Non-Medical Clinical Counselor Job in Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan

Vacancy No. FFR25-0475 Department Commander, Navy Installations
Salary $75,706.00 to $90,850.00 Grade 4 to 4
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/4/2025 Close Date 8/18/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan


Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to provide nonmedical clinical counseling to individuals, families, and couples on family dynamics, parent-child interaction, couples' communication, adjustment to personal and family issues/circumstances, adjustment to military life, and psycho-educational training programs.

***ACCESS TO MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE IN JAPAN IS EXTREMELY LIMITED. Please see Additional Information section below.***

Duties

Primary duties include:

Non-medical Clinical Counseling (NMC) (40%)

  • Receives and assess 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 and triage clients who present risk to harm self or others, and refer to the appropriate, nearest behavioral health provider.
  • Refers clients with issues falling outside the authorized scope of care (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, substance use disorders, major depression, etc.) to military or civilian behavioral health providers.
  • Assists individuals and families with finding satisfactory ways of coping with commonly occurring life stresses, family dynamics, parenting, crisis response, or other stressors.
  • Conducts on-site/regional quarterly quality assurance reviews of cases to ensure that all NMC counseling services provided are safe and of good quality.
  • Schedules, accounts for and document all services provided in the Scheduling and Clinical Case Record modules within the automated FFSP management information system.
Installation Family Advocacy Program (FAP) (40%)
  • Serves as the installation FAP clinical subject matter expert, consulting installation leadership, medical professionals and the command triad regarding clinical needs assessment, determining clinical intervention, and utilizing evidence-based treatment strategies and treatment.
  • Triages clients, identify the situation, comply with and educate on mandated and required reporting protocols of child and domestic abuse, conduct risk and lethality assessments, develop safety and treatment plans, provide referrals, establish individualized treatment goals, and follow-up on child abuse/neglect and domestic abuse allegations involving military members and their families.
  • Identity crisis situations when conducting clinical assessments and provide immediate crisis intervention, conduct risk assessment, and prepare and/or coordinate safety planning.
  • Initiates, develops, and facilitates evidence-based group treatment programs to address the needs of families involved in and at risk for family violence, such as domestic abuse offender's group, parenting group, and victim support groups.
  • Provides treatment to identified abusers, remaining cognizant of increased risk or incidents of further abuse.
  • Refer and link clients to other FFSP services, as well as military and civilian service delivery providers.
  • Conducts family violence briefs, workshops, and training, when appropriate.
  • Provides after-hour on-call services for emergent family advocacy situations, including consulting with command/security, evaluating needs, crisis intervention and stabilization, safety planning, information and referral, and victim advocacy.
Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth (10%)
  • Receives reports of problematic sexual behaviors in children and youth (PSB-CY) from military and civilian representatives and take appropriate action.
  • Provides or coordinates clinical services access with other FAP providers or with community clinical providers for exhibiting children, youth, and their families, including psychoeducational support, assessment, and clinical intervention.
  • Coordinates with healthcare providers on safety and supervision planning for children and families affected by problematic sexual behaviors.
  • Supports children and families affected by PSB-CY by providing at-risk and safety planning information for the coordinated community response (CCR), to address safety needs of youth involved and limit ongoing risk to family and community members.
  • Provides or coordinates with other FAP clinicians or community agencies to provide FAP training and education services to ensure active-duty military and family members are aware of the continuum of sexual behaviors, risk pathways, indicators and impact of PSB-CY and the services available to them.
  • Promotes public awareness, prevention, early identification, and appropriate resources and referral information for PSB-CY through training, coordinated public awareness campaigns, distributed information, community activities, or unit briefings.
Community Liaison (10%)
  • Liaison with governmental, non-government, and military agencies and commands to enhance FAP prevention and response affecting the military community.
  • Represent the Navy at community liaison meetings, educating on domestic violence risk/protective factors, coordinating services for military members and their families, and engaging in community domestic violence prevention and awareness activities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must meet the qualification requirements for Tier II clinical providers described in SECNAVINST 1754.8, “Credentials Review and Clinical Privileging of Clinical Providers within Department of the Navy Family Readiness Program
  • Must obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for Secret security clearance of access for the duration of employment, including a background investigation and credit check. This position is designated as Non-Critical Sensitive.
  • This position requires regular contact with children under the age of 18 and a favorable determination of suitability to do so, and periodic re-verification check of multiple agency records.
  • This position requires Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel approximately up to 20% of time away from the regular duty station to attend or provide training, conduct FFSP certification visits, or deliver services aboard ships.
  • The position may require working flexible hours, such as 0700-1500 or 0900-1800 to accommodate client’s needs to have after hour care, including weekend hours.
  • This position requires routine on-site access to government facilities. The incumbent may perform the required tasks at an off-site location for situational telework only.
  • This position requires the incumbent to have a valid, state-issued driver’s license.

