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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.
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.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0186
Individual Occupational Requirements for GS-0186:
Specialized Experience (GS-4 and above): Qualifying experience includes work such as:
Education Alternative:
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 |
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal social services aid and assistant 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-0186
Strong alignment. 68X provides mental health support under supervision. GS-0186 Social Services Aid positions involve similar patient interaction and support work.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
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.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Grade information not available
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.