Advance Your Career as a Clinical Social Worker with the Defense Health Agency
Are you a licensed social worker looking to take your clinical career to a new level while serving those who protect our nation? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is actively seeking compassionate and experienced professionals for Clinical Social Worker roles located in Fort Richardson and Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will provide critical behavioral health services. Key duties include:
- Performing in-depth bio-psychosocial evaluations.
- Conducting diagnostic assessments.
- Developing and monitoring comprehensive behavioral health treatment plans.
- Providing individual and group counseling sessions.
- Maintaining precise medical documentation to support patient care and interdisciplinary coordination.
Salary and Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Title | Clinical Social Worker |
| Salary Range | $101,206 - $131,571 per year |
| Locations | Fort Richardson, AK; Fort Wainwright, AK |
| Education Requirement | Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited) |
| License Requirement | Active, Unrestricted Clinical License |
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must hold a Master’s degree in Social Work and possess an active, unrestricted license to practice clinical social work independently. Additionally, you must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level (or equivalent) involving behavioral health evaluations and counseling.
Benefits
Federal employees are entitled to a robust benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health insurance.
- Generous retirement programs (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Paid vacation and sick leave.
- Competitive base salary with location-specific COLA.
Application Tips
Your application is the first step in your journey with the DHA. Here are the keys to success:
- Respect the Limit: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less. Longer resumes are automatically excluded.
- Be Specific: Detail your experience in bio-psychosocial assessments, ensuring you list dates, hours worked, and specific duties for each role.
- Double-Check Documentation: You must attach your clinical license and academic transcripts to be considered eligible.
Working as a Clinical Social Worker for the Defense Health Agency offers a unique blend of professional challenge and personal satisfaction. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to serve those who serve us, we encourage you to submit your application via USAJOBS.
Why This Social Worker (Clinical) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of service members and their families as a Clinical Social Worker with the Defense Health Agency in Alaska.
Social Worker (Clinical) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking dedicated Clinical Social Workers to join our healthcare teams in Fort Richardson and Fort Wainwright, Alaska. In this role, you will serve as a vital member of our behavioral health department, performing comprehensive clinical assessments and developing effective treatment plans for a diverse population. This is a Direct Hire opportunity within an integrated healthcare system committed to supporting the Joint Force, military retirees, and their families. We offer a professional environment where your expertise in clinical counseling and patient advocacy will directly contribute to the readiness and well-being of those who serve our nation.
Requirements for Social Worker (Clinical)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Master’s degree or higher in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school
- Current, active, valid, and unrestricted clinical license to practice social work independently
- At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level
- Ability to perform bio-psychosocial evaluations and develop behavioral health treatment plans
- Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages
Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker (Clinical)
- Demonstrated ability to perform diagnostic impressions and behavioral health interventions
- Strong communication skills for documenting patient care and clinical recommendations
- Experience working in a multidisciplinary clinical or military healthcare environment
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for Alaska-based employees
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and life insurance programs
- ✓Retirement benefits and Thrift Savings Plan
- ✓Paid annual and sick leave
- ✓Access to professional development and federal career advancement opportunities
💡 How to Apply Social Worker (Clinical) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Social Worker (Clinical) Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, ensuring it details hours worked per week and specific dates of employment.
- Complete the mandatory online assessment questionnaire.
- Upload required documents, including your clinical social work license and academic transcripts.
- Verify your application package for accuracy and submit before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; any document exceeding the two-page limit will be disqualified.
- Ensure all contact information and employment dates are accurate to avoid delays in eligibility verification.
- Submit your application early to account for potential technical delays or document virus scanning.
- Clearly highlight your experience conducting bio-psychosocial evaluations and formulating treatment plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Master's degree required for this position?
Yes, candidates must possess a Master's degree or higher in Social Work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Can I substitute education for the required work experience?
No, for this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements using professional experience alone.
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this role requires on-site presence at the designated military installations in Alaska.
Job from Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency is the primary healthcare delivery system for the U.S. Department of Defense. Our mission is to provide world-class medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their family members. By joining the DHA, you become part of a dedicated, multidisciplinary team of professionals focused on improving health outcomes and ensuring operational readiness across the globe.