The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for a limited number of Social Worker Limited Non-Career Appointment (SWLNA) positions based on the needs of the Department. Learn more about the Department of State and career opportunities at https://careers.state.gov.
Summary
The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for a limited number of Social Worker Limited Non-Career Appointment (SWLNA) positions based on the needs of the Department. Learn more about the Department of State and career opportunities at https://careers.state.gov.
Department of State Posts - Overseas and Domestic,
MANY vacancies
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - May be required to travel to alternate destinations for emergencies, disasters, etc.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—This is a Limited Non-Career Appointment (LNA), which is restricted by statute to a maximum of five years. This LNA initially is for 13 - 15 months and may be extended periodically up to a maximum of five years based on satisfactory performance and the needs of the Service. A SWLNA is assigned to a specific U.S. embassy or consulate with the expectation that the SWLNA’s appointment will permit completion of a 12-month tour of duty.
Appointment type
Temporary - Limited Non-Career Appointment (LNA), which is restricted by statute to a maximum of five years.
Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants should read the entire announcement to ensure they meet all requirements and understand a Limited Non-Career Appointment (LNA).
Applicants may not reapply for one year after their previous application for the same position.
If a State Department Suitability Review Panel denied suitability in the last two years, you may not apply (except Diplomatic Security Special Agent (SA) candidates whose denial was based solely on the unique requirements for SAs).
The Bureau of Medical Services (MED) maintains and promotes the health of employees and their eligible family members (EFM) who represent U.S. government (USG) agencies abroad. The Department assigns Foreign Service Medical Specialists, Medical Providers (MP), Regional Medical Officers (RMO), Regional Medical Officer Psychiatrists (RMOP), Regional Medical Laboratory Scientists (RMLS), Limited Non-Career Appointment Social Workers (SWLNA), and Limited Non-Career Appointment Register Nurses (RNLNA) to select posts overseas. Many of these posts have significant health risks and local medical facilities are often inadequate to cope with them.
This position is filled by a social worker who is a member of the Mental Health Programs staff as well as a resident professional counselor who provides counseling services to employees at overseas posts. The Social Worker will have multifaceted responsibilities at post which include but are not limited to the following: psychological assessments, counseling, separation anxiety matters, family distress, post-traumatic stress disorder counseling, job stress counseling, cross-cultural adjustment issues counseling, crisis management consultation, conflict mediation/resolution, substance abuse, consultation on violence in the workplace, and crisis management training for employees assigned to hardship posts. A Limited Non-Career Appointment (LNA) does not lead to onward employment in the State Department or conversion to another form of employment.
All Medical Specialists working with the Bureau of Medical Services must be willing to provide primary care services and counseling to all patients regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, language, disease, disability, or religion.
Candidates must be willing to serve worldwide. Limited Non-Career Social Workers (SWLNA) presently serve at unaccompanied posts in Qatar and Pakistan. Family members are not permitted to accompany SWLNAs to post. However, at some locations, adult eligible family members (EFMs) may be approved to accompany the SWLNA to post if they will fill certain mission-critical positions. EFMs must be employed/hired in the mission before traveling to post.
SWLNAs serve as mental health providers for U.S. embassy and consulate populations which includes U.S. Direct Hires (USDH) and Eligible Family Members (EFM) that service under Chief of Mission Authority in coordination with the Regional Medical Officer Psychiatrists (RMOP).
When appropriate, coordinates services and activities with the MED/MH’s Office of Employee Consultation Services (ECS), Embassy Community Liaison Office (CLO), MED/MH’s Child and Family Program (CFP Office of Casualty Assistance, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS), Bureau of Global Talent Management (GTM), and Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (NEA). Serves as technical expert on children and family issues, troubled employees, and provides clinical guidance to post management on sensitive situations such as interpersonal relations on the job, job stress, violence in the workplace, medical illness, and medical disability.
Advises and counsels employees of the possible administrative consequences of activities adversely affecting job performance caused by personal problems. Refers such employees for consultations with the appropriate office responsible for effecting disciplinary actions and explaining appeal processes and rights.
