Empowering Those Who Serve: Career Opportunities as a Social Worker with the CA Air National Guard
Are you a dedicated clinical social worker looking to pivot your career toward a mission-driven environment? The California Air National Guard (CA ANG) is currently seeking a highly motivated and licensed Social Worker (GS-12) to serve at the 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno. This role is more than just a job; it is a vital function that ensures the psychological health, resilience, and operational readiness of our service members and their families.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will act as a key advisor to leadership regarding psychological health. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Direct Clinical Support: Conducting assessments, intake evaluations, and short-term problem resolution for Airmen.
- Strategic Leadership: Developing and implementing comprehensive psychological health strategic plans.
- Program Outreach: Designing community-level prevention programs, such as suicide prevention awareness and resilience-building workshops.
- Administrative Oversight: Maintaining accurate patient records using the SOAP format and preparing statistical reports to track program effectiveness.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-12 position, applicants must meet several strict criteria:
- Must hold a Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited institution.
- Must possess a current, unrestricted license to practice independently.
- Must demonstrate one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
- Must be capable of obtaining and maintaining a Secret security clearance.
Salary Overview & Comparison
The position offers a competitive salary range based on the General Schedule (GS) scale.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Grade | GS-12 |
| Annual Salary Range | $89,068 – $115,793 |
| Employment Type | Permanent, T5 Excepted Service |
| Location | Fresno, California |
Benefits and Growth
While specific agency benefits can vary, as a federal employee with the Department of the Air Force, you will have access to a robust benefits package. This typically includes competitive health insurance options, retirement programs, and the chance to work in a unique, collaborative environment where your voice directly influences the well-being of the unit.
Application Tips
To stand out during the review process, ensure your resume is comprehensive. Do not leave room for ambiguity; detail your specific hours worked per week and the exact nature of your clinical duties. Since the agency does not make assumptions about your experience, your documentation must clearly substantiate your qualifications. Remember to include copies of all required certificates and unofficial transcripts immediately upon application.
If you are ready to use your clinical skills to support the brave men and women of the California Air National Guard, this role offers an unparalleled opportunity for professional satisfaction. Ensure your application is thorough, submit your documents before the deadline, and take the next step in your social work career today.
Why This Social Worker Job Matters
Make a lasting impact on those who serve our country—provide essential psychological health support and leadership to California Air National Guard members and their families.
Social Worker Job Overview
The California National Guard is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to join the 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno, California. This role is pivotal in maintaining the psychological readiness and well-being of our Airmen. As a core member of the Psychological Health Program, you will provide strategic consultation, outreach, and direct support services. This position is an excellent opportunity for a licensed clinical professional to apply evidence-based practices in a unique organizational environment where community-building and proactive mental health intervention are the highest priorities.
Requirements for Social Worker
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Master’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited institution.
- Current, unrestricted license to practice clinical social work independently in any U.S. state, D.C., Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain military privileging.
- At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Ability to perform Basic Life Support (BLS) training within 6 months of hire.
Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker
- Minimum of two years of independent clinical social work practice within the last five years.
- Demonstrated experience in strategic psychological health planning and leadership.
- Expertise in change management, coaching, and collaborative prevention programming.
- Experience with military or organizational psychological health monitoring.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive Federal salary schedule
- âś“Opportunities for professional development within the Department of the Air Force
- âś“Comprehensive federal benefits package
- âś“Supportive work-life balance environment
đź’ˇ How to Apply Social Worker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Social Worker Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Draft a federal resume that clearly outlines your employment history (including hours per week and MM/YYYY format).
- Gather your Master’s degree transcripts and professional clinical license documentation.
- Submit your complete application package via the online portal by the closing date.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific regarding your clinical hours and duties; the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your experience.
- Upload unofficial transcripts early to ensure they pass the system's virus scan.
- Ensure your resume explicitly addresses the specialized experience requirements mentioned in the announcement.
- Double-check that all contact information is accurate before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a military or civilian position?
This is a T5 Excepted Service civilian position. It resides within the California National Guard but does not require military mobilization or a military mission role.
What happens if I don't submit my transcripts?
Failure to provide academic transcripts at the time of application will result in automatic disqualification from the selection process.
Do I need a military background to apply?
*A: No, this is a civilian, T5 Excepted Service position.*
What is the significance of the licensing requirement?
*A: Because this role involves independent clinical practice, you must hold a license that allows for autonomous diagnostic and treatment work in a medical treatment facility.*
Job from Air National Guard Units
The California Military Department prioritizes people, integrity, and accountability. Whether responding to local emergencies like fires and floods or supporting the daily needs of our Airmen, the department operates with a commitment to service that extends to the state and the nation. Joining the 144th Fighter Wing means becoming part of an organization that values your professional expertise in building stronger, healthier communities.