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions, Social Work Series 0185 + IOR. BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: DEGREE: Successfully completed a master's degree with a major in social work or fulfilled all of the requirements for the master's degree in social work in a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. NOTE: You must provide a copy of your transcripts with your application. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicant must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 (or higher) grade level or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience include: Experience applying a professional knowledge of social work practices, principles, theories and administrative requirements to be able to apply them in a clinical or occupational setting. Applying knowledge of evidence-based treatments for a range of psychiatric disorders to plan and provide treatment to patients. Applying a working knowledge of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association to evaluate psychiatric disorders and apply professional diagnostic skills. Applying a working knowledge of military organizations, culture and the unique stressors upon workers in an operational military workplace. Applying a working knowledge of administration, scoring and interpretation of select psychological and psycho-social measures to properly assess patient's and family's needs. Experience applying an understanding of behavioral risk management and ability to engage appropriate protections as needed when risk of harm to self or others is present. Providing guidance and consultation services to medical professionals and military leaders, and facilitate referrals to military or community-based human service agencies and resources; e.g., Protective Services or financial aid organizations. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1. Professional knowledge of social work practices, principles, theories, and administrative requirements to be able to apply them in a clinical or occupational setting. 2. Professional knowledge of evidence-based treatments for a full range of psychiatric disorders to plan and provide treatment to patients. 3. Knowledge of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association to evaluate psychiatric disorders and apply professional diagnostic skills. 4. Knowledge of military organizations and culture and the unique stressors upon workers in an operational military workplace. 5. Knowledge of administration, scoring, and interpretation of select psychological and psycho-social measures to properly assess patient's and family's needs. Sophisticated understanding of behavioral risk management and ability to engage appropriate protections as needed when risk of harm to self or others is present. 6. Ability to provide guidance and consultation services to medical professionals and military leaders, and facilitate referrals to military or community-based human service agencies and resources; e.g., Protective Services or financial aid organizations. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Evaluations

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. BASIS OF RATING: Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable. Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements. Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements. The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job. For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here. APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: When job announcements indicate PCS costs are authorized, overseas allowances may be authorized in accordance with Department of State Standardized Regulation (DSSR) and any applicable Federal Overseas Regulations. Selectees who physically reside permanently in the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during the entire recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) and selected for employment in the foreign area are eligible to receive certain foreign area benefits such as: Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) or government quarters, Post Allowance, Home Leave, etc. (subject to approval). Selectees who physically reside outside the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during any step of the recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) will have foreign area benefits eligibility be determined on a case by case basis.