Maintains liaison and provides expert assistance to specialists responsible for the administration of other specific employee programs including, but not limited to, disciplinary actions, leave administration, reasonable accommodations, conduct/suitability, disability retirement, and career development. Participates as a Family Advocacy Team member reviewing and giving advice and counsel on cases of intimate partner violence or child abuse/neglect.
Provides support services, including hospital/home visits as needed to patients.
Facilitates support groups in the workplace for employees with cancer, employees dealing with elderly relatives, single parents, and other groups, as requested.
Designs, facilitates, and conducts appropriate training activities, such as orientation for employees under Chief of Mission authority, Community Liaison Officer training, and supervisory training.
Develops educational outreach programs to ensure awareness of the benefits of primary care and mental health services available through the embassy’s Health Unit, RMOP, and ECS. Offers outreach in the form of videos, workshops, panel discussions, and health fair presentations. Maintains handout literature and a lending library on mental health, stress management, parenting, aging, and other issues of interest to employees.
Performs other duties as requested by MED and MED/Mental Health Services.
Performs all duties with scrupulous regard for confidentiality and with the goal of assisting employees to maintain effective work performance.
Be a U.S. citizen and accept assignments based on the needs of the FS.*
Be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
Meet the minimum medical qualification standard.
Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.**
Be at least 20 years old and at least 21 years old to be appointed.
LNAs do not lead to permanent employment with the State Department.
Applicants must have at least 5 years of progressively responsible, full-time experience in psychiatric social work, earned within the last 10 years, after completing a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from a graduate program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Refer to Qualifications and Education sections for specific requirements.
All LNAs are members of the Foreign Service and have the same obligations and standard of conduct expectations as all Foreign Service employees.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Education, work experience and other qualifications are evaluated for evidence of the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and other requirements that have been identified as important to successful job performance as a Limited Non-Career Social Worker. Not all of these attributes need to be met by a candidate; the attributes will be used as a set to evaluate candidates.
Knowledge of human behavior, adjustment, and psychological disorders and the differential influences of the society, culture, and environment.
Knowledge of the theories, principles, and techniques of clinical social work, including such areas as crisis and trauma interventions, cognitive behavioral interventions, and family systems therapy.
Knowledge of mental health diagnoses and disabilities, including acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses and injuries.
Knowledge of psychosocial treatments in working with individuals and groups who are experiencing a variety of stress, psychiatric, medical, family, and social problems.
Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and how to coordinate services.
Skill in independently interviewing, assessing, and diagnosing the nature and severity of psychological and social problems presented by employees.
Skill in independently formulating a treatment plan and assistance needed.
Skill in counseling employees and groups who may be disturbed, distraught, or angry, and to assist supervisors and others to work effectively with them.
Skill in independently providing psychosocial treatment to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational, and other diversified backgrounds.
Skill in responding to crises, working in a multidisciplinary team, and problem solving in crisis intervention techniques.
Skill in providing guidance to management in dealing with crises.
Skill in providing consultation services to other staff about the psychosocial needs of patients and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care.
Skill in assisting employees and management in finding flexible options and solutions for difficult personnel problems.
Skill in functioning well within a complex organization. Skill in applying systems theory and working tactfully and cooperatively at all levels in order to provide effective consultation to supervisors and employees.
Knowledge and skill in the use of computer software applications for drafting documents, data management, and tracking.
Experience in working in high-stress environments.
Prior military experience or experience with other U.S. agencies working abroad would be valuable but not essential.
Also, general skills are required in:
Active listening, social perceptiveness and interpersonal ability, good judgment and decision making, critical thinking, service orientation, good time management, strong reading comprehension, persuasion and negotiation, solving complex problems, learning strategies, and the ability to teach.
Successful applicants must consistently meet a high standard for English, both written (overall structure as well as grammar, spelling, and punctuation) and spoken (overall structure as well as delivery, clarity, and succinctness).
Other desirable attributes include empathetic personality, unflappable, self-confident, ability to maintain confidentiality, interest in Foreign Service work, loyalty to the United States, accepting of non-scheduled work hours, mobile, ability to handle stress, tolerant of travel, and tolerant of living away from family.