Qualifications

1. The incumbent shall be Tier II qualified as outlined in Navy FFSP Credentials Review and Clinical Privileging requirements (SECNAVINST 1754.8). 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.
  • Must have engaged in two years of full-time, post-masters supervised clinical experience.
2. The incumbent must have a minimum of four years' specialized experience in providing non-medical clinical counseling to individuals, couples, families, and/or groups on family dynamics, parent-child interactions, couples' communication, adjustment to commonly occurring personal and family issues/circumstances, adjustment to military life, and/or psycho-educational training programs.

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 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 work 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 presentations.

Education

  • Minimum of a master's degree from an accredited program in one of the following clinical fields: Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy or a doctorate in Psychology.
  • Proof of education MUST be uploaded at time of application for consideration. If degree is not conferred, you MUST provide a copy of your high school diploma or equivalent with your college transcripts.
  • When education is a basic requirement for the position, or when substituting education for experience, applicants MUST submit a copy of your high school transcripts, college transcript, or a list of courses which includes grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and/or semester hours earned as part of your application package.
  • 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

  • Employees (and their family members) who require medical or dental care in Japan may experience severe limitations accessing medical care both on the military installation and the local economy, and also could incur costly medical expenses.
  • Return rights for current employees must be negotiated with the losing command. Candidates not associated with DOD/DON are ineligible for return rights.
  • Some positions have special requirements. Selection may be tentative pending the completion of the satisfactory employment reference checks and receipt of proof of education (where applicable). Selectee may be required to complete a one (1) year probationary period. Participation in the Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer is required. Salary is commensurate with experience and/or education.
  • Selectees initially recruited from the United States or who are already on a Transportation Agreement will be entitled to transportation and moving costs for themselves and their family members. Household goods may be shipped and a housing allowance is paid to cover monthly housing and utility costs.
  • Compensation includes base pay, a Post Allowance which is a non-taxable (federal) allowance based on the Japanese Yen rate exchange, and a Living Quarters Allowance sufficient to pay for a housing unit within close proximity of the naval base. You may also ship and store your household goods. These and other benefits are available to those personnel hired on an overseas transportation agreement.

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.

Benefits

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.

Review our benefits

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

Your application will be screened for the following minimum qualifications:

  • Must be Tier III qualified in accordance with SECNAVINST 1754.8 requirements. This includes:
    • Possession of a current, valid, unrestricted license or certification that provides legal authority to provide clinical services as an independent practitioner in the fields of Social Work, Psychology or Marriage and Family Therapy, or Licensed Professional Counselor/Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
    • Possession of a masters or doctoral degree in one of the following disciplines:
      • Marriage and Family Therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or an equivalent degree.
      • Social Work from a school accredited by Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or an equivalent degree.
      • Counseling and Related Education Program (CACREP) or an equivalent degree.
      • Psychology from a doctoral program approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) or an equivalent degree.
    • Have engaged in two (2) years of full-time, post-masters supervised clinical experience.
  • Must have a minimum of four (4) years' specialized experience in providing non-medical clinical counseling to individuals, couples, families, and/or groups on family dynamics, parent-child interactions, couples' communication, adjustment to commonly occurring personal and family issues/circumstances, adjustment to military life, and/or psycho-educational training programs.
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: provide a copy of your awarded/conferred college transcript(s).
  • Proof of professional licensure
  • 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 Overseas Family Member Preference: provide a copy of PCS orders and Family Entry Approval (Military) or Sponsor's Letter of Employment (Civilian).
  • If claiming Veteran's Preference: provide a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) 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.
  • If claiming military spouse preference or overseas civilian family member preference, PCS orders or civilian sponsor's Letter of Employment

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

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 08/18/2025 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/12754744

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

CNRJ NAF Human Resources
Address
Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka
CNRJ NAF HRO (N941)
PSC 473 Box 12
FPO, AP 96349-0001
US

Next steps

Please ensure that your resume and supporting documents contains all the information requested in the vacancy announcement. If your resume and supporting documents do not provide all the information requested on this form and in the job vacancy announcement, you may lose consideration for the job.

All applicants will be notified regarding their status by email. Applicants will either be contacted for an interview or sent an email of non-selection 3-6 weeks after the announcement cut-off date. Please note that if you provide an inaccurate email address or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position. This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within 60 days of issuance of selection certificate.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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