Advance Your Career: Social Worker Opportunities in the Washington National Guard
Are you a licensed social worker passionate about behavioral health and serving those who protect our country? The Washington National Guard is actively seeking a qualified Social Worker to join the Office of the Surgeon at Camp Murray. This role is a vital component of the psychological health team, focusing on the well-being of soldiers and their families. If you are ready to apply your clinical skills in a mission-critical environment, this opportunity offers a competitive salary and the chance to shape public health outcomes.
Job Responsibilities
As a GS-12 Social Worker, you will handle a diverse set of duties, including:
- Program Development: Designing and executing behavioral health strategies and promoting psychological wellness.
- Clinical Consultation: Conducting screenings, evaluations, and providing guidance to commanders regarding soldier readiness.
- Case Management: Overseeing referral processes and ensuring service members are connected to necessary mental health resources.
- Collaboration: Working with various community partners and internal units to address suicide prevention, sexual assault, and substance abuse.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited graduate program.
- Experience: 24 months of professional clinical social work experience.
- Documentation: Ability to provide clear, detailed evidence of work history and educational credentials.
- Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Requirement | Minimum Standard |
|---|---|
| Education | Master's in Social Work |
| Clinical Experience | 24 Months |
| Security Level | Secret / Moderate Risk |
| Work Type | Excepted Service |
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $100,602 to $130,786 per year, reflecting the professional nature and high responsibility level of the GS-12 grade.
Benefits
Working with the National Guard comes with robust federal employment benefits, including:
- Health and Life Insurance coverage.
- Structured retirement and pension plans.
- Paid annual and sick leave.
- Potential for incentive pay based on funding and approval.
Application Tips
- Resume Accuracy: Ensure your resume highlights your clinical competencies, dates of employment, and specific duties performed.
- Professionalism: Do not copy the job description word-for-word. Use your own narrative to describe your impact in previous roles.
- Deadlines: The application portal will close on August 23, 2026. Do not wait until the final hour to submit.
Serving as a Social Worker for the Washington National Guard is a unique opportunity to provide high-level behavioral support to our nation's defenders. We encourage qualified professionals to review the full requirements and submit an application through the USAJOBS portal before the window closes.
Why This Social Worker Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on those who serve. Join the Washington National Guard as a Social Worker and spearhead life-changing behavioral health initiatives for our Soldiers and their families.
Social Worker Job Overview
The Washington National Guard is seeking a dedicated and experienced Social Worker to join the Office of the Surgeon at Camp Murray. This is a critical Title 5 Excepted Service role where you will design, implement, and evaluate behavioral health strategies, provide clinical consultation, and ensure our service members receive the psychological support they need to maintain operational readiness.
Requirements for Social Worker
- Must possess a Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution.
- Must have at least 24 months of specialized clinical social work experience.
- Must demonstrate proficiency in interviewing, behavioral assessment, and intervention planning.
- Must provide a valid SF-50 (if applicable) to verify experience or status.
- Must meet security clearance requirements for a Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS) / Moderate Risk position.
Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker
- Completion of the Air Force Social Work Internship Program (counts as 12 months of specialized experience).
- Deep understanding of DoD, Army, and National Guard behavioral health regulations.
- Proven experience in developing suicide prevention, resiliency, and substance abuse programs.
- Expertise in data-driven decision-making and population health surveillance.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal retirement benefits
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Life insurance and disability protection
- ✓Generous paid federal holidays and leave
- ✓Access to ongoing professional development and continuing education
💡 How to Apply Social Worker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Social Worker Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
- Draft a concise, resume (maximum 2 pages) highlighting relevant clinical experience.
- Complete the online Occupational Questionnaire via the provided application link.
- Upload required documentation, including academic transcripts and professional certifications.
- Verify that your application status reflects 'Received' before the announcement deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Tailor your resume to specifically reflect the specialized experience mentioned in the announcement.
- Avoid using verbatim text from the job description; describe your unique contributions in your own words.
- Include dates (month and year) and average hours worked for every position listed.
- Ensure your resume is no more than two pages long to meet compliance requirements.
- Submit your materials well before the closing date to avoid technical delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a permanent position?
This is currently an indefinite, temporary excepted service appointment. Depending on funding and manning levels, there may be opportunities for future conversion to permanent status.
Can I substitute my education for experience?
Generally, no. You must meet the 24-month specialized experience requirement, though completion of the Air Force Social Work Internship Program may substitute for 12 months of that experience.
What is the official station of this job?
*A: This position is located at Camp Murray, Washington.*
Is telework allowed?
*A: Yes, this position is eligible for telework arrangements as dictated by policy.*
Job from Army National Guard Units
The Washington National Guard prides itself on a long history of citizen-soldier service. Our mission is to support our state and nation during times of crisis, emergency, and beyond. Working within the Army National Guard unit, you will be part of a professional medical team dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of behavioral readiness and preventive mental health care.