Education
Education, Specialized Experience, and Licensure Requirements
In addition to the general requirements for employment in the Foreign Service, an applicant must have at the time of application:
A Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from a graduate program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE);
At least 5 years of progressively responsible, full-time experience in psychiatric social work, earned within the last 10 years; and
Applicants must possess the highest level of independent clinical licensure for professional Social Work practice level (LICSW, CSW, LCSW, etc.) in any U.S. state.
You must submit a copy of your university transcript(s) with your application. If you do not submit this documentation to demonstrate your educational achievements, your candidacy will not continue.
Official or unofficial transcripts may be submitted with your application. Your transcript must include your name, the school’s name, the degree, and date awarded. A transcript missing any of these elements or any pages will not meet the minimum qualifications and the candidacy will not continue. Documents sent via link will not be accepted. Copies of diplomas may not be submitted in lieu of transcripts for education above high school level.
Education from a program or institution within the United States must be accredited at the time of completion by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation.
Education completed in foreign high schools, colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Only accredited organizations recognized as specializing in the interpretation of foreign education credentials that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE) are accepted. If documentation from an accredited organization is not provided, your candidacy will not continue.
For further information on the evaluation of foreign education, please refer to the Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. Department of Education. The U.S. Department of State neither endorses nor recommends any individual evaluation service.
*EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION PROGRAM (E-Verify) – Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required.
U.S. law requires companies to employ only individuals who may legally work in the United States – either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization. This agency utilizes E-Verify to compare information from the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) records to confirm employment eligibility. If the employee’s information does not match DHS and/or SSA records, the employee is given an opportunity to resolve the problem. If eligibility cannot be verified, employment will be terminated.
**The Department of State Suitability Review Panel and standards are defined in Chapter 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. For more information please visit: https://fam.state.gov/
No applicant will be considered who has previously been separated from the Foreign Service under sections §607, §608, §610 or §611 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu of separation under these provisions. In addition, no applicant will be considered who has previously been separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section §306 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu thereof.
A Foreign Service Specialist separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section §306 may not re-apply to be a Foreign Service Specialist in the same skill code but may apply for another skill code or to be a Foreign Service Generalist.
Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 US Code 3303 as amended from accepting or considering prohibited political recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by 5 US Code 3110, relatives of federal employees cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.
It is the policy of the federal government to treat all employees with dignity and respect and to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination whether discrimination is based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity or pregnancy), national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, age, sexual orientation, or other non-merit factors.
The Department of State provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or hiring process should so advise the Department at OAA@state.gov, within one week of receiving their invitation to the specialist assessment. Decisions for granting reasonable accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.
Benefits include health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, paid leave, tax-free housing overseas, and an unrivaled opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures.
Not all benefits are available to LNA positions. The Student Loan Repayment program and the Language Incentive Pay program, if language is a hiring prerequisite, are not included under the LNA program.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Candidates will be evaluated on their total background including experience, education, awards, training, and self-development as it relates to the position. Selection for this position will be made only from among candidates possessing the best qualifications. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
Medical Credential Verification and Indemnification Applicants are subject to a credential verification process conducted by the Quality Management Staff Unit of the Bureau of Medical Services. This process includes query of the National Practitioner Data Bank and independent verification of state licenses and national certifications. Once hired, medical personnel are indemnified for official duties only through the U.S. Federal Tort Claims Act, so long as they are acting within their scope of work.
Active Bureau of Medical Services clinical privileges, specific to the position, are a condition of employment for all Foreign Service Medical Specialists
Benefits include health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, paid leave, tax-free housing overseas, and an unrivaled opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures.
Not all benefits are available to LNA positions. The Student Loan Repayment program and the Language Incentive Pay program, if language is a hiring prerequisite, are not included under the LNA program.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are uploaded and the application is complete before the closing deadline of this announcement. Any missing required documents or incomplete applications will result in your application not being considered further.
Résumé from USAJobs Résumé Builder, the only résumé format accepted for this Vacancy Announcement.
Complete online application, including the required Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest narratives.
