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Posted: February 2, 2026 (4 days ago)

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Social Worker

Indian Health Service

Department of Health and Human Services

Fresh

Salary

$65,381 - $104,502

per year

Closes

May 4, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This social worker position with the Indian Health Service involves providing emotional and social support to American Indian and Alaska Native patients, helping them and their families cope with health challenges in a culturally sensitive way.

You'll assess needs, offer counseling, and coordinate care, especially during crises or when treatment requires travel.

It's ideal for compassionate professionals with a social work background who want to make a difference in underserved communities.

Key Requirements

  • Master's degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
  • At least one year of specialized experience in mental health and substance use disorder counseling, or equivalent graduate education
  • Current, unrestricted U.S. state license as LISW, LCSW, CISW, or LMSW within two years of hire
  • Knowledge of psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, and aftercare coordination
  • Experience providing guidance to patients and families, including intake processes
  • Ability to work with diverse cultural beliefs and community support systems
  • For federal employees: One year of service at the next lower grade level (Time-In-Grade)

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: 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: Having knowledge of standard and accepted theories, methods, principles, practices, and techniques of mental health and substance use disorder.

Provide counseling, guidance and assistance to incoming and outgoing patients and their families. Experience with the intake process and aftercare coordination.

OR have 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree NOTE: Education and experience may be combined for all grade levels for which both education and experience are acceptable.

Licensure Within two years 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.

Total Compensation Package: Social Worker Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov) Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. A service agreement will be required.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 2/2/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/3/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: IHS-26-HQ-12866414-ESEP/MP