Supervisory Social Worker - ESEP/MP Job

Vacancy No. IHS-25-CH-12662750-ESEP/MP Department Indian Health Service
Salary $96,147.00 to $124,996.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/28/2025 Close Date 6/10/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Chinle, AZShiprock, NM


Summary

The purpose of this position is to serve as the supervisor of Medical Social Work Services. The Supervisory Social Worker supervises members of the Counseling Services Medical Social Work Team. The team provides a variety of social work-related interventions to patients receiving both inpatient and outpatient medical care. This position is located at the Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility, the primary hospital serving Chinle Service Unit, Chinle Arizona.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

The IHS is required by law to give absolute preference to qualified applicants who meet the Secretary of the Interior's definition of Indian for appointment to vacancies within the IHS in accordance with established IHS policy as outlined in the Indian Health Manual Part 7, Chapter 3. The IHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Duties

This position is being announced concurrently under Delegated Examining Procedures. Please review vacancy announcement number IHS-25-CH-12662861-DE; for eligibility requirements. NOTE: Applicants must apply separately for each announcement in order to be considered.

  • Provides direct medical social work services to a wide range of patients with a particular emphasis on needs of patients receiving medical are in the hospital, and works with all age groups.
  • Services provided include but are not limited to: psychosocial screening and assessment services, crisis intervention, discharge planning, disposition consultation, cross cultural interpretation/negotiation, suspected abuse and neglect coordination, referral and intervention services, psychotherapy (individual, family and group) as it relates to facilitating appropriate medical care, end-of-life family support and interventions.
  • Directs and supervises the Medical Social Work Team services provided as assigned by the Counseling Services Director.
  • Directs, implements and rates Medical Social Work Team members Performance Assessments.
  • Manages Medical Social Work team scheduling, leave and attendance issues.
  • Directs and assigns duties to Medical Social Work staff as indicated by social work needs of Chinle Service Unit.
  • Oversees, coordinates and reports on performance improvement in the quality, quantity and efficiency of services delivered.
  • Initiates, reviews, adjusts and coordinates the development and implementation of standards of care for the social work care of all Chinle Service Unit patients.
  • Ensures the social work services meet appropriate accreditation standards.
  • Ensures the members of the Medical Social Work team deliver services in a culturally competent manner.
  • Provide training and technical support for Service Unit staff regarding modern social work concepts and care.
Total Compensation Package - Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job: Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov)

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Selectee may be subject to a probationary/trial period
ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.

A one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period may be required upon selection/placement.

Adherence to the IHS Employee Immunization Policy, SGM 21-04, and the IHS Circular 2016-04 requiring Measles and Rubella, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza immunizations for staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities OR an exemption request will need to be submitted.

The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements. If privileges are not obtained or maintained during employment, the employee will be subject to adverse actions, up to and including removal from Federal service.

Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.

You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.

Background Investigation: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.

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; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

BASIC REQUIREMENT(S):
Degree: social work. Must fulfill all of the requirements for the master's degree in social work in a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Master's degree with practicum: Applicants who complete all of the requirements for a master's degree in social work that included a practicum are eligible for GS-9.

In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
GS12: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Providing direct medical social work services to all age groups, directing and supervising the Medical Social Work Team, managing schedules, leave and attendance, assigning duties to Medical Social Work staff, providing training, and ensuring social work services meet accreditation standards.


SUPERVISORY AND MANAGERIAL ABILITIES: Candidates must have demonstrated in their work experience or training that they possess, or have the potential to develop, the qualities of successful supervision, as listed under the appropriate categories below:
  • Accountability - Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules
  • Customer Service - Anticipates and meets the needs of both internal and external customers. Delivers high-quality products and services; is committed to continuous improvement.
  • Decisiveness - Makes well-informed, effective, and timely decisions, even when data are limited or solutions produce unpleasant consequences; perceives the impact and implications of decisions
  • Flexibility - Is open to change and new information; rapidly adapts to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles
  • Integrity/Honesty - Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner. Shows consistency in words and actions. Models high standards of ethics.
  • Interpersonal Skills - Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations
  • Oral Communication - Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed.
  • Problem Solving - Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates and evaluates alternative solutions; makes recommendations
  • Resilience - Deals effectively with pressure; remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. Recovers quickly from setbacks
  • Written Communication - Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.
SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR:
Current, unrestricted license U.S. State license as a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), ) or a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). (Note: You must attach a copy of your license or certification to your application).

