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@Jami Strickland

I did not realize that the military was responsible for a large portion of advanced social work but I am glad that it is. In addition it makes sense when thinking of the VA because that job can incorporate all types of social work especially legal, mental, and advocasy. Overall good points on everything.

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It was odd to find out that social workers can be actively enlisted but it makes sense for the military to offer such services. Finding out that after Vietnam was when this change started was kind of sad as I feel many could have benefitted from help from social workers earlier into the militaries history. Overall it was fun to learn about Military involved social work but I dont know that that is the path for me.

Trenton

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I did not know you can be acttively enliseted as a social worker. In addition you can be in the reserves and act as a social worker. These are interesting additions with things like VA case managers. Also in order to be in this field you have to be 21t o 42 and pass the physical and mental health test that soldiers have to. Also you need to be able to practice mediceine.

Trenton

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What can I do if I don't meet the eligibility requirements to join?

The Army has a waiver process that you can take advantage of to prove you overcame a disqualifying issue that would otherwise prevent you from joining the Army. After submitting a waiver, a review takes place to make sure you can join. If your waiver is denied, you can also look into pursuing a civilian career within the Army.

What are the physical requirements to join the Army?

For both the enlisted Soldier and commissioned Officer paths, you'll need to meet the height and weight requirements for your age and gender before joining. A recruiter will work with you after you join to meet the physical requirements of your chosen Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) evaluates your physical and mental abilities, starting at Basic Training for enlisted Soldiers and during initial training for those commissioning as Officers. Everyone will need to pass the ACFT during training and again several times a year for every year of service. Scores are recorded twice a year for active duty Soldiers in the Army, or once a year for members of the Army Reserve and Army National Guard. The Army will be there to support your growth with resources during every step of the evaluation process to ensure your success.

Do I need to attend Basic Training?

Before you can become a Soldier, you'll first need to complete a form of Basic Training- Basic Combat Training for enlisted Soldiers and the Basic Officer Leadership Course for Army Officers, as well as any additional training your job may require. Over the course of your training, you'll learn the skills, knowledge, and discipline needed to become a Soldier. Active-duty Soldiers and Officers also have ongoing training to keep their skills sharp, so they stay ready for anything.

How does Army pay compare to civilian pay?

Your Army salary is just one part of the total compensation Soldiers earn. While civilian jobs may pay higher baseline salaries, the Army offers a starting salary above the federal minimum wage, plus a variety of benefits on top of your base pay that add up. When you consider affordable health care for part-time Soldiers and free health care for full-time Soldiers, plus access to bonuses, allowances for housing, food, and clothing, education benefits to get a college degree with less debt, and more financial benefits, the Army offers a competitive choice to similar civilian careers.

What benefits will I receive as a Soldier?

The Army offers a complete package of benefits that not only supports you and your family, but also helps you advance in your career. Whether you serve part-time or full-time as an enlisted Soldier or Army Officer, you'll earn competitive pay with opportunities for bonuses, as well as receive health care at little to no cost. You could also receive money for education, student loan repayment assistance, training and certifications, housing, living expenses, and more.

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Provide direct service and support to others as a licensed Social Worker for the Army. Click now and improve the quality of life of your fellow Soldiers!

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As stated in our text, "The attitudes and concerns of service members changed a great deal between the Vietnam era, when many young men were forced to join the military through conscription (forced military service), to the present day,

when men and women are in the military only because they have volunteered to join." Knowing that this shift took place and seeing modern activity social workers have a great deal to offer to the military. They can act in roles like case managers in the VA, working in the military to help with active enlisetd, and even things like ptsd therapist.

Trenton

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@Janet Watson (Section 3) I was in awe as well. It's interesting to see what a job like social work can do. Seeing that they help more than just kids reminded me of how essential social workers are. They are involved in a myriad of aspects of life.

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This was interesting because I always knew that social work was such a broad field but I had no idea that they helped people in the military. It was a reminder that social work is such an important and essential field of work. Social worker help people of all backgrounds, race, or creed.

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I learned that many social workers who help veterans face many challenges, Some of those challenges include working through mental and emotional health challenges. A number of veterans and active duty service members face depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, anxiety, or substance abuse. In fact, according to a 2016 study published in the American Journal of Public Health, at least 1.1 million veterans are treated for one or more of these disorders per year.

Military personnel may also struggle with unemployment and financial difficulties. Meanwhile, families of service members may face issues like domestic violence and child abuse.

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Do you have what it takes to become a military social worker in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines? This guide covers the military social work career path.

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Social workers help veterans and active service members work through mental and emotional challenges, providing therapy, risk assessments, and counseling, as well as access to supportive resources.

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Do you have what it takes to become a military social worker in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines? This guide covers the military social work career path.

