Clinical Social Work Career with the Department of the Army
Are you a dedicated clinical professional looking to apply your skills in a unique, high-impact environment? The Department of the Army is currently hiring a Social Worker to join the Military Corrections Command at Fort Leavenworth. This position is ideal for clinicians who are passionate about rehabilitation, behavioral change, and public safety.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Social Worker, you will serve as a primary provider of behavioral health services. Key duties include:
- Direct Intervention: Leading individual and group psychotherapy sessions to address behaviors and attitudes.
- Diagnostic Assessment: Completing thorough diagnostic evaluations and gathering psychosocial histories.
- Clinical Documentation: Maintaining meticulous records in line with Clinical Practice Guidelines.
- Staff Training: Educating correctional staff on human behavior, risk assessment, and rehabilitation strategies.
Requirements
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- Master’s degree in Social Work (CSWE-accredited).
- Active, unrestricted independent clinical license.
- Minimum of one year of specialized clinical experience.
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Ability to pass a Secret-level security clearance.
Salary and Comparison
This position is categorized under the GS-12 scale. Below is a comparison of this role against typical private sector positions.
| Feature | Federal Social Worker (GS-12) | Private Sector Clinical Social Worker |
|---|---|---|
| Salary Range | $90,067 - $117,093 | Varies significantly by region |
| Retirement | Federal LEO Coverage | Employer-matched 401k |
| Benefits | Comprehensive Health/Leave | Varies by Employer |
| Stability | High (Federal) | Variable |
Benefits
Employees enjoy robust federal benefits, including competitive salary packages, health insurance, and the potential for Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) retirement status, which offers unique retirement benefits under 5 USC 8336(c) and 8412(d).
Application Tips
- Respect the Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less.
- Include Details: Clearly list hours worked per week and specific clinical tasks.
- Submit Early: Ensure your license and transcripts are included as PDF attachments to your email application.
Serving as a Social Worker at Fort Leavenworth offers a rare blend of professional challenge and public service. If you possess the required clinical licensure and a passion for rehabilitative work, we encourage you to submit your application to the Army’s Human Resources team today.
Why This Social Worker Job Matters
Make a lasting impact on rehabilitation and public safety at the U.S. Army's premier military corrections facility in Fort Leavenworth.
Social Worker Job Overview
The Department of the Army is seeking a dedicated and licensed Social Worker to provide essential clinical intervention and support within the Military Corrections Command. This role focuses on behavioral health, risk assessment, and rehabilitation for an inmate population, operating in a dynamic and mission-critical environment. You will join a multidisciplinary team dedicated to fostering positive behavioral change and maintaining clinical standards within a correctional setting.
Requirements for Social Worker
- U.S. Citizenship
- Master's degree or higher in Social Work from an accredited institution
- Current, active, and unrestricted clinical license to practice social work independently
- At least one year of specialized clinical experience (psychotherapy, diagnostic evaluations, and clinical documentation)
- Ability to pass a background check and secure a Secret security clearance
- Compliance with PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) standards
- Maximum entry age of 37 for LEO retirement eligibility (with exceptions)
Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker
- Professional experience in a correctional or forensic mental health setting
- Expertise in multimodal therapeutic interventions (individual and group settings)
- Strong proficiency in behavioral health documentation and clinical guidelines
- Ability to conduct risk assessments and provide training to interdisciplinary teams
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal retirement benefits (eligible for LEO coverage)
- ✓Competitive salary within the GS-12 pay scale
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
- ✓Professional development and annual training opportunities
💡 How to Apply Social Worker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Social Worker Job
- Prepare a resume no longer than two pages.
- Ensure your resume includes start/end dates, hours worked per week, and detailed descriptions of your clinical experience.
- Gather your graduate transcripts and a copy of your current active clinical license.
- Email your complete application package to the designated HR contact by the closing date.
- Await notification of eligibility from the Human Resources Office.
💡 General Tips
- Your resume must strictly adhere to the two-page limit; exceeding this will disqualify your application.
- Do not use acronyms for your job tasks; describe your clinical work clearly in plain language.
- Double-check that your license and transcript are attached, as incomplete packages are automatically rejected.
- Highlight your experience with group and individual psychotherapy specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Master's degree required for this position?
Yes, a Master's degree or higher in Social Work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education is mandatory.
Can I substitute education for the required year of experience?
No, this position requires at least one year of specialized experience. Education cannot be substituted for this requirement.
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this position requires onsite presence at the Military Corrections Command in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Job from Hqda Field Operating Agencies And Staff Support Agencies
The Military Corrections Command, under the Directorate of Treatment Programs, manages complex rehabilitation efforts. Civilian employees play a vital role in the Total Army, providing specialized clinical expertise that supports the mission of maintaining security and fostering growth among the incarcerated population.