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Military Social Workers

Military Career

General Information

Description

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 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.

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Work Environment

Social workers in the Military usually work in offices or clinics.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Comparable Industries

  • Human Services
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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Officer
    • Managerial/professional
    • College degree required

Military Workforce

Social Workers in the Military

518

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Salary

Average Salary

$126,143

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Bachelor's degree 68%
  • Master's degree 25%
  • Associate's degree 5%
  • High school 0%
  • Some college 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%
  • Post-secondary certificate 0%

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 personnelManagement of equal opportunity programs

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Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Therapy and Counseling
  • Psychology
  • Administrative
  • Education and Training

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