Interdisciplinary (Non-Medical Clinical Counselor) Job in Portsmouth, VA

Vacancy No. 26-12970555 Department Commander, Navy Installations Command
Salary $43.53 to $46.43 Grade 4 to 4
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/27/2026 Close Date 6/3/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Portsmouth, VA


Summary

Serve as a Non-medical Clinical Counselor within Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), Fleet and Family Readiness Department (N9), Family Readiness Division (N91), Fleet and Family Support Program (FFSP). This position is to provide nonmedical clinical counseling to individuals, couples, families, and groups on family dynamics, parent-child interaction, adjustment to commonly occurring personal and family issues/circumstances, adjustment to military life, and psycho-educational programs.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

Please see the "Who May Apply" section under the Qualifications section.

Duties

In order to qualify for this position, resumes must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of the position. Applicant resumes are the key means for evaluating skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position therefore, applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing experience.

  • Receives and assesses referrals made by military and civilian agencies for individuals, couples, families, and groups experiencing situational stressors, including deployment, grief, relocation, separation, relationship issues, parent/child issues, family hardships, and other military life challenges.
  • Provides direct, short term, solution focused NMC counseling services using psychotherapeutic services, such as cognitive therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, family systems therapy, expressive therapies, etc.
  • Assess individual/family needs, and explore basic personality structure in relation to behavior patterns, mechanisms, and symptoms.
  • Coordinates and manages specialized assessment and intervention services for individuals, couples, children, families, and groups on matters pertaining to family maltreatment, and subject matter expertise and consultation on family violence.
  • Independently manages assigned cases, consulting with the FFSC Counseling and Advocacy Program Supervisor, Regional Counseling and Advocacy Program Coordinator or Regional Quality Assurance Specialist where the case is highly complex or presents with special issues.
  • Maintains case records, treatment plans, statistics and utilization rates in accordance with Navy policies and regulations and updates the FFSMIS and scheduling programs as required.
  • Provides immediate intervention and risk assessment IAW best practices in the mental health community and educates and ensures adequate referral and follow-up of any case presenting suicidal or homicidal risk. Provides after-hours coverage for the FFSP, when required.
  • Assess all reports of alleged child and domestic abuse, to include interview of alleged offenders, victims, children, and other witnesses.
  • Develops appropriate, risk-focused treatment and interventions for victims and perpetrators of child and domestic abuse in accordance with Navy Certification standards.
  • Represents the Navy at community liaison meetings, educating on domestic violence risk/protective factors, collaborating on coordinating services for military members and their families, and engaging in community domestic violence prevention and awareness activities to establish or strengthen relationships with other agencies serving the target population.
  • Provides summaries of liaison meetings for supervisor review, and makes recommendations to supervisor for further collaborations that will reduce duplication of service and expand the range of programs for the population serviced. Educates and provides case-specific consultation to military and civilian agencies about counseling services, FAP, risk assessment, clinical issues, treatment, and Incident Determination Committee (IDC/CCSM) processes.
  • Educate and consult with military and civilian agencies on scope of practice, how to engage services, available counseling services (i.e., couples, individual, and children/family), clinical issues and treatment, and train on clinical areas of interest (i.e., sleep hygiene, healthy communication, etc.) upon request and if availability allows.
  • Collaborate with civilian community service boards and organizations on issues unique to the military population.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • Must pass all applicable records and background check.
  • Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of employment.
  • This is a non-critical sensitive position requiring access to IT II system and/or PII. Position requires employee to obtain/maintain eligibility for a Secret Security clearance. A Tier 3 (T3) investigation is required.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a state driver's license.
  • Position is subject to the Health Practitioner Credential Review and Privileging requirements.
  • Child Care National Agency Check and Inquiry (CNACI) background check is required.
  • Starting May 7, 2025, non-affiliated individuals requesting access will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to access CNRMA Installations. (review required documents section for more information.)
  • Have and maintain a current and valid state clinical license that permits the incumbent to function as an independent health practitioner and fully meet and maintain the Tier II or Tier III SECNAVINST 1754.8 requirements.
  • Are current in continuing education credits/units to maintain license

Qualifications

Resumes must include information which demonstrates experience and knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) as they relate to this position. Applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing their experience level and KSAs.