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@Janet Watson- Topic One

Hello Janet, I really enjoyed reading your post, it had a lot of good information. I do agree that transitioning from civilian to military life can be very stressful, but having a social worker helping you navigate through these hard times can be very helpful.

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Learning about social work in the military was very interesting. For example, I learned that Social Workers have worked in the VA since 1926. I also learned the roles of social workers in the military- resource navigation, crisis intervention, advocacy, benefit assistance, mental health therapy, and many more. Social workers and their roles in the military are very important to veterans and their families.

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From this website, I learned that social workers offer many services to veterans and their families. For example, they can help with resource navigation, crisis intervention, advocacy, benefit assistance, and mental health therapy for conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and drug and alcohol addiction. I also learned that The United States Department of Veterans Affairs is the largest employer of master’s level social workers in the United States.

Fun Fact- Social workers were first commissioned as officers in the U.S. Army in July 1944.

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Learn what social work practice looks like in the U.S. armed forces.

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A social worker in the military can assist service members by helping them with the transition from military to civilian life, navigating the healthcare system, providing counseling, and help them access support groups. Social workers in the military can also address mental health issues, financial difficulties, and crisis intervention.

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I was also intrigued with the fact that you could be a social worker both being enlisted in the military and being a civilian! It would seem as if you are essentially working for the military that you would have to be enlisted as well. Learning this has made me consider other pathways when it comes to my career in social work!

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Your post is so interesting. You must know a whole lot more about military social work. Is that something you want to do with your degree? I bet there is a lot to learn about military social work. I'm going to do some further research to learn about personal stories. Perhaps some of your family members can tell you how they benefited from the social workers at their base.

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Social Worker with the military Nyla Barnes 

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Social Worker with the military Nyla Barnes 

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A military social worker that I 've learned are the goals of social worker can help veterans and their families need to achieve a better maintain of sense of stability of services as jobs, housing, and trained on different government polices. It provide many military of men and women direct the service of help to improve the mental well- being of health issues by the soldiers and their families. Social Workers who work at military base would typically help provide target counseling and get emotional support and connect clients to many resources and education for the military of men and women soldiers. For example, they can help connection by active- duty services of military members and their families in each state or same state they lived by the resources to designed improved their mental health and well- being to increased by having a therapy services for conditions against crisis, traumas, , depression, PTSD, and dangerous events of military affiliated men and women by their treatment.

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"I’ve learned that a military social worker has to have a high degree of knowledge regarding the military culture, ethics, and codes and only 13 percent meet the needed knowledge."

-Maria Schatzling Section 2

Seeing only 13 percent meet these standards is an astonishing statistic. I think it conveys how much knowledge is needed to work in a military environment. Although sympathy is important, it can be expressed by anyone, regardless of if they understand your plight. To express empathy requires a shared experience. By learning these facets of the military, you in exchange build better relationships with the people of your cause. Great post!

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Through my web hunt, I was in awe as I had no idea there were college programs for this role. The military also provides so many roles you can choose from. The most common aspect people think of when it comes to social work is counseling. Although that is an option, you could instead conduct research or even assist in disease prevention support. The work may not be the easiest, but I thought it was cool that you could enlist or work as a civilian. The job offers flexibility, which is an awesome thing to see.

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I wanted to find someone's first-hand experience being a Military social worker. Perspective is crucial in social work, and I wanted to see through their lenses.

The article follows the experiences of Dr. Chris Flaherty, US Air Force Major, and Clinical Social Work Officer.

Through his personal narrative, I learned how conflict of interests can arise when working as a Military social worker. Although you are employed by the military, you also work for your client. To be effective, you'll have to find the balance between serving your client's interest and the needs of your mission. This puts social workers in a bit of a limbo, but it made me appreciate their role as advocates even further.

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By Dr. Chris Flaherty, US Air Force Major, and Clinical Social Work Officer

Joining the Service

I enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1985 and wasn't necessarily tracking toward behavioral health at the time; psychology and sociology were always interests of mine, though. In the military, you don't always get the job you want, but you can ask for it, at least. So I was going through the extensive catalog of all potential positions when I came across a description of a mental health technician.

The job was an assistant to social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists and, in that setting, was a paraprofessional. I said, "That sounds fun." So, after basic training in San Antonio, I returned to Fort Sam Houston, Texas. I completed four months of behavioral health technician training, and then I was off to work at the hospital at the Air Force Academy in Colorado.

The appearance of the US Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

First Military Job

For my first seven years, I worked as a technician, serving alongside military social work officers, psychologists, psychiatrists, other technicians, and drug and alcohol specialists. This meant I got a sampling of what was involved in those professions. Along the way, I decided to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work degree, and the Air Force sent me to school at the University of Southern Colorado (now named Colorado State, Pueblo).

Undergraduate and Graduate Social Work Studies

The more I learned about social work, the more I saw it as a good fit for myself. I loved the emphasis on not just helping individuals adapt to their environments but also improving climates to make them more conducive to promoting mental health by developing supportive policies, practices, and systems.