All required supporting documentation, including university transcripts, certifications, professional licenses, or completed forms as required in this Vacancy Announcement. PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents will not be accepted. Documents sent via link will not be accepted.
If claiming a 5 pt. Veteran’s Preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or Certification of service at the time of your application. If claiming a 10 pt. Veteran’s Preference, you must submit your VA letter and SF-15, in addition to your DD-214 or Certification of service at the time of your application. A Certification must be from the armed forces certifying the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days after the Certification is submitted by the applicant and should include military service dates, date of expected discharge or release, and character of service and disability rating, if applicable.
Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest
These required questions provide an opportunity to describe examples and accomplishments from your education, life, and/or work experience that demonstrate your qualifications for becoming a SWLNA. Examples can be drawn from any part of your professional or personal experience. Each response is limited to 300 words or fewer (maximum length 2,000 characters). You should compose your replies carefully, as one of the skills necessary to succeed as a SWLNA is the ability to write clearly and concisely. Answers to all items in the Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest are required and must be completed in the online application.
Accomplishments Questionnaire
Clinical skills: Describe a specific complex clinical case which demonstrates your skills in diagnosing and treating patient mental health problems.
Crisis management skills: Describe an example in which your skills significantly contributed to the positive outcome of a complex or difficult clinical crisis situation.
Organizational skills: Describe a specific achievement demonstrating your planning and organizational skills in the setting of a multidisciplinary mental health team or practice.
Leadership and teamwork skills: Discuss your abilities to participate as a team member working toward a common goal, as well as examples of your ability to lead a team in the accomplishment of a goal.
Public speaking and teaching skills: Describe specific examples demonstrating your public speaking and teaching abilities as part of an assignment or work-related task.
Statement of Interest
Required narrative Statement of Interest which discusses your:
Motivation for joining the Foreign Service;
Relevant work experience, including any unique strengths not previously mentioned, such as special skills (e.g., child psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, or addictions medicine), current licenses, certifications, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and/or training (with date completed) relating to this position;
Experience living or working in a multicultural environment, overseas or in the United States.
Submit your application early, not waiting for the deadline, as application packages must be complete, submitted, and received by the closing date to be considered. There are no exceptions.
From this Vacancy Announcement, click on “Apply.” Go to the USAJobs Log In screen and log in to your USAJobs account or follow the link and instructions to create an account.
Follow the USAJobs Application Process and provide your required USAJobs federal online resume.
USAJobs will transfer you to the State Department agency online application site, Monster Government Service (MGS). Follow the instructions to answer the online questions. Your Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest responses must be completed in the online application. You may save your work and can return to the application from USAJobs at any time prior to the deadline.
Submit required documentation using one of the three methods the application system allows: Transfer documents from a USAJOBS portfolio; upload documents from your computer; or, resubmit documents from a previous application. PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents will not be accepted. Documents sent via link will not be accepted.
After attaching all required supporting documentation, answering all required application questions, and completing the application steps, review the entire application packet, including the links for submitted documents.
Confirm and submit your application package, which will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.
The application submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. Itis the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are submitted and the application is complete before the closing deadline. Any missing required documents or incomplete applications will result in your application not being considered further. There are no exceptions.
Submit your application early and verify that your documents are attached. You may make changes as often as needed, up until the closing date of the announcement.
If you are having technical difficulty with the application process, please contact the Monster Help Desk by calling 1-866-656-6830 or by emailing mgshelp@monster.com. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
U.S. Department of State
2401 E Street, NW
Washington, DC, District of Columbia 20522
United States
Next steps
After the close of the announcement, the application status in USAJobs will say "Reviewing Applications." This status on USAJobs will not be updated further. You can click on "Track this application" for more information. Applicants will be notified by e-mail from the U.S. Department of State about the outcome of the initial application review and if they will be further considered for this Foreign Service position. We recommend adding the Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender.
Due to the high volume of applications, we ask all applicants to remain patient and await communication. It is not uncommon for several months to pass before you are informed of the results of your applications.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are uploaded and the application is complete before the closing deadline of this announcement. Any missing required documents or incomplete applications will result in your application not being considered further.
