Providing Excellence: Clinical Counselor Opportunities with the U.S. Marine Corps

Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a profound impact on the lives of those who serve our country? The U.S. Marine Corps is currently hiring Clinical Counselors for the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) at Twentynine Palms, California. This role is not just a job; it is a vital component of the support system that ensures the strength, health, and resilience of Marine Corps families. With a significant hiring incentive and the stability of a federal role, this is an excellent opportunity for experienced clinicians to advance their careers.

Job Responsibilities

As a Clinical Counselor, your primary duty is to deliver high-quality, non-medical counseling services. You will act as a cornerstone of the FAP, handling tasks such as:

Conducting psychosocial assessments and risk evaluations.
Developing evidence-based service plans for individuals, couples, and families.
Facilitating psycho-educational workshops on anger management, relationship skills, and trauma-informed care.
Collaborating with law enforcement, military commanders, and social services to ensure a safe environment for all clients.
Documenting all clinical interactions in compliance with privacy laws and department policies.

Core Competencies Comparison

Feature	Tier II Requirements	Tier III Requirements
Experience Requirement	2 years (2,000 hours) post-masters	2 years (2,000 hours) post-licensure
Clinical Focus	Supervised experience	Independent experience
Primary Function	Direct clinical care	Complex case management

Requirements

To succeed in this role, you must meet rigorous professional standards. Candidates are required to hold a Master's or Doctoral degree in an accredited human services field and must possess a current, independent clinical license (such as LCSW, LMFT, or Psychologist). Furthermore, your background must include specific experience in the field of child or domestic abuse, as well as the ability to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders, including military officials and civilian agencies.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive pay rate of $49.50 per hour. Beyond the base hourly wage, successful candidates are eligible for a $15,000 hiring incentive, making this one of the more attractive clinical opportunities in the region.

Benefits

Employees of the MCCS enjoy the robust benefits associated with federal civilian service, including:

Long-term stability and job security.
Access to Marine Corps Exchange and base facilities.
Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
A professional environment dedicated to work-life balance.

Application Tips

Standing out in a federal hiring process requires precision. Ensure your resume clearly maps your work history to the 2,000-hour requirement stated in the job description. Be sure to include your license details and education credentials prominently. If you are a veteran, include your DD214 to ensure you receive any applicable hiring preferences.

Serving the military community is a noble pursuit that requires highly skilled, compassionate professionals. If you meet the clinical requirements and want to contribute to the mission of the U.S. Marine Corps, we encourage you to apply. Your expertise can provide the safety and guidance that Marine families depend on.

Why This Clinical Counselor Nf4 (Family Advocacy) - Tier Ii/Iii (With $15k Hiring Incentive) Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of Marine Corps families by joining the Family Advocacy Program at Twentynine Palms with a $15,000 hiring incentive.

Clinical Counselor Nf4 (Family Advocacy) - Tier Ii/Iii (With $15k Hiring Incentive) Job Overview

The U.S. Marine Corps is seeking two dedicated Clinical Counselors (Tier II/III) to provide essential non-medical counseling, assessment, and case management services. Located in Twentynine Palms, California, this role focuses on supporting the well-being of active-duty military members and their families by addressing emotional, behavioral, and domestic challenges.

Requirements for Clinical Counselor Nf4 (Family Advocacy) - Tier Ii/Iii (With $15k Hiring Incentive)

Master's or Doctoral-level degree in social work, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or counseling from an accredited program.
Current, valid, unrestricted, and independent clinical licensure in a mental health discipline.
Minimum of two years of full-time, post-masters supervised clinical experience (Tier II) or post-licensure clinical experience (Tier III).
Two years of specialized experience in child or domestic abuse counseling/treatment.
Ability to undergo and maintain a favorable National Agency Check (NAC) and background investigation.
Must be able to provide documentation of licensure and education at the time of application.

Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Counselor Nf4 (Family Advocacy) - Tier Ii/Iii (With $15k Hiring Incentive)

Experience providing clinical services to both military and civilian populations.
Knowledge of military organizational structure and the unique stressors of the military lifestyle.
Training in problematic sexual behavior in children and youth (PSB-CY).
Familiarity with Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) as it relates to family advocacy.
Proficiency in electronic case management systems and standard office software.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Stability of federal civilian service
✓$15,000 hiring incentive
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package
✓Access to Marine Corps Exchange and base facilities
✓Emphasis on work-life balance
✓Professional development and training opportunities

💡 How to Apply Clinical Counselor Nf4 (Family Advocacy) - Tier Ii/Iii (With $15k Hiring Incentive) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Clinical Counselor Nf4 (Family Advocacy) - Tier Ii/Iii (With $15k Hiring Incentive) Job

Visit the official MCCS Careers portal to create an account.
Submit your application and resume online before the closing date.
Attach all required documents, including degree transcripts, certifications, and valid licensure.
Include a DD214 or Statement of Service if you are a prior military or transitioning service member.
Monitor your application status through the online MCCS applicant dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure all uploaded documents are clearly legible and include both sides of licensure cards if applicable.
Do not wait until the final hours of the deadline, as technical issues may occur.
If you are a veteran or military spouse, utilize the Family Member Employment Assistance Program (FMEAP) for resume guidance.
Read the qualifications section thoroughly to ensure your resume explicitly highlights the required 2,000+ hours of supervised experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of the Family Advocacy Program?

The FAP provides non-medical counseling, prevention, and intervention services to support Marines and their families facing emotional, domestic, or child-related behavioral challenges.

Is a security clearance required for this position?

A formal security clearance is not required; however, all employees are subject to a National Agency Check (NAC) and background investigation due to the sensitive nature of working with children and families.

Are there opportunities for remote work?

No, this position is onsite at Twentynine Palms and is not eligible for telework or remote status.

Is relocation assistance offered?

This specific announcement does not include relocation assistance.

What is the work schedule like?

While specific hours are determined by management, the role is a standard full-time position requiring consistent, onsite presence.

Job from U.S. Marine Corps

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is the backbone of support for Marines and their families. Through various programs—including the Family Advocacy Program—MCCS provides the resources necessary to navigate the unique challenges of military life. Working within this agency means joining a team-oriented environment that values dedication, excellence, and the well-being of the military community.