Become a Vital Part of Military Mental Health: Social Worker (Mental Health Consultant) at Edwards Air Force Base

Are you a licensed and experienced Social Worker passionate about supporting the mental well-being of our nation's heroes? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is offering a significant career opportunity for a dedicated professional to serve as a Social Worker (Mental Health Consultant) at the renowned Edwards Air Force Base in California. This GS-12 position, open to U.S. Citizens, presents a chance to make a profound impact within a dynamic healthcare environment, contributing directly to the readiness and resilience of military service members and their families. If you possess a Master's degree in Social Work, a valid clinical license, and a proven track record in mental health assessment and treatment, this role could be the perfect next step in your career.

About the Defense Health Agency (DHA)

The Defense Health Agency is a vital component of the U.S. Department of Defense, operating as an integrated healthcare system dedicated to delivering exceptional medical, dental, and pharmacy programs. Serving over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families worldwide, the DHA focuses on improving health and building readiness. Their mission, "Anytime, Anywhere-Always," underscores their commitment to providing comprehensive care regardless of location. The DHA is a strategic partner in ensuring the Joint Force remains medically ready. Edwards Air Force Base, home to the Air Force Flight Test Center, is a historically significant installation located in the western Mojave Desert. It offers a unique setting for professionals and their families, with proximity to major metropolitan areas for shopping and recreation, while providing a distinct desert landscape and a rich history of aviation innovation.

Job Responsibilities: Your Role as a Mental Health Consultant

As a Social Worker (Mental Health Consultant) within the 412th Medical Group at Edwards Air Force Base, you will be instrumental in providing crucial mental health support. Your primary duties will encompass a range of clinical and consultative responsibilities:

• Biopsychosocial Evaluations: Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments to understand patients' mental health needs within their broader life context.
• Intervention Planning: Develop and propose tailored mental health interventions based on assessment findings, utilizing evidence-based practices.
• Evidence-Based Treatment: Deliver direct therapeutic services, including individual and group counseling, employing effective techniques rooted in behavioral, cognitive, and motivational approaches.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Serve as an integral part of a healthcare team, providing primary care providers and other staff with regular, concise feedback on patient status and offering recommendations for integrated, team-based care.
• Psychoeducational Programs: Design and implement psychoeducational classes and workshops aimed at addressing high-frequency mental health diagnoses commonly encountered in a primary care setting.
• Electronic Health Records: Meticulously document all patient encounters, assessments, and treatment plans within the electronic health record (EHR) system, ensuring accurate and timely record-keeping.

Requirements for Success

To be considered for this rewarding position, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

Basic Requirements:

• Education: A Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is mandatory.
• Licensure: You must possess a current, active, valid, and unrestricted clinical license to practice Social Work independently. This license must be issued by a U.S. State, the District of Columbia, a Commonwealth, territory, or jurisdiction.

Specialized Experience:

• A minimum of one year of specialized experience is required. This experience must demonstrate your ability to perform the key duties of the position, specifically including:

  • Conducting thorough mental health assessments.
  • Providing effective individual and group therapy or treatment.
  • Working collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

• Important Note: For this position, the specialized experience can only be met through experience; there is no substitution of education for this required experience. The specialized experience detailed here is equivalent to the work performed at the next lower grade level, typically the GS-11.

Citizenship:

• Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.

Foreign Education:

• If your education was completed outside of the United States, you must provide proof that it has been deemed equivalent to U.S. educational standards by a recognized foreign credential evaluation service.

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-12 grade level. The annual salary for this role is set between $104,349 and $135,657, with the exact rate determined by factors such as your qualifications, experience, and any applicable locality pay adjustments.

Benefits and Incentives

Joining the Defense Health Agency offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal life. In addition to the standard federal benefits, this position may offer unique incentives:

• Health Insurance: Access to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
• Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
• Recruitment/Relocation Incentives: A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized, depending on individual circumstances and agency approval.
• Salary Negotiation: Candidates new to federal service may be eligible for salary negotiations.
• Student Loan Repayment: The possibility of Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) authorization exists.
• Leave Credit: Non-Federal work experience may be creditable for the purpose of calculating annual leave accrual.
• Mission Essential: This position is designated as mission essential, requiring the incumbent to report to work during contingency operations, natural disasters, or other emergency situations.

Please note: Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this position.

Application Process and Tips

Applying for this federal position involves several key steps. Ensure you follow the instructions meticulously to avoid any issues with your application.

How to Apply:

1. Create or Log In: Access your USAJOBS account. If you don't have one, you'll need to create it.
2. Online Questionnaire: Complete the comprehensive online questionnaire associated with this announcement.
3. Resume Submission: Upload a resume that is two pages or less. Your resume must clearly articulate your experience, directly supporting the specialized experience requirements outlined in the announcement.
4. Required Documents: Submit all necessary supporting documents, including:
   • A copy of your official transcripts.
   • A copy of your current, active, valid, and unrestricted clinical Social Work license.
   • Other documents as specified in the announcement (e.g., performance appraisals if applicable).
5. Submission Deadline: Ensure your entire application package is submitted electronically by November 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Tips for a Strong Application:

• Read Carefully: Pay close attention to every detail in the job announcement, especially the 'Requirements' and 'Required Documents' sections.
• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to directly address the specialized experience and duties mentioned. Use keywords from the announcement.
• Document Clarity: Ensure all uploaded documents (transcripts, license) are clear, legible, and easily verifiable.
• Proofread: Before submitting, thoroughly review your entire application for any errors or omissions. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
• Utilize Resources: Refer to the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center for detailed guidance on the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
What is the salary range for this position?	The annual salary ranges from $104,349 to $135,657, depending on qualifications and locality pay.
Who is eligible to apply for this Social Worker position?	This position is open to all U.S. Citizens.
What are the educational and licensure requirements?	Applicants must have a Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited institution and hold a current, active, valid, and unrestricted clinical license to practice Social Work independently.
Is this a remote or telework position?	No, this position is located at Edwards Air Force Base, California, and is not eligible for telework or remote arrangements.
Are relocation expenses covered?	No, payment for Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is not authorized for this role, as it has been determined not to be in the government's interest.
What counts as specialized experience?	Specialized experience refers to at least one year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-11 level, specifically involving conducting mental health assessments, providing individual and group treatment, and working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Can I substitute education for the specialized experience?	No, for this particular position, you must meet the specialized experience requirement through direct work experience; education cannot be substituted for it.
What documents do I need to submit with my application?	You must submit your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, a copy of your transcripts, and a copy of your current clinical Social Work license. Failure to submit required documents may result in an incomplete application.
What is the closing date for applications?	The application deadline is November 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).
What security clearance is required for this position?	This position does not require a security clearance. However, suitability and fitness determinations are part of the adjudication process.

This Social Worker (Mental Health Consultant) position with the Defense Health Agency at Edwards Air Force Base represents an outstanding opportunity to leverage your expertise in a setting that directly supports the U.S. military community. By providing essential mental health services and collaborating within a dedicated healthcare team, you will contribute significantly to the well-being and operational readiness of service members and their families. If you meet the rigorous qualifications and are eager to serve, we encourage you to apply and become an indispensable member of the DHA team. Your skills are needed, and your service will be valued.