Résumé from USAJobs Résumé Builder, the only résumé format accepted for this Vacancy Announcement.
Complete online application, including the required Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest narratives.
All required supporting documentation, including university transcripts, certifications, professional licenses, or completed forms as required in this Vacancy Announcement. PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents will not be accepted. Documents sent via link will not be accepted.
If claiming a 5 pt. Veteran’s Preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or Certification of service at the time of your application. If claiming a 10 pt. Veteran’s Preference, you must submit your VA letter and SF-15, in addition to your DD-214 or Certification of service at the time of your application. A Certification must be from the armed forces certifying the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days after the Certification is submitted by the applicant and should include military service dates, date of expected discharge or release, and character of service and disability rating, if applicable.
Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest
These required questions provide an opportunity to describe examples and accomplishments from your education, life, and/or work experience that demonstrate your qualifications for becoming a SWLNA. Examples can be drawn from any part of your professional or personal experience. Each response is limited to 300 words or fewer (maximum length 2,000 characters). You should compose your replies carefully, as one of the skills necessary to succeed as a SWLNA is the ability to write clearly and concisely. Answers to all items in the Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest are required and must be completed in the online application.
Accomplishments Questionnaire
Clinical skills: Describe a specific complex clinical case which demonstrates your skills in diagnosing and treating patient mental health problems.
Crisis management skills: Describe an example in which your skills significantly contributed to the positive outcome of a complex or difficult clinical crisis situation.
Organizational skills: Describe a specific achievement demonstrating your planning and organizational skills in the setting of a multidisciplinary mental health team or practice.
Leadership and teamwork skills: Discuss your abilities to participate as a team member working toward a common goal, as well as examples of your ability to lead a team in the accomplishment of a goal.
Public speaking and teaching skills: Describe specific examples demonstrating your public speaking and teaching abilities as part of an assignment or work-related task.
Statement of Interest
Required narrative Statement of Interest which discusses your:
Motivation for joining the Foreign Service;
Relevant work experience, including any unique strengths not previously mentioned, such as special skills (e.g., child psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, or addictions medicine), current licenses, certifications, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and/or training (with date completed) relating to this position;
Experience living or working in a multicultural environment, overseas or in the United States.
Submit your application early, not waiting for the deadline, as application packages must be complete, submitted, and received by the closing date to be considered. There are no exceptions.
From this Vacancy Announcement, click on “Apply.” Go to the USAJobs Log In screen and log in to your USAJobs account or follow the link and instructions to create an account.
Follow the USAJobs Application Process and provide your required USAJobs federal online resume.
USAJobs will transfer you to the State Department agency online application site, Monster Government Service (MGS). Follow the instructions to answer the online questions. Your Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest responses must be completed in the online application. You may save your work and can return to the application from USAJobs at any time prior to the deadline.
Submit required documentation using one of the three methods the application system allows: Transfer documents from a USAJOBS portfolio; upload documents from your computer; or, resubmit documents from a previous application. PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents will not be accepted. Documents sent via link will not be accepted.
After attaching all required supporting documentation, answering all required application questions, and completing the application steps, review the entire application packet, including the links for submitted documents.
Confirm and submit your application package, which will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.
The application submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. Itis the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are submitted and the application is complete before the closing deadline. Any missing required documents or incomplete applications will result in your application not being considered further. There are no exceptions.
Submit your application early and verify that your documents are attached. You may make changes as often as needed, up until the closing date of the announcement.
If you are having technical difficulty with the application process, please contact the Monster Help Desk by calling 1-866-656-6830 or by emailing mgshelp@monster.com. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
U.S. Department of State
2401 E Street, NW
Washington, DC, District of Columbia 20522
United States
Next steps
After the close of the announcement, the application status in USAJobs will say "Reviewing Applications." This status on USAJobs will not be updated further. You can click on "Track this application" for more information. Applicants will be notified by e-mail from the U.S. Department of State about the outcome of the initial application review and if they will be further considered for this Foreign Service position. We recommend adding the Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender.
Due to the high volume of applications, we ask all applicants to remain patient and await communication. It is not uncommon for several months to pass before you are informed of the results of your applications.