A qualified candidate must possess:

The incumbent shall be Tier II qualified as outlined in Navy FFSP Credentials Review and Clinical Privileging requirements. These include:

  • Current, valid, unrestricted state licensure or certification that provides legal authority to provide clinical services as an independent practitioner. When the state licensing or certification requirements include a written examination, candidates must have achieved a passing score on that examination.
  • Possess at least a master's degree from an accredited program in one of the following clinical fields: Social Work or an equivalent degree, Marriage and Family Therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or an equivalent degree; or doctorate in Psychology approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) or equivalent degree from an accredited program.
  • Have engaged in 2 years (includes at least 2,000 hours), of full-time, post-masters supervised clinical experience.
Resumes must include information which demonstrates experience and knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) as they relate to this position. Applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing their experience level and KSAs. Knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position
  • Thorough knowledge of the CNIC Fleet and Family Support Program and comprehensive knowledge of military lifestyles including common stressors to effectively modify treatment programs to meet the needs of the military community.
  • Professional knowledge of and skill in applying laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, directives and instructions governing child and spouse abuse and family violence issues and professional knowledge of family violence dynamics to identify situations of family violence, conduct risk assessments and coordinate safety planning.
  • In-depth knowledge of family systems related to patterns of abusive behavior, abuse response, substance abuse, human behavior, human sexuality, attention deficit disorder, and juvenile delinquency and skill in applying the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to recognize, identify, and assess mental disorders and personal and social problems, reach accurate conclusions and provide appropriate solutions.
  • Expert knowledge of and skill in employing various evidence-based and trauma-informed counseling approaches, clinical treatment principles and practices, research methods, group dynamics, motivational interviewing, developmental psychology, and family systems therapy to counsel individuals, couples, families and groups.
  • Skill in applying various counseling approaches, including psychosocial, to assess, triage, refer and manage difficult and serious cases involving individuals and families who present at-risk behavior.
  • Professional knowledge of and skill in using various verbal communication methods and techniques to effectively with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds; to present sensitive or controversial information to various groups; discuss cases; deliver presentations; and develop and maintain professional relationships with other treatment professionals.
  • Professional knowledge of and skill in using various written communication methods and techniques and using FFSP management information systems and other applicable software and web-based programs to effectively document case management and treatment plans, to document and explain NMC counseling requirements and services provided, to facilitate completion of work assignments, and to develop multi-media presentations.

Education

  • A master's degree or Doctorate in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Counseling or Clinical Psychology or related field from an accredited institution from any US State.
  • Foreign education must include evidence that it is comparable to education received at accredited educational institutions in the United States.
  • All substitutions of education for experience will be made in accordance with OPM approved qualification standards. Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education are acceptable to meet positive education requirements or to substitute education for experience. For additional information, please go to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the U.S. Department of Education websites at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications and http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html

Additional information

Salary is dependent on experience and/or education.

Executive Order 12564 requires a Federal workplace free of illegal drugs. According to the Executive Order, all Federal employees are required to remain drug free throughout their employment. Commander, Navy Installations Command is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace. The use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and use of or intoxication by illegal drugs will result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal Service.

Some positions have special requirements. Selection may be tentative pending the completion of these requirements. Applicants may be required to submit proof of education, participate in medical screening, drug testing, etc. All selections are contingent upon satisfactory employment reference checks. Employment is subject to successful National Agency Background Check. Occupants of this position must maintain the privacy of official work information and data and demonstrate the highest level of ethical conduct.

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

All resumes will be reviewed to determine if they meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this announcement, and will be rated based on the information provided in the resume to determine the level of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) related to the job requirements. Using the qualifications of the position, a predetermined rating criterion of KSAs will be used for each resume. Best qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager. The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews.

