Become a Mental Health Consultant for the Defense Health Agency
Are you a dedicated clinical social worker looking to transition your skills to the federal sector? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is hiring a Social Worker (Mental Health Consultant) to join the team at Bassett Army Community Hospital in Fort Wainwright, Alaska. This role is pivotal in providing high-quality care to our nation's military personnel and their families.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will provide essential mental health support. Key duties include:
- Performing thorough biopsychosocial evaluations.
- Providing evidence-based treatments using cognitive, behavioral, and motivational strategies.
- Offering consultation to primary care providers to improve patient health outcomes.
- Implementing psychoeducational classes for common mental health conditions.
- Maintaining accurate clinical documentation in electronic health records.
Requirements
To be eligible, you must:
- Hold a Master’s degree or higher in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school.
- Possess a valid, unrestricted clinical license to practice social work independently.
- Have at least one year of specialized experience in mental health assessments and multidisciplinary teamwork.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Requirement | Status | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Master's in Social Work | Mandatory | High |
| Independent Clinical License | Mandatory | High |
| Specialized Experience | Mandatory | High |
| Previous Federal Service | Optional | Low |
Salary and Benefits
- Salary Range: $101,206 – $131,571 per year.
- Additional Perks: Federal employees in Alaska receive a 1.49% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA).
- Benefits: Comprehensive federal health insurance, retirement plans (FERS), and paid time off.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limit: Your resume MUST be two pages or less. Longer resumes will be rejected.
- Documentation: Ensure your transcript and clinical license are included in your submission.
- Use Plain Language: Describe your experience clearly so hiring officials can verify your skills.
Working at Bassett Army Community Hospital is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the health and readiness of the U.S. Armed Forces. If you meet the qualifications, submit your application before the July 23, 2026 deadline.
Why This Social Worker (Mental Health Consultant) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on service members' well-being in the rugged beauty of Alaska—join the Bassett Army Community Hospital team as a Mental Health Consultant.
Social Worker (Mental Health Consultant) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to serve as a Mental Health Consultant at Bassett Army Community Hospital in Fort Wainwright, Alaska. This critical role involves performing biopsychosocial evaluations, providing evidence-based mental health interventions, and acting as a key member of a multidisciplinary care team. You will play a vital role in supporting our uniformed service members, retirees, and their families by integrating mental health services directly into the primary care setting.
Requirements for Social Worker (Mental Health Consultant)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Master’s degree or higher in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution
- Current, active, and unrestricted clinical license to practice social work independently
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience performing mental health assessments and providing treatment within a multidisciplinary team
- Ability to adhere to strict resume formatting requirements (two pages or less)
Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker (Mental Health Consultant)
- Strong background in evidence-based therapeutic modalities including cognitive, behavioral, and motivational interviewing
- Experience working in primary care behavioral health integration (PCBH)
- Demonstrated ability to communicate concise, actionable recommendations to primary care providers
- Expertise in developing and facilitating psychoeducational programs for high-frequency clinical diagnoses
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓1.49% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for Alaska employees
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Retirement savings plans (FERS)
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
- ✓Opportunities for salary negotiation for new federal hires
💡 How to Apply Social Worker (Mental Health Consultant) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Social Worker (Mental Health Consultant) Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, detailing your relevant specialized experience.
- Gather your clinical license/certification and educational transcripts.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided USA Staffing link.
- Upload all required documentation, ensuring all sensitive personal information is handled per agency guidelines.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of July 23, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically addresses the specialized experience requirements; the agency will not make assumptions.
- Double-check that your resume is under the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be automatically disqualified.
- Use clear, plain language and avoid unnecessary acronyms.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to account for potential document processing times.
- Review your application status frequently via your USAJOBS dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is telework available for this position?
No, this position is not eligible for telework as it requires on-site clinical presence at Bassett Army Community Hospital.
Can I substitute my education for the required experience?
No. For this specific role, you must meet the qualification requirements through specialized experience alone.
What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?
Your application will be removed from consideration. Adherence to the length requirement is mandatory.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is the primary organization responsible for delivering medical, dental, and pharmacy programs to over 9.5 million service members and their families. As an integrated health system, the DHA is committed to building medical readiness anytime and anywhere. Joining this team means working alongside world-class professionals in a mission-driven environment.