Social Services Aid and Assistant
Federal position providing support for social services delivery including client intake, referrals, case assistance, and administrative support at VA facilities and federal social service agencies.
💰GS-0186 Salary Information
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-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| 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 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0186
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Technical and Medical Support Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements for GS-0186:
Specialized Experience (GS-4 and above): Qualifying experience includes work such as:
- Group leader in community or residential recreation or training programs
- Counselor in a youth summer camp
- Instructor in a training program for the development of job skills
- Leadership of job crews with training responsibilities
- Group activities leader in the Armed Services
- Unit leader or proctor roles in residential facilities
- Support roles to professional staff in personnel, employment guidance, social services, or manpower development
- Aid/assistant positions supporting social services work in welfare, government, or community organizations
- Aid or assistant to professional or specialist staff working with individuals who are addicted to or abuse alcohol and/or drugs
Education Alternative:
- GS-3: One year of completed study above high school
- GS-4: Two years of study including either 12+ semester hours in related subjects OR supplementary experience in part-time/volunteer social welfare or recreation work
- GS-5: Bachelor's degree with either 24+ semester hours in social/behavioral sciences, health care, or human services fields; OR a major in social/human behavior or health care; OR specialized experience equivalent to GS-4
Experience and Education Requirements by Grade Level (Group Standard):
| Grade | General Experience | Specialized Experience | Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | None | None | None |
| GS-2 | 3 months | None | High school diploma or equivalent |
| GS-3 | 6 months | None | 1 year above high school |
| GS-4 | 6 months | 6 months | 2 years above high school |
| GS-5 | None | 1 year at GS-4 level | 4-year bachelor's degree |
| GS-6+ | None | 1 year at next lower grade | Graduate education if directly related |
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0186
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal social services aid and assistant position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your 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).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-0186
Mental Health Service
GS-0186 Social Services Aid and Assistant fits case-management and patient-coordination work where your charting and treatment-plan experience qualifies.
Behavioral Health Specialist
Strong alignment. 68X provides mental health support under supervision. GS-0186 Social Services Aid positions involve similar patient interaction and support work.
Religious Affairs
GS-0186 Social Services Aid and Assistant fits the direct people-support and outreach work for those staying close to social services.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Assist with client intake
- •Process referrals
- •Maintain case records
- •Provide information to clients
- •Support case workers
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to interview clients and gather personal information.
Skill in maintaining accurate case records.
Understanding of social services programs and eligibility.
Ability to assist clients professionally and compassionately.
Skill in entering and retrieving client information accurately.
Understanding of privacy requirements for client information.
Ability to explain program requirements clearly.
Knowledge of community resources for referrals.
Proficiency in case management software.
Skill in scheduling appointments and coordinating services.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
Grade information not available
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0186
What is a Social Services Aid?
A GS-0186 Social Services Aid provides support for social work and counseling programs. These paraprofessionals assist social workers, help clients access services, maintain records, and provide practical support at VA facilities, military family programs, and social service agencies.
How much does a Social Services Aid make?
Social Services Aids earn between $27,434 (GS-3 Step 1) and $49,927 (GS-6 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-4/5/6, earning $30,795-$49,927 annually plus locality adjustments.
What are the requirements for GS-0186 positions?
Entry-level positions require general experience demonstrating ability to work with people and learn procedures. Higher grades require progressively more specialized experience supporting social services programs. No specific degree is required.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0186?
Military experience with family support programs, casualty assistance, or personnel services provides relevant background. Those who helped service members access benefits or navigate support systems have transferable skills. Compassionate communication is essential.
What is the career progression for Social Services Aid?
Social Services Aids progress from GS-3/4 (entry) through GS-5/6 (senior). Many advance to GS-0185 Social Worker positions with additional education or GS-0187 Social Services Specialist roles. The aid track provides foundation for social services careers.
How do I apply for GS-0186 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Social Services' or '0186' series. Positions exist at VA, military installations, and agencies with social service programs. Your federal resume should highlight experience helping people, communication skills, and any relevant training.
Ready to Apply for GS-0186?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.