My level of interest kept growing as I learned more about it. So, after completing my BSW program and graduating in 1990, I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Denver, which I received in 1992. And while I was on active duty, I then applied for a commission as a social work officer and was accepted; that was my path from enlisting to landing my first social work job.

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Serving as a Military Social Work Officer

It was the early '90s when I became an officer, and the system was a little different than it is now. I was green, fresh out of my MSW program, and I was sent to oversee a family violence program for an entire base in a very remote part of the US, with several staff under my supervision.

There were numerous social issues there, including a lot of family violence and alcohol abuse. It was also a place where gambling was legal, so many troops were getting into financial trouble. The Air Force sent me there as a new lieutenant and said, "Here's your staff, and here are a handful of abuse cases that have come in this morning." So, I'd say it was a "deep-end" experience.

There was a significant amount that I had to learn the hard way; it was a tough, exceedingly stressful job with lots of long hours. Fortunately, I had outstanding team members and great, supportive supervisors who got me through it.

What helped me immensely was my seven years of experience as a mental health technician working in a similar setting, though the Air Force Academy was mellow compared to this base. But, at least I knew the ropes, terminology, military behavioral health, and its roles and functions.

I became the family advocacy officer, which meant that the buck stopped with me for all domestic violence and child maltreatment on the base. I had assisted military social workers who were family advocacy officers when I was a medical technician. Hence, acculturation in my enlisted time made the transition much easier than it would have been, having just been recruited from civilian life.

The combination of that experience and my time as an advocacy officer on that base also served me well when I enrolled in the doctorate program at the University of Tennessee. I earned my Ph.D. there in 2001 while still serving in the Air Force.

Life in the Armed Forces

One of the common challenges in military life is that you can't put down roots too deeply. Don't unpack all of your bags because you're going to move again. And that's what I tell our students who are considering military careers. If you want to live by grandma and grandpa and aunts and uncles for the rest of your life, don't go into the military - they're not going to let you do that. But if you have an adventurous spirit and like to see new places and don't mind moving every few years, it can be exciting and fun; it will provide you with unique opportunities and experiences.

That's just part of life in the armed forces, whether you're a military social worker or operating in any other role. That disruption can impose significant challenges on family members, especially children who must change schools every few years, say goodbye to their friends, and start over. And my experience was before social media, too, so I saw my daughter say goodbye to her friends, and they'd try to stay in touch with letters; back then, long-distance phone calls cost money, so you could only do so much.

I never went overseas, though I have many colleagues and friends who traveled to Germany and Japan to experience different cultures. That was enriching for their children in some ways, but it was a big challenge.

In the military, for most jobs, there's a defined workday called the duty day, but that's just a suggestion; the day ends when the work is done. So, depending on where a person is, they could have some long hours and maybe a lot of on-call work. Other assignments, though, are cushier: After leaving that high-stress base, I went to a warm, sunny place on the beach, where the workday was never more than eight hours, and I was never on call. So, there can be a lot of variation depending on where you end up. Usually, people assigned overseas tend to work harder - they often have more extended hours because some places don't have enough staff to do everything that needs to be done well.

The Brotherhood of the Military

One of the things I miss and appreciate about the military is the camaraderie, which was unlike that of other places of work. There's a certain amount of teamwork in other settings. Still, it's different in the military in that it's not just the behavioral health team - it's the whole unit, the full group, the entire installation pulling together.

We went through significant wartime readiness assessments, for example, during which we had to simulate war games so that we could be evaluated on our skills. Everybody worked hard and put in long hours and then when we succeeded and passed, everybody celebrated together. There was that all-around dedication to the mission as one team. I would tell myself, "Okay, this is hard and stressful, but we're all in it together."

Learning How to Juggle Competing Loyalties

In the military, in some ways, you're serving two masters: You're working for the system, for the command, but then you're also working for your client. So, a lot of negotiation happens - even mental negotiation with yourself in certain circumstances, as you think, "How do I balance serving the interest of my client and also serving the needs of the mission?"

Especially outside of the medical system, teams are constantly told that the mission comes first, and that's true. But say, for instance, you have a troop with some mental health issues. Maybe they're not fit for the duties they're assigned at the moment, but they have the potential to resolve some of these problems and function well again. You have to determine how hard and for how long you should try to save and rehabilitate these persons, and when you should decide that they're a liability to the mission, may put others at risk, and thus can't serve in that role anymore.

So, sometimes it's a fine line in terms of how much you advocate for your client and how much you focus on the needs of the mission and the well-being of the overall group, rather than just one individual. So, it's always kind of a dance. And in some instances, it's clear that a person shouldn't have been brought into the military in the first place, and you find a way to help them exit as smoothly as possible. But other times, you have to get into a little tug-of-war with the command to advocate for your clients and say, "I think this person can recover and return to functioning. They need this kind of chance and this kind of help."

