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Service Branches
Work Environment
Social workers in the Military usually work in offices or clinics.
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Military Status
Officer
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Average Military Salary
$118,872
Overview
Social workers apply knowledge and professional social work practices to provide effective mental health services to military personnel and their families. They are responsible for performing social work functions including clinical counseling, consultation, critical event debriefings, and substance abuse interventions. They assess needs for social and psychological support in individuals, families, and groups, and they provide evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders. They provide consultation to leading officials and they promote social work research, training, and internship programs.
Military Training
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Job training for social workers consists of professional growth opportunities, including continuing education courses, seminars and conferences, as well as on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content typically includes:
- Ways of controlling drug and alcohol abuse among military personnel
- Management of equal opportunity programs
Helpful Attributes
- Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely
- Desire to help others
- Interest in research and teaching
- Sensitivity to the needs of others
Related Civilian Careers
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
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