Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Licensed Professional Counselor-Direct Hire Authority

For additional information on direct hire opportunities with the Air Force please click here. In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Psychology Series positions located here or Social Work Series located here. Selective Placement Factors for Licensed Professional Counselor: Must have the following minimum qualifications: a. Master’s Degree or higher in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from a program, accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) b. Must have passed the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) or provide evidence of an examination determined by the Director of the DHA as equal in scope, intent, and content to the NCMHCE. To verify if an exam outside the NCMHCE meets DHA requirements, a request for review will be routed through the AFMED Clinical Quality Management office. c. Must possess and maintain a current, active, full, and unrestricted license to practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor independently, which includes diagnosis and treatment, in any one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States. Selective Placement Factors for Licensed Clinical Social Worker: Must have the following minimum qualifications: a. Complete a Master of Social Work degree from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education b. Must have completed a master’s level practicum or two years post-Master of Social Work degree experience that qualified for taking the independent licensure exam. c. Must possess and maintain a current, active, full, and unrestricted license to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker independently, which includes diagnosis and treatment, in any one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States. Applicants tentatively selected for this position are required to meet all applicable credentialing and privileging requirements and be fully qualified to perform within the full scope of their clinical field as an independent and unsupervised licensed practitioner at the host installation MTF. The applicant is not eligible for the award of supervised privileges and cannot be placed on a plan of supervision to meet these requirements. IOS government civilian providers who work with a unit supporting Personnel Reliability Assurance Program (PRAP) Airmen will be required to accomplish specific PRAP training using a variety of methods, to include medical treatment facility in-processing, clinic briefings, and peer education. In addition to local training, they will attend the USAFSAM Medical PRAP course for the certification within six months of hire. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Professional knowledge of clinical counseling practices, principles, theories, and administrative requirements to be able to apply them in a clinical or occupational setting and medical documentation Professional knowledge of evidence-based treatments for a full range of psychiatric disorders to plan and provide treatment to patients. Knowledge of diagnostic issues related to psychiatric disorders IAW the most current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association. Knowledge of military organizations and culture and the unique stressors upon workers in an operational military workplace. Knowledge of and proficiency in (at minimum 1 preferably 2) evidence-based treatment modalities used for the treatment of trauma-related disorders such as Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing. Knowledge of social services delivery systems to ensure effective program management and communication. Knowledge and skill in administration, scoring, and interpretation of select psychological and psycho-social screening measures to properly assess patient’s needs. Understanding of behavioral risk management and the ability to engage appropriate protections as needed when the risk of harm to self or others is present. Skill and ability to provide guidance and consultation services to medical professionals and military leaders and facilitate referrals to military or community ability to engage appropriate protections as needed when risk of harm to self or others is present. Position specific skills and experience desired in a potential candidate: 2 years of experienced as an Independent Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Professional Counselor embedded in a military or first responder environment. 2 years of experienced in psychological consultation, education and prevention training, and evidenced-based intervention and treatments, preferably in a military or first responder environment. 2 years of experienced with military culture, and stressors related to an operational environment. Assess worksites, unit policies and practices, and team dynamics for barriers to optimal psychosocial health and performance of individuals and groups. Develop evidence-based tools to seek adaptive approaches to collecting and evaluating data. Document and shares non-medical analysis, prevention-based observations, data analysis results, and provides evidence-based approaches with the command team where appropriate. Develop strategic planning models and executes evidence-based initiatives targeting risk mitigation strategies to a unit population. Consult with commanders and other unit personnel regarding issues that bear upon psychosocial health within the unit. Apply a broad range of professional knowledge that encompasses prevention and limited scope counseling (LSC) within the unit. Provide psychotherapy on a variety of complex psychiatric/social problems when treating within the Military Treatment Facility (MTF). Therapeutic techniques include individual, group, supportive, crisis intervention, and behavioral therapies or other recognized treatment strategies.
Information regarding opportunities, how to submit your resume and your contact information is located on the Air Force Civilian Careers site. In this position you will provide professional social work services within the squadrons. Serves as a member of a multidisciplinary Integrated Operational Support (IOS) team. Assists assigned organization with the goal of building resiliency and improving unit mission effectiveness. Clinical and administrative duties focus on education and Prevention.