The Benefit of Conferring with Your Comrades

I also learned much about the importance of consultation with peers - not just fellow military social workers but other behavioral health officers. It was beneficial to sit down and say, "Here's how I'm seeing this case, but I'm torn between these two sides of the coin," and talk that through with experienced folks who have been there and done that for a long time.

Getting different perspectives can help clarify your decision-making and make you feel less isolated in that process. And that's the medical model of the case management teams: maybe you don't know what to do, but if you talk it through with enough trusted, experienced folks, they can help you make the best decision.

Passing on What You've Learned

Throughout my career, I have been passionate about my work, and it's been gratifying to see its positive impact on active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. The military gave me a lot, so I want to keep giving back as much as possible, which is why I was inspired to go into academia after retiring from the Air Force. I see what our troops endure, especially our young folks in combat zones, so I want to do all I can to improve their experience and wellness and help them thrive.

As an associate professor and director of the Military Behavioral Health Research Lab at the UK College of Social Work, I can use my experience to guide students in becoming military social workers. I also have the privilege of collaborating directly with the Army through our partnership to ensure our students are fully prepared with the knowledge and skills they need to serve our brave men and women in uniform. It's the perfect second act of my career.
For more on UK's military social work program and partnership with the US Army, read this detailed Q&A with Dr. Flaherty.
Explore the University of Kentucky's Online BSW, MSW, DSW, Support for Military, or their Military Behavioral Health Lab. In addition, the UK College of Social Work offers great educational tracks for military and veteran social workers and civilians who want to help service members.

To get in touch with an admissions counselor about UK's military social work programs, fill out this form or call 1-833-358-1721.

Recommended Articles

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Military Social Work: My Journey to the Field and 20-Year Career | UKY

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Read Dr. Chris Flaherty's journey as he shares his experience towards becoming a US Air Force Major and Clinical Social Work Officer.

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Joining the military is a time of transitioning from former civilian life. For those joining after high school, it is the first time they have been separated from their families. Training and learning a new environment can be rigorous. Having a skilled professional to help navigate these new changes rather than feeling alone could be beneficial. The same can be said to those returning back to civilian life after they are done serving. How we support these individuals can also use the intervention of social workers.

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That is pretty cool! I never knew social workers could have opportunities to work along service members while on the ship. I imagine being able to serve your country while also providing needed help to other service members is an awesome job. - Nicala Williams

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I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on military social work. I think that’s awesome that your interviewee found his passion in helping others who have gone through similar experiences as him. That is a great way to be able to connect with clients on a deeper level. - Nicala Williams

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I find it interesting how there is a specific education and training for military social work. To begin with, I didn't know there was one. I always thought veterans or active members had to find their own social worker, but even better is that at their base, they are already military social workers. I genuinely do believe they make a difference in someone's life. My boyfriend's dad is a veteran who suffered from PTSD and had sad experiences; however, now I know he sought help from a military worker, and I notice that he doesn't suffer from anything and lives his life as if he never experienced sad events when he was active. I'm glad that there is specific training for them to deal with such experiences.

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A military social worker doesn't just work individually. They work with other professionals like psychiatrists, physicians, and medical officers. However, sometimes a military social worker will get burned out and feel frustrated because they are limited in what they can do to help, and that's because of a lack of support from resources. The social worker may also find it complicated how to work with military individuals because they have unique cases; therefore, trying to find a solution or the correct way to start helping the individual can also become complex. The job they do is very crucial for mental and behavioral health, but I do find it interesting that no matter how hard some cases may be, they will always do what they can to help.

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Table of Contents
What is a Military Social Worker?

Military social workers work with active military service members and veterans to help them address and manage the social, emotional, psychological and familial challenges they may face as a result of their job. Military social workers also provide counseling and support to the families of current and former service members and can work in a wide array of settings.

For example, military social workers can embed in active military units and even serve as active or reserve personnel. They can also work in civilian settings with military members who are off duty or veterans who are coping with the trauma of their past work. Typically, military social workers begin their career working closely with individuals and families. As they gain experience, they can progress to leadership and administrative positions, such as program managers and directors of psychological health.

Job Description at a Glance

Active and former military personnel can face unique psychological and emotional challenges, including isolation, anxiety, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. They may also experience socioeconomic, familial, and/or behavioral problems such as unemployment and financial hardship, marital conflicts, isolation from social circles, and substance abuse. Military social workers help their clients address these issues through individual and/or family counseling, resource navigation services, education, and development of programs and initiatives to serve military professionals and their families.

