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Federal position delivering direct social services to individuals, families, and communities including case management, counseling referrals, and support services at VA facilities and federal 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-0187
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree, in an accredited college or university.
GS-7: One full year of graduate-level education. Major study -- social sciences. Graduate education is not creditable for positions above GS-7.
OR
Experience:
GS-5 (General Experience): Three years of progressively responsible experience, one year of which was equivalent to at least GS-4. Such experience may have been gained in work involving interviewing, working with individuals or groups, collecting and analyzing facts, providing information and assistance, and preparing reports in social welfare programs or situations involving social welfare problems.
Above GS-5 (Specialized Experience): One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Specialized experience is experience in providing direct social welfare services that required the application of program policy and operations knowledge in providing social welfare services and/or assisting social workers.
Combining Education and Experience: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for all grade levels for which both education and experience are acceptable.
Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):
| Grade | Education | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | Bachelor's degree in any field | 3 years progressive experience including interviewing, social services work |
| GS-7 | 1 year graduate education in social sciences | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 |
| GS-9+ | N/A (graduate education not creditable above GS-7) | 1 year specialized experience at next lower grade |
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal social services 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.
Ability to manage social services cases effectively.
Skill in assessing client needs and developing service plans.
Ability to provide supportive counseling to clients.
Skill in responding to client emergencies and crises.
Knowledge of community services and resources.
Ability to maintain comprehensive case documentation.
Skill in administering social services programs.
Ability to serve diverse client populations.
Skill in advocating for client needs and services.
Understanding of program regulations and requirements.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Grade information not available
A GS-0187 Social Services Specialist administers social service programs including case management, client advocacy, and program coordination. These specialists work at VA, military family programs, and agencies providing social services without requiring clinical social work licensure.
Social Services Specialists earn between $42,679 (GS-7 Step 1) and $98,422 (GS-12 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-9/11, earning $52,205-$82,108 annually plus locality adjustments.
GS-0187 positions require education and/or experience in social services, human services, or related fields. Entry-level accepts degrees or equivalent experience. Higher grades require progressively more specialized experience in program administration and client services.
Military experience with family support, transition assistance, or personnel services provides relevant preparation. Those who worked in military family programs, AFAP, or soldier/family readiness have directly applicable experience helping service members and families.
The career ladder typically follows GS-7/9/11/12 intervals. Entry-level specialists manage cases and coordinate services. GS-11/12 specialists lead programs. Advancement may lead to program management or GS-0185 Social Worker with additional education.
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Social Services' or '0187' series. Positions exist at VA, military installations, and social service agencies. Your federal resume should highlight case management, program coordination, and experience working with diverse populations.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.