Empowering Military Families: Clinical Counselor Career Opportunities
Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a lasting difference? The Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is currently seeking a Family Advocacy Program (FAP) Clinical Counselor at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. This position offers a unique chance to support those who serve by providing vital clinical, non-medical counseling services to military children and families.
Job Responsibilities
The FAP Clinical Counselor functions as a key advocate for family health. You will perform the following duties:
- Direct Counseling: Provide solution-focused, short-term support using modalities such as CBT, mindfulness, and family systems therapy.
- Clinical Assessment: Conduct psychosocial evaluations for families involved in allegations of child or domestic abuse.
- Crisis Intervention: Actively identify risk factors for suicide or violence and implement safety planning protocols.
- Consultation: Coordinate care with civilian community services and military medical facilities.
- Case Management: Serve as the primary contact for Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth (PSB-CY) cases.
Requirements
To be considered for this competitive position, you must meet rigorous professional standards:
| Requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Education | Master's/Doctorate in Counseling, Psychology, or Social Work (Accredited) |
| Licensure | Current, valid license for independent clinical practice |
| Experience | 4+ years of specialized counseling; 2+ years post-master's clinical experience |
| Clearance | Must be able to pass suitability and fitness assessments |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $100,602 to $110,664 annually. In addition to financial compensation, employees enjoy the security and resources associated with working within a federal framework, including access to employee development programs and standardized benefits packages designed to support long-term career growth.
Application Tips for Success
- Respect the Limits: Your resume must be two pages or less. Prioritize your most relevant clinical experience in this space.
- Documentation is Key: Ensure your transcript and professional license are clear, legible, and attached to your application package.
- Tailor Your Narrative: Emphasize your experience with children and adolescents, as well as your familiarity with crisis management and safety planning.
- Check Status Updates: Regularly monitor your USAJOBS dashboard to stay informed about your application progress.
Serving as a Clinical Counselor at NAS Whidbey Island is more than a job; it is a commitment to the stability and health of military families. If you are a licensed professional ready to apply your skills in a high-impact, mission-centered environment, we encourage you to review the full details and apply before the September 30, 2026, deadline.
Why This Family Advocacy Program (Fap) Clinical Counselor For Children Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of military families at NAS Whidbey Island by providing essential clinical counseling as a Family Advocacy Program Counselor.
Family Advocacy Program (Fap) Clinical Counselor For Children Job Overview
The Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is seeking a dedicated Clinical Counselor to join the Fleet and Family Readiness team in Oak Harbor, Washington. This role focuses on delivering short-term, solution-focused clinical support to children, adolescents, and their families. You will play a vital role in addressing challenges related to military life, including deployment, relationship dynamics, and crisis intervention, while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the well-being of the military community.
Requirements for Family Advocacy Program (Fap) Clinical Counselor For Children
- Master's degree from a program accredited by CACREP, COAMFTE, or CSWE, or an equivalent degree.
- Doctoral degree in clinical or counseling psychology from an APA-accredited program, including a one-year APA-accredited internship.
- Current, valid clinical license or certification in the state or U.S. territory allowing independent practice in Counseling, MFT, Social Work, or Psychology.
- Minimum of two years of full-time, post-master's supervised clinical experience.
- At least four years of specialized experience in counseling children, adolescents, and families using varied clinical approaches.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a noncritical-sensitive/moderate risk security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications for Family Advocacy Program (Fap) Clinical Counselor For Children
- Demonstrated expertise in family systems theory and developmental psychology.
- Proficiency in clinical assessment tools including the DSM-5.
- Experience with crisis management, safety planning, and suicide prevention.
- Familiarity with military lifestyle and the unique stressors affecting military children and families.
- Experience in coordinating with civilian and military service providers, including CPS and behavioral health facilities.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Mentoring and professional development programs
- ✓Contribution to a high-impact mission-driven organization
- ✓Career growth within a worldwide enterprise
- ✓Supportive work environment in the Pacific Northwest
💡 How to Apply Family Advocacy Program (Fap) Clinical Counselor For Children Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Family Advocacy Program (Fap) Clinical Counselor For Children Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed the mandatory two-page limit.
- Gather supporting documents: transcripts, professional license, and SF-50 (if applicable).
- Complete the online application questionnaire via the provided USA Staffing portal.
- Submit your complete application package before the September 30, 2026, deadline.
- Monitor your status through your USAJOBS account dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit; documents exceeding this will not be fully accepted.
- Ensure your professional license is active and clearly uploaded to avoid disqualification.
- Highlight specific experience working with children and adolescents in your resume.
- Check your email frequently, including spam folders, for correspondence regarding your application status.
- Address all clinical assessment and crisis intervention experience clearly to ensure you meet the specialized experience requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this position?
This role provides non-medical, short-term counseling for military families, covering issues like grief, relocation, deployment, and parenting, while also serving as a point of contact for the Family Advocacy Program.
Are there specific education requirements?
Yes, you must hold a Master's degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution (or a Doctorate in Psychology) and possess a valid license for independent practice.
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No, the system enforces a strict two-page limit for your resume, and submissions exceeding this may not be considered.
Job from Commander, Navy Installations Command
The Fleet & Family Readiness Program is a global organization committed to the well-being of military members and their families. Operating under the Department of the Navy, these programs offer comprehensive support ranging from recreation and childcare to clinical human services. Working with the Navy provides a professional environment focused on continuous learning, mentorship, and mission-driven service.