Empower Recovery: A Rewarding Career as a Social Worker (Substance Abuse) with the Defense Health Agency

Are you a dedicated and licensed clinical social worker passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of those battling substance use disorders? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) presents a compelling opportunity to serve our nation's heroes and their families as a Social Worker (Substance Abuse) at the prestigious Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. This full-time, direct-hire position is open to the public and offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the profound satisfaction of contributing to military readiness and well-being. If you possess a Master's degree in Social Work, a relevant clinical license, and a commitment to evidence-based practice, we invite you to explore this impactful career path.

About the Defense Health Agency (DHA)

The Defense Health Agency is a vital component of the U.S. Department of Defense, responsible for delivering seamless, high-quality healthcare services to uniformed service members, retirees, and their families across the globe. As an integrated health care system, the DHA ensures that military personnel are medically ready to deploy and that their families receive the best possible care. The DHA operates numerous Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) worldwide, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and dedication. By joining the DHA, you become part of a mission-driven organization committed to improving health and building readiness, anytime and anywhere.

Your Role: Social Worker (Substance Abuse)

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) within the Substance Use Disorder Clinical Care (SUDCC) program at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, you will be at the forefront of providing essential care and support to individuals facing the complexities of substance abuse. This role is instrumental in maintaining the health and operational readiness of our military community. Your responsibilities will encompass a wide range of clinical duties, including:

• Comprehensive Assessment: Conducting detailed bio-psychosocial evaluations and substance use histories for individuals referred due to substance-related incidents (e.g., urinalysis results, DWI offenses).
• Treatment Planning and Implementation: Developing and executing individualized and family-centered treatment plans tailored to each patient's stage of change and specific needs, utilizing diagnostic criteria from the DSM.
• Counseling and Therapy: Providing individual, group, and family counseling sessions to address the impact of substance use and facilitate recovery.
• Collaboration and Education: Working closely with commanders, unit leaders, supervisors, and other healthcare professionals to educate them on substance abuse issues and coordinate care.
• Program Development: Contributing to the development and delivery of educational and training programs for patients, staff, and command leadership.
• Liaison Activities: Maintaining effective communication and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including SARP (Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program) staff.

Requirements for Success

To be considered for this critical role, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Education: A Master's degree (or higher) in Social Work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is required.
• Specialized Experience: A minimum of one year of specialized experience is necessary. This experience must include assisting with clinical assessments of substance abuse patients, implementing behavioral health treatment plans, and providing counseling to substance abuse patients. This level of experience typically aligns with a GS-09 federal grade.
• Alternative Education: Alternatively, a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a doctoral degree in Social Work or a closely related field demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, can satisfy the educational requirement.
• Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of graduate education (beyond the second year) and specialized experience may be used to qualify if the computed percentage of the requirements meets at least 100%.
• Licensure: A current, active, valid, and unrestricted clinical license to practice Social Work independently is mandatory. This license must be issued by a U.S. State, District of Columbia, Commonwealth, territory, or jurisdiction.

Foreign Education

If your education was completed outside of the United States, you must provide documentation from a recognized credential evaluation service to verify its equivalency to U.S. standards.

Salary Overview

This position is classified under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale. The annual salary for this Social Worker (Substance Abuse) role ranges from $75,788 to $98,530, depending on your qualifications and experience. This salary includes applicable locality pay adjustments for the Portsmouth, Virginia area.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

As a federal employee with the Defense Health Agency, you will enjoy a robust benefits package designed to support your well-being and financial security. These benefits include:

• Health Insurance: Access to comprehensive Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program plans.
• Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage options available.
• Retirement Plan: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), including a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for additional retirement savings.
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave (vacation), sick leave, and federal holidays.
• Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and career advancement.
• Work-Life Balance: Support for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• Potential Incentives: Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.

How to Apply

Applying for this direct-hire position is a straightforward online process:

1. Create/Login to USAJOBS: Ensure you have a USAJOBS account. If not, create one at US AJOBS.
2. Access Application: Click the 'Apply' button on the job announcement page.
3. Complete Questionnaire: Fill out the online occupational questionnaire accurately and completely.
4. Submit Required Documents: Upload your resume (maximum two pages), transcripts (if qualifying by education), and a copy of your license.
5. Review and Submit: Carefully review your entire application package for accuracy and completeness before submitting.
6. Deadline: Ensure your application is submitted by 11:59 PM EST on October 28, 2026.

Application Tips for Success

• Tailor Your Resume: Craft a resume that specifically highlights your experience and skills relevant to the duties and qualifications listed in this announcement. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
• Document Thoroughly: Be sure to include all necessary supporting documents. Failure to submit required documentation, such as transcripts or licenses, will result in your application being marked incomplete and potentially disqualified.
• Page Limit: Remember that your resume must not exceed two pages. Longer resumes will be removed from consideration.
• Clarity is Key: Use clear, concise language in your resume and avoid jargon or acronyms that might not be universally understood.
• Double-Check: Before submitting, thoroughly review your application and all uploaded documents to catch any errors or omissions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
What is the salary range for this position?	The annual salary ranges from $75,788 to $98,530, inclusive of locality pay.

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| What is the minimum educational requirement? | A Master's degree (or higher) in Social Work from an accredited institution is required. A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three years of higher-level graduate education in Social Work may also satisfy this requirement. | | Is a professional license mandatory? | Yes, a current, active, valid, and unrestricted clinical license to practice Social Work independently is required. | | Can I use foreign education to qualify? | Yes, provided it has been evaluated and deemed equivalent to U.S. standards by a recognized credential evaluation service. | | What is the deadline to apply? | The application must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on October 28, 2026. | | Is this job open to the general public? | Yes, this is a direct-hire solicitation and is open to the public. | | Will relocation expenses be covered? | Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, as a PCS move is not considered in the Government interest for this position. However, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates. |

Embark on a fulfilling career journey with the Defense Health Agency, where your expertise as a Social Worker (Substance Abuse) will directly contribute to the health, resilience, and readiness of our armed forces and their families. The Naval Medical Center Portsmouth offers a supportive and dynamic work environment, competitive compensation, and excellent benefits. If you are ready to take on this rewarding challenge and advance your career in federal service, we encourage you to apply before the October 28, 2026 deadline. Your dedication can shape a healthier future for those who serve.