Education Requirements

According to the standards for social work practice with service members, veterans, and their families (PDF, 193 KB) established by the National Association of Social Workers, professionals in this field should have a bachelor's or master's degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), with an educational focus on the military and military families. Social workers with a BSW will be able to provide generalist services to service members, veterans and families. For social workers who would like to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, a focus on clinical social work during their master's program can prepare them become licensed in this field.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not report an average salary for social workers in this field. However, USAJOBS, the U.S. government's official website for civil service job opportunities, features a number of open positions for social workers in military settings, with salaries ranging from $50,000 to $90,000 per year depending on education and experience.

How to Become a Military Social Worker

Military social workers recommend a combination of solid academic preparation and internships or professional experience in a military setting for people interested in entering this field. Military social workers must at least hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution or a MSW accredited by the CSWE. The general steps to become a military social worker are:

Social work students and practicing social workers interested in helping veterans have a wealth of resources available to learn more about this important area of work.

For social workers with only a bachelor's in social work (BSW), a master's in clinical social work (MSW) program may help you learn more about clinical social work or mental health concentrations. If you have a MSW, check our guide onhow to become a LCSW.

Social work students and professionals can find publications, tutorials and seminars about military social work careers from the National Association of Social Workers. NASW also offers the Military Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families - Social Worker (MVF-SW) credential for social workers with a bachelor's degree and the Military Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families - Advanced Social Worker (MVF-SW) credential for social workers with a master's degree.

"[Taking] coursework focused on military and/or taking advantage of the National Association of Social Workers' (NASW) five free, two-hour military social work webinars is a great way to start to learn about military culture, challenges, issues prevalent in military families, and how to support them," said Jaclyn Fischer-Urmey, MSW, DCSW, and the director of psychological health for the 514th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey. "These webinars can be found at http://www.naswwebed.org/."

Information about military social work careers is also available through organizations that serve the military and their families, including Military OneSource, Defense Centers of Excellence, TRICARE, the Center for Deployment Psychology, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Center for Deployment Psychology and the Defense Centers of Excellence have online tutorials, workshops and materials to help civilians get a sense of the types of challenges military populations face, and how social workers and people in helping professions assist them.

Hospitals and medical centers, community service organizations and mental health centers may also have resources to help mental health and human services professionals assist military populations. "Massachusetts General Hospital offers an online training series called From the War Zone to the Home Front: Supporting the Mental Health of Veterans and Families. And the National Center for PTSD is another useful site to visit," said Donna Maglio, LCSW, who is an embedded civilian military social worker for the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

Getting relevant training via undergraduate and graduate coursework is important, said Fischer-Urmey. "Most military social work positions, such as those in the Department of Veterans Affairs and the departments of the Army/Navy/Air Force/Interior, to name a few, require a master's degree from an accredited institution. That is where I advise most people to begin," she told OnlineMSWPrograms.com.

Students at undergraduate and graduate social work programs without military social work concentrations can build the skills to work with military personnel by focusing on classes that discuss how to address trauma, substance abuse, severe stress, anxiety and other challenges this population faces. Fischer-Urmey also advised students to seek internships that allow them to work closely with veterans, active military personnel, and/or the children and spouses of military service members.

"There are many community-based agencies around the country that have been awarded grants from the VA to provide services to veterans and their families, such as Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF)," Zander Keig, LCSW, who works as a homeless outreach social worker for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), told OnlineMSWPrograms.com.

Volunteering is also an excellent way to gain experience helping military personnel and veterans, and to build professional skills applicable to this area of work. "[Volunteering] for a Veteran Service Organization (VSO), such as Disabled American Veterans (DAV), AmVets and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), would provide a social work student with access to the veterans' claim filing process through the Veterans Benefits Administration," he said. "Knowing how to navigate the VA claim process is a beneficial skill when working with veterans experiencing homelessness."

To supplement coursework, internship and volunteer work, students can also learn a lot by reading books about the issues service members encounter during after deployment, and by speaking with friends and family who are involved in military work.

"Books that I often recommend are"Rule Number Two: Lessons I Learned in a Combat Hospital"by Heidi Squier Kraft,"War"by Sebastian Junger and"On Killing"by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, but there are so many books out there on all kinds of military-related topics that would be useful in understanding more about this population," Maglio said. She also explained how her connections in the military helped motivate her to become a military social worker. "My father is a Vietnam veteran of the United States Marine Corps and I have other family members and friends who have served or are currently serving our country," she told OnlineMSWPrograms.com. "A close friend of mine was killed in Iraq in 2004 and that experience definitely got me more involved with this population. It's been an honor to work with this community and to help them feel more comfortable with the therapeutic process."

Types of Military Social Workers

Military social workers work in settings where current and former military personnel require or seek support and counseling.

"Active-duty and civilian military social workers are needed all over the world in a variety of capacities in every branch of service and government organization," Fischer-Urmey said.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has developed numerous emotional and mental health support services for active and off-duty military personnel, while the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employs social workers nationwide to assist veterans through several different programs. The many types of government-funded military support programs mean that military social workers are employed in a wide and diverse range of work environments and can take on many different roles during their career.
Some environments where military social workers work include military bases and units, medical facilities, military support centers, VA health centers, community service organizations, and private practices.
While their work setting may vary, the core mission of military social workers remains the same: to help active military service members fulfill their professional responsibilities while maintaining healthy personal lives, and/or to support veterans in transitioning to civilian life and coping with the emotional ramifications of their experiences.

