SOCIAL WORKER (Title 5) Job in Des Moines, IA

Vacancy No. IA-12788574-AF-25-100 Department Air National Guard Units
Salary $89,341.00 to $116,148.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/22/2025 Close Date 9/19/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Des Moines, IA


Summary

IOWA AIR NATIONAL GUARD - TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION
Open to the public. Military membership is not required and veteran's preference applies.

LOCATION: 132d Wing, Des Moines, IA

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This position is a Title 5 Excepted position open to the public. Military membership is not required, and Veteran's Preference applies.

Duties

As a SOCIAL WORKER (Title 5), GS-0185-12, you will perform the following duties.

  1. Actively supports the commander's leadership team in addressing the psychological health of their installation. Provides strategic planning and leadership to implement an ANG comprehensive psychological health strategic plan. Assist leadership in understanding the interface between psychological health and operational readiness, and the role of the Director of Psychological Health (DPH) in developing and helping leadership apply psychological health solutions to functional/operational problems. Encourage and coach unit leadership to actively promote psychological health and help-seeking as part of the wingman culture at the wing. Consult with leadership on workplace issues identified by unit leadership, (e.g., unit cohesiveness, conflict in the unit, unit stressors, etc). Consultation with leadership may include, but is not limited to, coaching and change management. Provide ANG PHP briefing to newly-appointed commanders and others in leadership positions as they assume new leadership roles, to include key unit leadership; including, Group, and Squadron Commanders and First Sergeants.
  2. Conducts assessments, routine and crisis evaluations, psycho-diagnostic assessments, provides short-term, evidence-based problem resolution strategies and services. Provides on-site and telephonic access to psychological health assessments and individual consultation to facilitate coordination of clinical, counseling, and other services promoting the psychological health of NG members and their families. The DPH will conduct command-directed evaluations (CDEs). CDEs are governed by DODD 6490.1, DODI 6490.4, AFI 44-109, and AFI 44-172. Applies professional knowledge of the principles, theories, procedures, and practices of social work to conduct needs assessments and/or intake evaluations on a limited but routine and emergency basis in accordance with applicable USAF and DoD guidelines. On occasion, conducts comprehensive psycho-diagnostic evaluations to help clients resolve problems and to address more complex (interrelated bio psychosocial) diagnostic issues. Prepares written evaluation reports and yield diagnoses from the current version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Accomplishes clinical intake interviews with clients, to include family history, biopsychosocial history, developmental and health histories, and presenting problems together with any relevant secondary information. Social assessments may include financial, adaptive, social functioning of family, social relationships and situations, and any other contributory information.
  3. Designs, develops, coordinates, and implements prevention and community outreach and education programs. Implements community organization strategies in collaboration with the Integrated Delivery System (IDS) Team and other key organizations to increase awareness of psychological health, develop coordinated plans for reducing risk factors for individuals and within the community, and build and enhance a general culture that promotes psychological health and wellness. Develops and provides access to primary prevention services to inform and educate base leadership and the ANG community at large about the dynamics, treatment, and life skills and behaviors associated with psychological illness and methods to improve wellness. Develops and provides access to secondary preventive support services and psycho-educational skills-development activities such as parenting skills, stress management, change management, anger management, financial/ money management, support groups for single parents, and couples communication. Serves as a liaison between the military and non-military community agencies, including medical agencies, schools, shelters, child care, and family support centers providing access to services that can improve and/or sustain the psychological health of National Guard Airmen and families. Identifies family and community risk and protective factors and determines outreach and prevention requirements that both enhance protective factors and mitigate risk factors.
  4. Responsible for marketing and marketing evaluation activities. Serves as primary consultant and advisor on methods to successfully market the ANG PHP. Formulates strategies to generate interest, acceptance, and participation by Air National Guard community consumers, resource suppliers, and eligible National Guard Airmen and family members regarding psychological health services and community prevention for the general population. Employs social marketing of primary and secondary prevention interventions to promote utilization of military and non-military resources and services. Facilitates awareness of and accessibility to available services for ANG members and their families.
  5. Performs other duties as assigned. T59128P1

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Perform irregular/overtime hours in support of operational requirements and contingencies
  • Failure to complete prescribed courses may be cause for reassignment or termination of FTS.
  • Candidate must be a fully qualified Mental Health professional IAW AFI 44-119
  • Selective Placement Factor: Possess a current, unrestricted license to practice clinical social work independently in any one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or the U.S Virgin Islands
  • Must be privileged for independent practice by the Credentials Committee at the employing Medical Treatment Facility
  • Position requires Basic Life Support (BLS) in accordance with local MDG policies. Must be obtained with 6 months of onboarding
  • This position may be identified as having “regular contact with children,” requiring a State Criminal History Repository (SCHR) check to be completed on any person selected for the position
  • Other mental health degrees and training as identified in AFI 44-119 (Medical Quality Operations) are acceptable. Candidate must be a fully qualified Mental Health professional IAW AFI 44-119.
  • Incumbent may share on-call duty during weeknights and/or weekends on a rotational basis as required consistent with other mental health professionals of the same specialty performing like duties.
  • Must maintain credentials requirements at all times (i.e. current and unrestricted state license, BLS, clinical competencies, etc.) IAW DHA PM 6025-13 Vol 4 and DAFMAN 44-119. 6/14/2022 TCPC Cramner.

