Fresh Listing

Posted: January 29, 2026 (1 day ago)

This job was posted recently. Fresh listings typically have less competition.

Social Worker

Indian Health Service

Department of Health and Human Services

Fresh

Salary

$97,108 - $126,243

per year

Closes

April 29, 2026

GS-12 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $74,441 - $96,770

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-11. Advanced degree + significant experience.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This social worker role with the Indian Health Service involves providing mental health support and counseling to American Indian and Alaska Native patients, focusing on their emotional, social, and cultural needs to improve overall wellness.

You'll conduct assessments, offer therapy, and help with crisis situations in a team setting.

It's ideal for experienced social workers passionate about community health and cultural sensitivity in underserved areas.

Key Requirements

  • Master's degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
  • Current, unrestricted U.S. state license as a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Independent Social Worker (CISW), or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
  • One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent, including application of psychological principles, knowledge of psychotropic medications, and clinical interventions like therapy and case consultation
  • Familiarity with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) for assessment and diagnosis
  • Ability to conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments and provide crisis intervention
  • Experience working with diverse populations, including cultural beliefs and social support systems
  • For federal employees: One year of time-in-grade at the next lower level (GS-11)

Full Job Description

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!

USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements 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. Major Duties:

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.

Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

Browse Similar Jobs

Posted on USAJOBS: 1/29/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/30/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: IHS-26-HQ-12866484-ESEP/MP