Empowering Recovery: Clinical Social Worker Opportunity with the Defense Health Agency

Are you a licensed clinical social worker with a passion for serving those who serve our country? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a dedicated professional to join the team at the Naval Medical Center in Point Loma, San Diego. This is a unique opportunity to provide high-level clinical services in a mission-critical environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Social Worker in the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program, your daily tasks will include:

Conducting comprehensive bio-psychosocial evaluations.
Diagnosing substance, addictive, and psychiatric disorders.
Developing individualized treatment plans using ASAM guidelines.
Providing both individual and group clinical counseling.

Core Responsibilities Summary

Task Area	Primary Objective
Clinical Assessment	Identify patient needs using DSM-5 criteria
Treatment Planning	Create measurable goals for co-occurring disorders
Patient Support	Facilitate addiction recovery through outpatient programs

Requirements

To be eligible, you must hold a Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited institution and possess a current, active, and unrestricted clinical license. Candidates must also have one year of specialized experience performing clinical evaluations and counseling. U.S. citizenship and a secret security clearance are required.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $102,246 to $132,923, reflecting the specialized clinical nature of the work.

Benefits

Employees of the DHA enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:

Health and life insurance options.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Potential recruitment and relocation bonuses for top-tier candidates.

Application Tips

Keep it Short: Your resume cannot exceed two pages.
Include Details: Clearly state your job titles, dates of employment, and average hours worked per week.
License Verification: Ensure a copy of your license is uploaded; otherwise, your application will be marked ineligible.

This role is more than just a job; it is a chance to provide meaningful support to the military community in one of the most beautiful locations in the country. Apply today to start your career with the Defense Health Agency.

Why This Social Worker Job Matters

Join the Defense Health Agency in San Diego and make a profound impact on the lives of service members and their families through dedicated clinical social work.

Social Worker Job Overview

The Defense Health Agency is seeking a skilled Social Worker to join the Directorate of Mental Health Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program at the Naval Medical Center in Point Loma, San Diego. This position focuses on providing high-quality diagnostic and therapeutic services to military personnel. You will work within an integrated healthcare team to assess and treat substance, addictive, and psychiatric disorders, helping patients navigate complex personal challenges and reach their recovery goals.

Requirements for Social Worker

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Master’s degree (or higher) in Social Work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Current, active, valid, and unrestricted clinical license to practice Social Work independently.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent, including bio-psychosocial evaluations and clinical counseling.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Must complete a pre-employment certification for Selective Service registration if applicable.
Two-page maximum limit for your professional resume.

Preferred Qualifications for Social Worker

Advanced experience in substance abuse and addiction medicine.
Demonstrated expertise in applying the DSM criteria for psychiatric and substance disorders.
Strong collaborative skills for multidisciplinary team environments.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans
✓Paid vacation and sick leave
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates
✓Opportunity for advanced leave accrual and advanced in-hire rate
✓Supportive work environment within the Department of Defense

💡 How to Apply Social Worker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Social Worker Job

Ensure you have a USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Collect proof of your clinical license and educational transcripts.
Complete the online questionnaire via the provided application link.
Upload all required documentation, including your license and resume.
Submit your application package before the deadline of November 9, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise; any resume over two pages will be automatically rejected.
Be specific about your hours worked per week for each listed work experience.
Submit your documents early to account for the mandatory virus scan process.
Do not use acronyms that may be unfamiliar to HR reviewers.
Double-check that your license copy is included, as omission will lead to an ineligible rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this Social Worker role?

The role centers on the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program, involving assessments, diagnostic work, and treatment planning for substance and psychiatric disorders.

Are there recruitment incentives available?

Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives and advanced in-hire pay may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.

Is this position open to the general public?

Yes, this is a Direct Hire solicitation open to U.S. citizens.

Is telework available?

No, this position is currently not eligible for telework.

When does the application period close?

Applications must be submitted by November 9, 2026.

Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha

The Defense Health Agency is the backbone of medical care for the Department of Defense. By integrating healthcare services, the agency supports more than 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families worldwide. Working here means joining a dedicated team committed to readiness and excellence.