Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs Logo
Position Title
Social Worker
Agency
Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs
Announcement Number
STIMP-25-12732676-CAWZ-AG Opens in new window
Open Period
Monday, May 5, 2025 to Monday, May 19, 2025
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:

• you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.

For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
(limit characters)
3. Were you formerly employed as a Federal civilian employee on a permanent competitive appointment or did you obtain career-conditional status (and are within 3 years of the date of separation or are a preference eligible) and have you never held the full performance level of this position?

-OR-

Are you currently employed as a Federal civilian employee in the Competitive Service and have you never held the full performance level of this position?

To verify your eligibility as a current or former Federal civilian employee, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:

• career or career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2); AND,
• status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1).
 
(limit characters)
4. Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions AND you:

• have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more; OR,
• are retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more?

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service, member 4) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. You must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
 
(limit characters)
5. Are you a current, permanent employee with the U.S. Department of the Interior?  

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
• for career or career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2); AND,
• your status is in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1).
(limit characters)
6. Are you a current employee of Indian Affairs (ASIA/BIA/BIE)?  

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50)  reflecting your current status.  
 
(limit characters)
7. This position is subject to the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (25 U.S.C. 472), which affords employment preference to qualified Native American candidates.  Proof of eligibility, in the form of a completed Verification of Indian Preference, BIA - 4432 Form, must be provided with your application by the closing date to be granted such preference.  

Are you claiming Indian Preference, and submitting your BIA-4432 Form?
 
(limit characters)
8. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a Federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:

• you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.

For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
 
(limit characters)
9. Are you a current or former employee of a land management agency (Forest Service; Bureau of Land Management; National Park Service; Fish and Wildlife Service; Bureau of Indian Affairs; or Bureau of Reclamation) who:
• was originally hired to a time-limited position under a competitive appointment; and,
• served one or more time-limited appointments at a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two or more years; and,
• performed at an acceptable level of service during each period of service; and,
• if no longer employed by the land management agency, have been separated for no more than two years, and departed that position in good standing.

To verify your eligibility, you must provide a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) and performance appraisal that demonstrates you meet the requirements outlined in the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act.
(limit characters)
10. Do you wish to be considered as a Military Spouse?

To be eligible for appointment under this authority, you must be the spouse of one of the following:

Active Duty Spouse

  • Includes all spouses of members of the armed forces on active duty
  • Spouses do not have to relocate with active duty spouse

Based on 100% Disability - As a military spouse, you may be eligible to be considered under this authority if:

  • The military member was retired under Chapter 61 of title 10, United States Code with a 100% disability rating from the military; or
  • Was released from active duty and has a disability rating of 100% from the Department of Veterans' Affairs or the military department.

Note: There is no geographic limitation under this category. You will be required to provide documentation of your spouse's disability.

Based on Service Member's Death - As the military spouse, you may be eligible if the military member was killed while on active duty (it does not have to be combat related), and you have not remarried.

Note: There is no geographic limitation in this category. You will be required to provide documentation on the death of the spouse and your marital status at the time of death.


In order to receive consideration, you must submit documentation showing proof of eligibility. For more information regarding Military Spouse, see here.

(limit characters)
11. Do you meet one of the following Non-Competitive Merit Promotion Eligibilities:

Individual eligible under other non-competitive appointment authorities such as: Veterans Recruitment Authority; Military spouses under E.O. 13473; Certain former overseas employees; Present and former Peace Corps, Vista or Action volunteers; Former White House staff; Present and former Foreign Service officers and employees; Certain National Guard technicians; Schedule A; OPM Interchange Agreement and Other Miscellaneous Authorities.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation. For example, a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service; a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50); etc. All required documentation will be outlined in the Job Opportunity Announcement.
(limit characters)
12. Are you currently employed as a Federal civilian employee in the Competitive Service at the same grade level as this position or higher with the same or higher promotion potential?

-OR-

Were you formerly employed as a Federal civilian employee on a permanent competitive appointment or have you obtained career-conditional status (and are within 3 years of the date of separation or are a preference eligible) and have you held the same grade as this position or higher with the same or higher promotion potential?

To verify your eligibility as a current or former Federal civilian employee, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect: 
• career or career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2); AND,
• status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1).
 
(limit characters)
13. Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for a Schedule A Disability appointment?

For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.

To verify your eligibility, you must provide appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.
(limit characters)
14. Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions AND you:

• served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (Note: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility); OR,

• are entitled to veterans' preference?

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service.
 
