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Performs professional social work including case management, counseling, and social services program administration.
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0185
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.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal social work position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-0185
Social work pathway.
Social work pathway.
Tangential. GS-0185 Social Work requires MSW degree. 68X experience is valuable foundation but significant education required. Path exists for motivated soldiers.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Ability to manage complex cases from intake to closure.
Skill in assessing client needs and developing treatment plans.
Ability to provide individual, group, and family counseling.
Skill in responding to client crises effectively.
Knowledge of community resources and referral processes.
Ability to maintain accurate case records and documentation.
Understanding of social work ethics and professional standards.
Skill in working with diverse populations.
Ability to advocate for clients and their needs.
Skill in working with multidisciplinary teams.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-0185 Social Worker provides clinical social work services including counseling, case management, and crisis intervention. Federal social workers serve at VA hospitals, military treatment facilities, and agencies providing social services to veterans, service members, and their families.
Federal Social Workers earn between $52,205 (GS-9 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most clinical positions are GS-11/12, earning $63,163-$98,422 annually. VA social workers may receive additional recruitment incentives.
GS-0185 positions require a master's degree in social work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program. Clinical positions require state licensure. Higher grades require progressively more specialized clinical experience and independent practice credentials.
Military experience cannot substitute for the required MSW degree. However, military social workers have directly transferable credentials. Veterans with social work degrees and experience in military family services, MFLC programs, or veteran services have relevant clinical backgrounds.
The career ladder follows GS-9/11/12/13 intervals. Entry-level social workers complete supervised practice. GS-11/12 social workers provide independent clinical services. Senior positions involve program management, specialty practice, and clinical supervision.
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Social Worker' or '0185' series. The VA is the largest employer. Your federal resume should detail clinical experience, licensure status, specialty areas, and populations served. CSWE accreditation status is verified.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.