About the opportunity
The Social Worker is responsible for providing medical and mental health release planning, social work assessments, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions to individuals and groups. The incumbent serves on interdisciplinary teams, including Care Coordination and Reentry teams, and participates in Risk Assessment Panels and Reduction in Sentence committees. This role involves maintaining the security of the institution, which takes precedence over all other duties. The position requires working in a clinical environment, conducting psychosocial assessments, and collaborating with various agencies such as Federal Courts, hospitals, and law enforcement. A 30% recruitment incentive is available for eligible selectees.
Salary and benefits
- Salary range: $76,095 – $98,928 per annum
- 30% recruitment incentive for eligible selectees
- Participation in interdisciplinary medical and mental health teams
Who can apply?
- U.S. Citizenship is required
- Must possess a master's degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
- Must possess a license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), License Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), or equivalent unrestricted, independent, clinical license
- Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, or three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D.
- Maximum entry age of 36 for original appointment to a Bureau of Prisons institution (exemptions available for qualified preference-eligible veterans)
- Subject to background investigation, urinalysis, and physical examination
Required documents
- Resume (limited to 2 pages, including relevant experience with start/end dates and hours worked per week)
- Professional license (LCSW, LICSW, or equivalent)
- College transcripts (if education is used to qualify)
- SF-50 (for current/former federal employees)
- DD-214 (for veterans)
- SF-15 and supporting documentation (for disabled veterans or specific preference-eligible categories)
- Proof of CTAP/ICTAP eligibility (if applicable)
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 2026-09-15
How to apply
- Read the full announcement and instructions on USAJOBS
- Click the 'Apply Online' button
- Complete all required questionnaires and assessments
- Attach all necessary supporting documentation
- Submit the application package by the deadline
- Complete any required USA Hire Assessments if notified via email after submission
Additional information
- The position is subject to geographic relocation to meet agency needs
- Applicants not currently working in an institution must complete a qualification inquiry regarding domestic violence convictions to be authorized to carry a firearm
- Veterans' preference applies under category rating procedures
- Reasonable accommodation requests for assessments must be made prior to starting the USA Hire assessments
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Licensed clinical social workers with a master's degree from a CSWE-accredited school and at least one year of specialized experience looking for stable full-time employment.
- Professionals interested in medical and mental health release planning, psychosocial assessments, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions within a correctional environment.
- Candidates who meet the maximum entry age of 36 for original appointment or qualify for veteran exemptions and are comfortable working in a secure institutional setting.
- U.S. citizens drawn to interdisciplinary teamwork on Care Coordination, Reentry, and Risk Assessment panels in Tucson, Arizona.
What should you think carefully about?
- Institutional security takes precedence over all other duties, meaning daily work routines will be shaped by strict correctional facility protocols.
- Applicants must meet specific onboarding conditions, including background investigations, urinalysis, physical examinations, and qualification inquiries regarding domestic violence convictions.
- The position is subject to geographic relocation to meet agency needs if required by the Bureau of Prisons.
- Prospective applicants should verify specific eligibility details for the advertised 30% recruitment incentive and federal application document limits.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This full-time federal role can fit a professional aiming to build a specialized career within correctional healthcare and criminal justice social work. With a structured salary range between $76,095 and $98,928 per annum and potential recruitment incentives, it offers a secure path for clinicians looking to apply therapeutic interventions and risk assessments within multidisciplinary teams over the medium to long term.
Our take
Licensed clinical social workers with experience in medical or mental health release planning who are comfortable with strict correctional security requirements should seriously consider applying. Conversely, professionals who prefer traditional clinical settings outside of law enforcement environments or those exceeding the maximum entry age without veteran exemptions may find this role less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