Qualifications

In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience. Applicants who do not fully address the minimum/specialized experience needed for the position in their resume will not be referred for consideration.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE: Knowledge of social work theories, principles, techniques, and resources is mandatory.


SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS 0185 12 - Applicant must the following experience:
  • Must have 24 months of experience in clinical social work assignments. Completion of the Air Force Social Work Internship Program may be substituted for 12 months of the specialized experience requirement.
  • Knowledge of social work theories, principles, techniques, and resources.
  • Experience in professional social work that includes interviewing people to establish the nature and extent of their problems, helping them work-out plans for improving the situation, providing assistance and services, referring them to community resources and other organizations as indicated, and assisting them to understand and modify their own patterns of behavior when appropriate.

Education

The National Guard mandatory minimum educational qualification standard, for GS-0185-11 and GS-0185-12 positions, is a master's degree in social work from a graduate school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. To receive credit for education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the education requirements for this position.

Additional information

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: Employment is subject to attaining and maintaining a clearance as required by this position. If the selectee does not possess the applicable security clearance when hired, application must be made within 30 days of the start date. Failure to make application for the required security clearance will result in termination of employment.

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 09/19/2025. FAILURE TO PROVIDE COMPLETE INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN YOU NOT RECEIVING CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION. Please refer to the Qualifications and Evaluations Section of this Announcement to understand the qualification requirements, and the How to Apply Section for detailed instruction on applying.

Annuitants other than DSR annuitants hired on or after November 25, 2003, shall not have their salary offset by the amount of the annuity received for the period of reemployment in accordance with section 9902(h) of Reference (b). These individuals shall receive full salary and annuity during the period of reemployment; they shall not be considered employees for the purposes of subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of Reference (b) (e.g., ineligible for retirement deductions, ineligible to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan); and their period of reemployment shall not be creditable for a supplemental or redetermined annuity.

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.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are found to be among the qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the minimum/specialized experience provided in the announcement and the KSA's (knowledge, skills, and abilities) listed below:

  1. Must understand labor relations, military operations, and the Military Health System, TRICARE and VA as it pertains to the NGPHP Program.
  2. Professional knowledge of social work practices, principles, and theories to develop and implement comprehensive primary and secondary prevention programs that address effective programs to prevent or lessen the impact of a wide range of psychosocial and environmental problems such as sociopathic personalities and family groups who react to their circumstances with impulsive behavior that may be self-destructive or depredatory; provide training for other health care professionals and other installation personnel on issues related to the promotion of psychological health; coordinate programs; and enlist the aid of community organizations/agencies.
  3. Professional knowledge of complex helping systems and professional organizations, how they positively or negatively affect individual and family welfare, and the multiple ways these systems and organizations operate to deliver services.
  4. Knowledge and experience in the organization, management, and administration of programs and services to participate in program planning and in the development and maintenance of public understanding and sound working relationships with local and community agencies.
  5. Professional knowledge of a wide array of psychological problems and disorders that affect adults, families, and organizations and the varied resources needed to treat them.
  6. Skill in applying professional community organization skills related to the formulation of needs assessments, development of prevention programs, and the marketing of programs.
  7. Professional knowledge of problem-solving strategies and evidence-based treatments for a full range of psychiatric disorders to plan and provide short-term problem resolution to clients or refer them appropriately for clinical treatment.
  8. Ability to directly apply professional diagnostic skills to individuals and families.
  9. Skill in applying psychological and social work methods and theory in an outpatient clinical setting and providing consultation for health care providers and military leaders.
  10. Excellent skills in oral and written communication to include report writing and maintaining proper records to document services provided, including patient care, follow up, and referrals.
  11. Ability to administer and interpret select psychological and needs-assessment measures.
  12. Ability to assess individual, family, group, and community needs, provide a wide array of preventive and problem-solving resolutions as indicated.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

  1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (including Month and Year, e.g., 02/2017, Feb 2017, etc.) of employment and duties performed.
  2. Additional Supporting Documents (if applicable): Cover Letter, Transcripts, SF-50, DD 214, VA disability letter/documentation, ect.
    1. (In order to claim Veterans Preference a VA disability letter or legible copy of your DD214(s) annotating dates, campaign medals, and character of service (honorable, general, etc.) must be submitted for consideration).

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 apply for this position, you must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12788574

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement 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.

Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Agency contact information

Christopher Powders
Address
IA 132nd Wing
3100 McKinley Ave
Des Moines, IA 50321-2799
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.


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


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