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Federal Social Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Social Worker

Cibecue, AZ · On-site

$65K/yr

Join the Indian Health Service as a Social Worker providing professional social work services to ... Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements:

Join the Indian Health Service as a Social Worker providing professional social work services to ... Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements:

Social Worker

Sacaton, AZ · On-site

$65K/yr

Join the Indian Health Service as a Social Worker providing professional social work services to ... Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements:

Join the Indian Health Service as a Social Worker providing professional social work services to ... Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements:

Social Worker

Auburn, WA · On-site

$65K/yr

Join the Indian Health Service as a Social Worker providing professional social work services to ... Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements:

Join the Indian Health Service as a Social Worker providing professional social work services to ... Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements:

Join the Indian Health Service as a Social Worker providing professional social work services to ... Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements:

Social Worker

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$65K/yr

Join the Indian Health Service as a Social Worker providing professional social work services to ... Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements:

Join the Indian Health Service as a Social Worker providing professional social work services to ... Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements:

Social Worker

Wewoka, OK · On-site

$65K/yr

Join the Indian Health Service as a Social Worker providing professional social work services to ... Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements:

Social Worker

Fort Hall, ID · On-site

$65K/yr

Join the Indian Health Service as a Social Worker providing professional social work services to ... Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements:

Showing results 21-40

Federal Social Worker information

See salary details

$34.5K

$76.3K

$117K

How much do federal social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal social worker in the United States is $76,266.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a federal social worker?

Federal social workers are professionals employed by the federal government to provide social services to individuals, families, or communities. They often work in agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, or the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Their responsibilities can include case management, crisis intervention, counseling, and connecting clients to resources. Federal social workers play a key role in supporting populations such as veterans, military families, incarcerated individuals, and others who rely on government services. They must typically hold a degree in social work and be licensed according to federal and state requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal social worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Federal Social Worker, you need a master's degree in social work (MSW), state licensure, and knowledge of social work ethics and practices. Familiarity with case management software, federal benefit programs, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, cultural competence, and resilience are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are vital for effectively supporting diverse populations, managing complex cases, and ensuring clients receive appropriate services within federal systems.

What is the difference between Federal Social Worker vs State Social Worker?

AspectFederal Social WorkerState Social Worker
CredentialsRequires a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) and licensureRequires a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) and licensure
Work EnvironmentFederal agencies, such as the Department of Health & Human ServicesState government agencies, local clinics, and community programs
Employer & IndustryFederal government, healthcare, social servicesState government, healthcare, social services
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Federal Social Workers and State Social Workers both require similar credentials and work in social service settings, but they differ mainly in their employer and scope of work. Federal Social Workers serve at the national level within federal agencies, while State Social Workers operate within state and local government agencies. Both roles are vital in providing social services, but their jurisdiction and specific responsibilities vary.

How does a federal social worker typically collaborate with other professionals within government agencies?

Federal social workers regularly work alongside professionals such as psychologists, medical staff, case managers, and law enforcement personnel to provide coordinated care for clients. This often involves participating in interdisciplinary team meetings, sharing case updates, and developing comprehensive treatment or support plans. Collaboration ensures that clients receive holistic services, whether in settings like the Department of Veterans Affairs, correctional institutions, or child welfare agencies. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as federal social workers often act as advocates and liaisons between clients and various government resources.
More about Federal Social Worker jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Social Worker jobs? Cities with the most Federal Social Worker job openings:
What states have the most Federal Social Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Social Worker jobs include:
Infographic showing various Federal Social Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,266 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

$65K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Make a difference where it matters most! Join the Indian Health Service as a Social Worker providing professional social work services to American Indian communities. Advance your career, enjoy competitive benefits, and be part of a mission that transforms lives every day. Apply today!
A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).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.
The Hiring Manager/Selecting Official may elect to utilize an available flexibility wherein applicants who are actively completing a required professional training program and are expected to complete such program within 9 month(s) of applying, may be deemed tentatively qualified.
BASIC REQUIREMENT(S):
Education:
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 (CSWE). Graduates of schools of social work that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement unless the School of Social Work is fully accredited. Degree verification can be made by going to http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation to verify that the social work degree meets the 3 accreditation standards for a masters of social work.
Applications will be accepted if you are currently enrolled in a CSWE institution and expect to complete your master's degree in social work within 9 months of your application date. Your application must include:
  • A copy of your most recent unofficial transcripts; and
  • Documentation from the educational institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official validating your expected completion date.
Licensure:
For the GS-09 position, you must possess an active, unrestricted U.S. State license as a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Certified Independent Social Worker (CISW), or a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
Applications will be accepted if you expect to complete your LCSW, LICSW, LISW, LMSW, or equivalent licensure requirements within 9 months of your application date. Your application must include documentation from an authorized official validating your expected licensure completion date.
For the GS-11 position, you must possess an active, unrestricted independent U.S. State license as a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or a Certified Independent Social Worker (CISW) or equivalent. ***NOTE: At the GS-11 level, you MUST possess the LISW, LCSW, CISW or equivalent license. The LMSW license does not authorize independent clinical practice at the GS-11 level.
Applications will be accepted if you expect to complete your LCSW, LICSW, LISW, or equivalent licensure requirements within 9 months of your application date. Your application must include documentation from an authorized official validating your expected licensure completion date.
In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

GS-11: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Conducting comprehensive biopsychosocial and mental health assessments; Coordinating services to support patient stability and continuity of care; Responding to urgent psychosocial situations by conducting timely risk and safety assessments, and; Consulting with medical, nursing, and behavioral health providers regarding patient needs, barriers and service coordination.
OR
Completion of 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree, or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in social work from from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
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).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/.Employment Type: OTHER