Time In Grade
Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).

You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Education

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.

Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement.

Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.

This position is not covered by Bargaining unit.
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 1 year service agreement will be required.
Government housing available upon availability.
There is no promotion potential.
Incumbent must possess a current and valid drivers license and be able to operate a motor vehicle.

The Indian Health Service (IHS), National Health Service Corps (NHSC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have student loan repayment programs for qualifying health disciplines. This is a competitive process separate from the hiring process. Opportunities for LRP are based on agency hiring priorities and availability of funds. For additional information please visit:
For IHS - http://www.ihs.gov/loanrepayment/
For NHSC - https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loanrepayment/
For HRSA Nurse Corps - https://bhw.hrsa.gov/loansscholarships/nursecorps

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.

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.

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.

To determine if you are qualified for this position, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against the qualifications as defined in the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement and your responses to the assessment questions.
You will be further evaluated/rated based on the information provided in your resume (your resume must state specific duties that relate to this position) and your responses to the assessment questions to determine your competency in the following.

  • Administration and Management
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Technical Competence
  • Therapy and Counseling


You will receive a numeric rating based on your responses to the assessment questionnaires. If after reviewing your resume and responses to the assessment questions, a determination is made that you have overstated your qualifications and or experience, you may lose consideration.

The following links below provide information on how you may be eligible for various hiring authorities. If you are a Veteran, qualified CTAP and ICTAP eligible, or an individual with a disability, please refer to the following links below for additional guidance. CTAP and ICTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a "well qualified" rating of 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Workforce Restructuring Career Transition website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. CTAP/ICTAP documentation requirements are listed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
Click here to view vacancy questions: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12662750. All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date of, 06/10/2025, to be considered.

Required Documents

Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, annual salary, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number.

Required as applicable for the purposes of specific eligibility and appointment claim(s), and position requirements:
Indian Preference Applicants: If claiming Indian preference, applicants must provide a completed copy of the Form BIA-4432, "Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only." Indian preference will not be given unless a properly signed and dated form is submitted with your application, including any verification by an authorized Tribal Representative or BIA Official of tribal enrollment records. For detailed instructions, see form BIA-4432. Refer to BIA-4432 link: https://www.bia.gov/sites/default/files/dup/assets/public/raca/online_forms/pdf/1076-0160_INDIAN-PREF_Expires-10.31.24_508.pdf. When an Indian Preference candidate possesses Veterans preference the rules regarding Veterans preference apply under ESEP and the applicant must provide documentation in order to receive preference.
Veterans Preference: If claiming Veteran's Preference provide a copy of your DD214 Form (Member 4 copy). To claim 10-Point Veterans Preference, submit a SF-15 Application (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf) along with the appropriate supporting documentation. For additional information regarding Veterans Preference visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP, follow the instructions below: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf.
Current or former Federal employee: Include your most recent SF-50 or if Reinstatement eligible include your Career SF-50.
Noncompetitive eligibles: Submit additional documents to prove your eligibility to apply to this vacancy.
Transcripts:You are encouraged to submit copies of transcripts (official or unofficial) although not required at the time of application. You must list your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Official transcripts will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.
Licensure, Certifications: Applicants should list their license/certifications on their resume, along with the expiration date, if applicable. Certification of licensure/certification will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.

You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: 06/10/2025

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 provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.

  1. Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
  2. Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or supporting documents.
  3. Read all Eligibility questions and respond accordingly. .
  4. Complete the assessment questions.
  5. Verify all required documentation is included in your application package.
The IHS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Office (Navajo Area IHS Human Resources, NAVAO-JOBS@ihs.gov, and/or .) The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

For additional questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) found here: http://www.ihs.gov/jobs/index.cfm?module=search&option=faq.

Agency contact information

Navajo Area IHS Human Resources
Address
Chinle Service Unit
PO Drawer PH
Chinle, AZ 86503
US

Next steps

You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJobs that your submission was successful once we have received your on-line occupational questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJobs Account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.

If all required documentation is not submitted with your application you will lose consideration. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information and documents entered, uploaded, or faxed are received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.

HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.

~ ~ ~ Indian Health Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~ ~ ~


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


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