"Civilian and active-duty social workers all serve the same population: military members and their families, no matter where they are assigned," Fischer-Urmey said.

While specific job titles may vary across different military divisions, government departments, and other organizations, military social workers fall into the following general categories:

Embedded and Active-Duty Military Social Workers

All branches of the U.S. armed forces provide mental and emotional health services to their active personnel. Military social workers play an important role in these services, and can be found at military bases, often within medical and mental health departments. While some of these social workers are civilians, in that they do not serve in the military, others complete training and serve alongside other military service members.

Social workers who work at military bases typically provide targeted counseling and emotional support and connect clients to resources and education to help them function optimally at their jobs. Military social workers can serve and travel, or embed, with one unit.

"My role as an embedded military social worker is to provide brief, solution-focused, non-medical counseling to service members and their families," Maglio said. "[The] approach I use with active duty is generally a skill-building approach since my main role is to help keep them functioning in their jobs."

Military social workers can also serve personnel from multiple battalions if they work at military medical centers or other facilities that serve several units.

"The Marines, sailors and families [I work with] at Camp Lejeune are fortunate to have several other options for counseling outside of the battalion," Maglio said. "There are active-duty social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists located at the naval hospital and clinics on base and there are also several behavioral health programs staffed by civilian therapists that can provide various types of support and counseling."

Due to the intense and stressful demands of their jobs, military service members tend to experience mental, emotional and relationship challenges that can negatively impact their work.

"Typical issues [that my clients face] include relationships, job-related stress, communication, financial stress, sleep disturbance, combat reintegration, transitioning out of the military, anger management and lack of healthy coping skills," Maglio said.

Military social workers also generally work as part of a larger team of medical and mental health professionals, such as the on-base chaplain, physician, medical officer and psychiatrist.

Military support programs, such as the Family Advocacy Program, the Navy's Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program, and the Air Force's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program, can also employ social workers and other mental and medical professionals to provide classes and workshops on topics such as emotional regulation, conflict resolution, stress management and substance addictions. "I also give briefings and teach educational classes on specific topics, such as grief and reintegrating home from combat," Maglio told OnlineMSWPrograms.com.

As military social workers gain more experience in the challenges that active personnel face and how to address them, they may take on leadership roles, such as director of psychological health (DPH) at a military base or division. A DPH and other leadership roles in military social work can involve administrative/supervisory responsibilities and clinical work with military personnel.

"My responsibilities include serving as the Air Force Reserve liaison with military and non-military agencies to promote timely information exchange, coordinate collaborative prevention efforts, and establish and maintain an extensive array of resources, associations and community partnerships," Fischer-Urmey told OnlineMSWPrograms.com. "[My role also] includes designing, developing, coordinating and implementing prevention and community outreach and prevention efforts. I [also] provide psycho-diagnostic assessments and short-term, brief solution-focused counseling services to military and civilian personnel."

Civilian Military Social Workers

Different military branches have resources to support their personnel in civilian environments when they return from deployment. Such resources include personnel support centers specific to each military branch, community service organizations and government programs that serve all military branches, such as Military OneSource (a 24/7 support service that connects military service members and their families to phone-based and in-person counseling and support on issues such as spousal conflict, personal health, education and financial literacy). Civilian support centers that serve military personnel and their families include:

These military support organizations employ people in helping professions such as social workers, psychologists and other human services specialists to counsel and guide clients applying for benefits and managing challenges in their work and personal lives. Civilian military social workers can also work in private practice with military personnel who have returned from deployment and who need help transitioning to civilian life.

Veteran Social Workers

Another important role military social workers play is counseling and supporting veterans who are struggling with reintegrating into society and/or managing mental, emotional and familial challenges resulting from their experiences.

"The VA employs over 11,000 social workers nationwide. It is recognized as the single largest employer of social workers by the NASW," Keig said.

The VA funds many departments, facilities and programs to address the complex and sometimes severe challenges veterans face. Social workers are an essential part of many of these programs, and can be found at VA medical centers, community based clinics, and veterans centers.

"The majority of social workers work in two distinct settings: primary medical care and homeless programs," Keig said. "Primary care social workers generally work in inpatient and outpatient medical units at VA medical centers and at community-based outpatient clinics. Homeless program social workers work in the same settings yet focus on providing veterans with resources and referrals to VA and community programs serving the homeless."

Veteran social workers often fulfill a wide variety of tasks to support veterans and their families. Keig said his role at the VHA includes a combination of care coordination and resource navigation services at the individual level, and more administrative work aimed at developing better services for homeless veterans.