Required Documents

The following documents are required at the time of application:

  • Resume
  • Proof of education/training/licensure: provide a copy of your awarded/conferred college transcript(s) and licensure as applicable
  • If claiming Department of Defense (DOD) Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) Business Based Action (BBA) priority consideration: provide a copy of the notice of separation
  • If claiming Military Spouse Preference: provide a copy of the sponsor's Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders and a marriage certificate at the time of application
  • If claiming Veteran's Preference: provide a copy of your DD-214, Member-4 page and any supporting documentation (SF-15, V.A. disability letter, proof of service, etc.)
  • If a current or former Federal Employee: provide a copy of your most recent Personnel Action Report (PAR) or SF-50

NOTE: Failure to provide the required documents may impact eligibility, qualifications determination.

Note: When submitting transcripts for an Associate degree or higher, proof of a high school diploma or equivalent is not required. All transcripts MUST show student's name, the name of the awarding university or educational institution, degree type, awarded/conferred date, and the field of study (major). If your degree has not been awarded and/or you possess certificates of completion for DoD approved competency-based training courses, and/or a valid CDA/MSA credential(s), you MUST also provide a copy of your HS Diploma or equivalent. Altered transcripts will not be accepted.

Transcripts from foreign colleges must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency in order to be considered. Applicants are responsible to obtain and submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency which is a private U.S. organization. Credential evaluations are not free and applicants are responsible for the cost of the selected service.

Starting May 7, 2025, non-affiliated individuals requesting access will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to access CNRMA Installations. This applies to everyone, including the following: but not all inclusive:

Vendors

  • Dependents aged 18 and older
  • Service Providers
  • Veterans with service-connected disabilities
  • Contractors
  • Visitors (includes visitors in same vehicle with CAC holder)
  • Transportation services (taxi, limo, ride share)
  • Agent, Assist, Aid, Care Giver Letters
  • Au Pairs, Child Care Providers

What are acceptable alternative forms of identification for base access? If you don't have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you can use one of the following:

  • U.S. passport or passport card
  • Military ID card (Common Access Card or CAC, DoD retired ID card)
  • Permanent resident card (Green Card)
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)
  • Other forms of identification accepted by the Department of Homeland Security

How can I obtain a REAL ID-compliant license? To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, you'll need to visit your state's driver's license agency with the following documents:

  • Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
  • Proof of Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card)
  • Two proofs of residency (e.g., utility bills, bank statements)

How to Apply

To be considered for this vacancy you must apply and complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 06/03/2026 to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12970555

It is your responsibility to ensure your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date.

Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Applicant

To verify or check the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account. Once logged in, the Welcome screen lists your applications, your application status and the date it was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status

DON is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, reprisal, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factor. The DON provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities who believe they may require reasonable accommodation(s) should email their request to MILL_HQ_NAF_HR.FCT@navy.mil to ensure proper consideration is given.

Agency contact information

CNRMA NAF HRO
Email
CNRMANAFHR@us.navy.mil
Address
NSA Hampton Roads VA
1682 Piersey Street Bldg KN
Norfolk, VA 23511
US

Next steps

Using the required qualifications of the position, a standardized rating and ranking criteria of knowledge, skills, and abilities will be used to screen and assess each application.

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Times may vary during the hiring process, as your application status updates/changes you will be notified with a notification letter via email.

Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., Spam Blocker, etc.), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

Commander, Navy Installations Command

CNIC offers innovative, exciting and meaningful work linking military and civilian talents to achieve our mission and safeguard our freedoms. CNIC provides competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and extensive professional development and training. The mission of the Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) Programs is to maximize the physical, emotional and social development of the fleet, fighter and family. FFR enables a ready Navy force through its Fleet Readiness, Family Readiness, and Housing Programs. We provide direct and support services to all non-appropriated fund (NAF) employees who work for Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), and Navy Getaways throughout the FFR Program worldwide.

Agency contact information

CNRMA NAF HRO
Email
CNRMANAFHR@us.navy.mil
Address
NSA Hampton Roads VA
1682 Piersey Street Bldg KN
Norfolk, VA 23511
US

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