Clinical Social Worker Opportunity at the Defense Health Agency
Are you a licensed clinical professional seeking a meaningful career transition? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently inviting applications for a Social Worker position at the 436th Medical Group in Dover, Delaware. This role is pivotal in providing high-quality mental health support to military personnel and their families.
Job Responsibilities
In this position, your primary focus will be on the clinical well-being of your patients. Key duties include:
- Providing evidence-based psychotherapy for complex psychiatric and social challenges.
- Developing, implementing, and adjusting behavioral health treatment plans.
- Serving as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to advise installation leadership on clinical intervention strategies.
- Conducting in-depth intake evaluations and psycho-diagnostic assessments.
- Creating detailed evaluation reports for clinical recommendations.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following baseline requirements:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Education: A Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Licensure: A current, active, and unrestricted clinical license to practice independently.
- Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary structure commensurate with federal standards.
| Pay Period | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Annual Salary | $98,630 – $128,221 |
Note: Salary negotiation and relocation incentives may be available for highly qualified candidates.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Federal retirement benefits, including TSP matching.
- Generous paid leave and federal holiday schedule.
- Career growth opportunities within the DoD health system.
Application Tips
- Mind the Page Count: Your resume cannot exceed two pages. Overly long resumes will cause an automatic rejection.
- Be Detailed: Ensure your resume includes start/end dates, hours per week, and a clear description of your clinical work.
- Verify Documents: Always include your license and transcripts. Missing documentation is the most common reason for an ineligible rating.
Serving as a Social Worker within the DHA allows you to combine your clinical passion with a commitment to the military mission. If you possess the required clinical licensure and experience, we encourage you to apply by the October 30, 2026, deadline.
Why This Social Worker Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who serve—join the Defense Health Agency as a Clinical Social Worker in Dover.
Social Worker Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to join the team at the 436th Medical Group in Dover, Delaware. In this role, you will provide vital behavioral health support, delivering evidence-based clinical care to service members and their families. This is a unique opportunity to apply your clinical expertise within an integrated healthcare system dedicated to mission readiness and personnel wellness.
Requirements for Social Worker
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possess a Master’s degree or higher in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution.
- Hold a current, active, valid, and unrestricted clinical license to practice Social Work independently in a U.S. state, territory, or district.
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level, including conducting bio-psychosocial evaluations and clinical counseling.
- Must successfully pass a drug test.
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period is required.
Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker
- Extensive experience in developing and implementing behavioral health treatment plans.
- Proven background in serving as a subject matter expert for clinical intervention strategies.
- Ability to design and evaluate social work service programs in a clinical setting.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Recruitment or relocation incentives may be available for highly qualified candidates
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the DoD healthcare system
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
💡 How to Apply Social Worker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Social Worker Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, highlighting specialized experience.
- Upload all required documentation, including clinical licenses and academic transcripts.
- Submit your complete application package via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
- Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Your resume must be exactly two pages or less; longer resumes will not be considered.
- Ensure your resume explicitly lists hours worked per week for each role to verify experience levels.
- Use clear, professional language and avoid excessive acronyms.
- Double-check that your clinical license is included in your uploaded documents to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Submit your documents early to allow sufficient time for the automated virus scan process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Master's degree mandatory for this position?
Yes, a Master's degree or higher from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education is a basic requirement for this role.
Can I substitute my education for the required work experience?
No, for this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements through specialized experience alone.
What is the page limit for the resume?
The resume must be two pages or less. Resumes exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.
Is relocation assistance provided?
*A: Relocation incentives may be authorized for qualified candidates, though Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not currently covered.*
What is the security level for this job?
*A: This is a non-sensitive/low-risk position, though a drug test is required.*
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is a joint, integrated combat support agency that enables the military medical services to provide a medically ready force. Working within the DHA means you are a key player in a global mission, ensuring that 9.5 million uniformed service members and their families receive world-class care, anytime and anywhere.