"As a homeless outreach social worker in Oakland, California, I am liaison to a community-based, VA contract, homeless shelter with 15 beds reserved for male veterans," he said. "I facilitate the process for securing a VHA primary care provider [for my clients] and work with the shelter case manager to identify and resolve barriers to transitional or permanent housing, gainful employment and sobriety (financial, mental illness, physical disability, etc.)."

Military social workers can also work with veterans at private clinics and practices. In addition to being an embedded military social worker, Maglio works closely with veterans in her private practice, Trinity Psychotherapy LLC. She described how her work with veterans differs significantly from her targeted, skills-oriented approach with active military service members.

"[My work with veterans is] typically longer-term and [on] a more regular schedule, usually once a week for an hour-long appointment, during which we go more in-depth into the issues," she said. "Since the veteran population is either in the process of transitioning or has already transitioned to civilian life, we can start to unpack the stress and trauma that they have piled up over the years in a safe environment."

What Military Social Workers Do

Military social workers typically combine counseling and guidance of individuals and families with development of and engagement in programs to help military and veteran populations on a larger scale. Some methods military social workers use to help their clients include:

Mental Health Counseling and Therapy

Military social workers can use a combination of clinical social work methods to assess, diagnose, prevent and address their clients' mental, emotional, behavioral and relationship challenges. These methods include psychosocial and risk assessments, cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, supportive psychotherapy, motivational interviewing, harm reduction techniques, and experiential therapeutic modalities such as equine-assisted psychotherapy, music therapy, art therapy and role-playing.

Resource Navigation

There are a wide array of resources and programs available to members of all branches of the military. Knowing about and properly taking advantage of these programs, however, can be overwhelming or difficult for military personnel, who have busy and stressful schedules and who also must balance work with family life. Military social workers help military personnel, veterans and their families access the government and community resources that are available to them by educating their clients about the benefits they qualify for, guiding them to apply for these benefits (financial aid for school, career counseling, medical benefits, etc.), and connecting them with other people and organizations that can help.

Crisis Intervention

For military personnel and families who are experiencing acute trauma or struggling with severe psychological, emotional, and/or behavioral challenges (post-traumatic stress disorder, domestic and other types of violence, severe substance abuse, suicidal tendencies, etc.), social workers collaborate with a larger team of medical and/or mental health care professionals to intervene and treat the individuals involved in the crisis (including the spouses, children, relatives, and friends of military service members and/or veterans, if they are directly affected by the crisis).

Social workers can serve as advocates for disadvantaged military personnel and their families. Active military service members who struggle with depression, sleep disorders, and/or substance abuse, veterans coping with physical disabilities, and spouses of military personnel who are experiencing financial hardships are just a few examples of populations that could benefit from social work advocacy. Military social workers can engage with nonprofit groups and advocacy organizations, and contact local, state and national governments about issues that military populations face, to help ensure vulnerable military populations and their families receive the government and community support they need.

Program Development

Military social workers can also help develop, implement and evaluate local, state and national programs to improve the well-being of and opportunities for military populations and their loved ones. These include family support programs, scholarships and other types of educational support, employment assistance programs, and suicide awareness and prevention initiatives. Program development typically involves researching target populations' needs, applying for and receiving funding, and building staffing and processes around certain objectives (for example, helping veterans address substance abuse).

Challenges Military Social Workers Face

Military social workers face numerous challenges on the job, including the complexity and severity of clients' issues, the exposure to clients' trauma, and limitations on resources.

"[T]his population typically has a multitude of major issues they are dealing with, such as anxiety/depression, chronic sleep disturbance, substance abuse, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and family issues, in addition to having been exposed to events that most of us can't even imagine, so you need to figure out where the best place is to start with these very complex cases," Maglio said.

Military social workers may also face the frustration of being unable to help their clients as much as they'd like, due to limited resources and staffing.

"There is a growing population of elderly homeless low-income veterans, dealing with illness and sometimes substance use disorders, presenting to our clinic requesting referrals to housing programs," Keig said. "Unfortunately, because of their ADL (activities of daily living) limitations, they are ineligible for placement."

In instances of limited resources and urgent and overwhelming client needs, some social workers may feel compelled to work exceptionally long hours to help as many people as possible, which can lead to burnout.

Military social workers who are embedded with military units or who choose to be active members of the military on top of their social work duties encounter additional challenges, one of which is adjusting to the culture and the fast pace of military life. "Working with the military takes a certain mindset and understanding of the culture of the military," Fischer-Urmey said of her years working as an officer and social worker in the Navy and the Air Force.

"My first great challenge was transitioning from civilian mindset to a military mindset. [...] Going from the civilian mindset of relative stability, control, and safety, to the military mindset of constant transition, little control, and unguaranteed safety took a few years," she said.