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC, Section 472). Verification of Form BIA-4432 must be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference. Indian Preference eligibles that are not currently employed with the Federal service will be appointed under the Excepted Service Appointment Authority Schedule A, 213.3112(A)(7). (limit characters)
1. Are you submitting Form BIA-4432, Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to claim Indian Preference?
Note: You must include your Form BIA-4432. As outlined in the vacancy announcement, this is the ONLY Indian Preference Verification Form that will be accepted.
(limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
2. My performance is at an acceptable level and I am not serving under a Notice of Opportunity to Demonstrate Acceptable Performance (NODAP). (limit characters)
3. Incumbent may be required to operate a government-owned or leased motor vehicle as an incidental duty, therefore, a valid driver's license is required. Do you possess a valid State Driver's License? (limit characters)
You must meet the minimum basic education requirement for Social Work positions. In addition, you must have at least one year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the next lower level in the federal service. NOTE: Applicants who select any of the responses below must provide transcripts as verification of their education and your resume must support this experience. (limit characters)
4. Carefully read the following descriptions below, select the one statement that most accurately and specifically describes the education you have that demonstrates how you meet the basic qualification requirement for all Professional Social Work positions, GS-0185 Series. NOTE: Applicants who select response code A must provide transcripts as verification of their education. (limit characters)
You must meet the specialized experience requirements for GS-0185 comparable in scope and responsibility to the next lower level in the federal service. Please note that your answers may be verified against the information you provide in your resume/application and information your references provide. The quality, type, and scope of your experience and/or training must demonstrate that you are fully qualified to perform the duties of the position to be filled. Be sure you describe your background as it relates to the duties of this position since your application or resume must support the response you select. In addition, if qualifying based on education, you must submit a complete, legible copy of your official college or university transcript(s) with your application to document academic achievements and receive credit. (limit characters)
5. Carefully read the following descriptions below, select the letter that most accurately and specifically describes the education and/or experience you have that demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualification requirements for a Social Worker, GS-11. Make sure your resume supports the response that you select. If qualifying based on education, submit a copy of your college or university transcript(s) conferring your graduation date. Mark only one response. (limit characters)

For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Please select only one letter for each item.

A-I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
B-I have had education or training in performing the task, but have not yet performed it on the job.
C-I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
D-I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
E-I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or I am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.

(limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
6. Participate in the implementation of an agency Child Welfare Program within established Agency policy and objectives.
(limit characters)
7. Acquire and maintain a working knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, policies, standards, or procedures.
(limit characters)
8. Use judgment in interpreting and adapting guidelines such as agency policies, regulations, precedents, and work directions for application to specific cases or problems.
(limit characters)
9. Establish organizational strategies, goals, objectives, or priorities.
(limit characters)
10. Evaluate social service programs for compliance with tribal and federal laws and federal regulations.
(limit characters)
11. Keep abreast of key organizational activities, policies, and priorities likely to affect operations or the program area.
(limit characters)
12. Provide advice and guidance in the interpretation and application of social services statues, regulations, and policies.
(limit characters)
13. Plan cooperative programs in conjunction with individuals and community organizations oriented self- improvement in the areas of social, economic, recreational, health, education, and welfare.
(limit characters)
14. Provide guidance and technical assistance regarding social, economic, recreational, health, education, and welfare situations.
(limit characters)
15. Question, interview, or confer with others to obtain or verify information.
(limit characters)
16. Counsel or provide guidance to individuals with specific needs.
(limit characters)
17. Provide information about opportunities, services, or resources.
(limit characters)
18. Prepare and file legal pleadings or documents.
(limit characters)
19. Determine appropriate services for clients or customers.
(limit characters)
20. Analyze program review findings to identify methods to improve service delivery to clients.
(limit characters)
21. Determine resource requirements based on program or project objectives or operational needs.
(limit characters)
22. Monitor programs, projects, operations, or activities.
(limit characters)
23. Collect, compile, and organize information.
(limit characters)
24. Search for and extract information from files, documents, reports, publications, recordings, or other materials.
(limit characters)
25. Review reports, documents, records, data, or other materials to verify completeness, correctness, consistency, compliance, or authenticity.
(limit characters)
26. Maintain close working relationship with tribal, county, state, federal, public and private programs and resources.
(limit characters)
27. Collaborate with others or works on teams to accomplish work-related activities.
(limit characters)
28. Observe individuals, activities, or operations to obtain or verify information.
(limit characters)
29. Discuss work efforts with other federal offices, state, and local social services agencies.
(limit characters)
30. Interact with adults or children who are in difficult, hostile, or distressed situations as well as culturally sensitive topics.
(limit characters)
31. Prepare and present case work findings and recommendations.
(limit characters)
32. Participate in or represent the organization or clients at briefings, meetings, or conferences.
(limit characters)
33. Discuss results, problems, plans, suggestions, terms, or conditions with others.
(limit characters)
34. Explain or justify decisions, conclusions, finding, or recommendations.
(limit characters)
35. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position. (limit characters)