Social Worker (Substance Abuse)

Summary

About the Position: Serve as Social Worker within the Directorate of Mental Health located at the Naval Health Clinic in Patuxent River, MD. The incumbent will provide professional counseling & addiction medicine treatment in support of patients with alcohol & substance abuse.

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

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Duties

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• Perform professional counseling and addiction medicine treatment in support of patients with an alcohol and substance abuse diagnosis.
• Apply professional knowledge of advanced concepts, principles, procedures, and practices relevant to the substance abuse program and addiction medicine outpatient program to conduct comprehensive substance abuse treatment of patients.
• Conduct evaluations of soldiers, family members, retirees, and eligible federal civilian employees referred for consultation from the individual, family members, commanding officers, supervisors, agents of the courts, and medical personnel.
• Counsel patients on primary and secondary illnesses.
• Determine clinical assessments to inform treatment decision-making.
• Collaborate with management/command officials to identify substance abuse issues.
• Perform clinical assessments and prepare treatment plans that incorporate psychological theory and counseling techniques.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment. A background investigation and credit check are required.
• One year trial/probationary period may be required.
• All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• This position is subject to a pre-employment screening, and random drug testing, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
• This position requires that you obtain and maintain a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from, or in accordance with, the American Heart Association and American Red Cross. Advanced certification (e.g., ALS) does not supersede BLS.
• This position has mandatory seasonal Influenza vaccination requirements and is subject to annual seasonal Influenza vaccinations unless otherwise exempted for medical or religious reasons (documentation of exemption must be provided upon hire).
• Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact. Applicants may be required to show proof of other immunizations depending on the type of position.
• This position requires the incumbent to have Tuberculosis testing.
• This position requires the incumbent to fulfill credentialing requirements and obtain and maintain appropriate/relevant clinical privileges.
• This position has been designated Mission Essential. In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations, the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations.
• Travel to up to 15% may be required to Naval Branch Health Clinic Indian Head and Naval Branch Health Clinic Dahlgren.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the education AND experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts isin this document.

Basic Requirements

Degree: Master's degree (or higher degree) in Social Work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. ( Note: You must attach a copy of your transcript. )

AND

License: A current, active, valid, and unrestricted independent social work clinical licensure from a U.S. State, District of Columbia, Commonwealth, territory, or jurisdiction is required. ( Note: You must attach a copy of your license. )

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes collecting and evaluating information pertaining to patient diagnosis from commanding officers, supervisors, family members and/or medical personnel; participating in comprehensive treatment plan(s) for substance abuse/addiction medicine programs; providing psychotherapy and crisis intervention counseling to individuals or groups; and documenting and maintaining accurate patient records in accordance with clinical standards of care. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11).

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience aloneno substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit:

Additional information

• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• Recruitment or relocation incentives MAY be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit for more information.
• If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.