"I never really know who's going to walk through my door each day," Maglio said, "Because I make myself visible, there are times I might be walking along the sidewalk and someone will grab me for a few minutes to talk about an issue. You really have to be on your toes at all times here because you just never know when an issue is going to come up or when someone is going to approach you for counseling."

The challenges that military social workers encounter can lead to significant stress and burnout if clinicians are not careful. Helping their clients process extremely difficult or disturbing experiences can also negatively impact military social workers' mental and emotional health. Conscious and consistent self-care practices, seeking a strong support network of family, friends, and fellow professionals, and even engaging in their own therapy can help military social workers stay energized and engaged in their work.

Why People Become Military Social Workers

Despite the many difficulties of their line of work, military social workers can derive a great deal of gratification from helping military populations and their loved ones. "Once they get past the initial stigma of engaging in therapy, I've found my military clients to be extremely motivated and willing to do the work it takes to make positive changes in their lives," Maglio said.

Fischer-Urmey said clients often are grateful for the help. "During my years working with military and their families, I've had many encounters with grateful clients, several of whom I've had the opportunity to run into over the years at other bases and in different countries," she told OnlineMSWPrograms.com.

"I really am treated as part of 'the family' here at the battalion," Maglio said. "I attend all of their special events, such as formations for awards and promotions, retirement ceremonies and holiday parties. I also attend outings and dinners with the spouses and children."

Keig said witnessing his clients' progress and growth makes his work gratifying and sustaining.

"The most rewarding aspect of my current position is seeing the transformation so many of the veterans go through: from homeless, penniless and filled with despair to housed, working or collecting pension and/or disability compensation and feeling hopeful about their future," he said. "I intend to remain working for the federal government as a social worker until I retire."

Fischer-Urmey told OnlineMSWPrograms.com her work is deeply rewarding.

"[Each] location to which I've been assigned, with the exception of my deployment, I have been the suicide prevention program manager," she said, "I have many rewarding experiences of working with military and families, to include seeing relationships restored, substance abusers recover, mental health symptoms under control, acceptance of being separated from service through medical board, administrative separation, or retirement, grievers heal, stressors managed and eliminated, and careers saved, [but] the greatest reward of all is not losing a single life on my watch. The best reward of working with the military is helping save lives. Everyone matters."

Military social workers provide compassion, guidance and essential support services to individuals who have devoted their lives to protecting the country. Through a combination of careful preparation, commitment to helping others, and adequate self-care, military social workers can create a deeply rewarding, impactful career that not only benefits military populations and their families, but also strengthens the national community.

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Military Social Work: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and National Guard

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Learn what a military social worker is, how to become one, what career opportunities are available and much more in our comprehensive guide.

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A military social worker focuses specifically on those who are or were in the military. They help individuals by counseling them and helping them through challenges like emotional, psychological, and family issues. They assist them with behavioral problems and economic problems. In the military, almost everyone faces challenges, especially veterans who have PTSD. The social worker I interviewed was in the army and did suffer from PTSD. That's what inspired him to become a social worker.

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I agree that it's a viable and intriguing professional option. Essentially, a Military Social Worker is vital to the health of service members and their families both during and after the military.

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I adore that The specialty area of practice known as military social work is concerned with the mental, emotional, and physical health of service members, veterans, and their families. It include offering support services like case management, crisis intervention, counseling, and advocacy.

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I now know that a military social worker can help train medical staff or provide policy advice in addition to working directly with service members and their families. They can also lead or take part in research on topics like comprehensive health care, pre- and post-deployment resiliency, and the transition to civilian life.

When military veterans are having difficulty adjusting to civilian life, military social workers may be able to aid by putting them in touch with resources that can help them locate housing and social services.

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VCU School of Social Work Online Master of Social Work Program Format

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For those enlisted in the U.S. military, the mental and emotional challenges associated with serving extend well beyond the battlefield. These challenges can have devastating effects. According to a 2021 report from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), the suicide rate among active component service members has gradually risen since 2011. Additionally, a 2020 report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - the most recent report, due to the COVID-19 pandemic - revealed that 1.3 million veterans struggled with a substance use disorder.

The mental and emotional safety net available to civilians through their social circle isn't as readily available to active-duty service members who spend prolonged periods away from loved ones under frequently stressful circumstances. As a result, military social workers are instrumental in enhancing the mental readiness of service members and ensuring the emotional well-being of both soldiers and their families. An advanced education can help prepare social workers for the important role of supporting the nation's military.

What Is a Military Social Worker?

Military social workers help connect active-duty service members and their families with resources designed to improve their mental health and well-being. These can include therapeutic services such as clinical counseling, crisis intervention and critical event debriefing - services that can help individuals cope with all manner of psychological and emotional disorders, as well as substance misuse issues and family crises. Social workers may also help soldiers prepare for the transition to private sector life, and offer mental health therapy for conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In addition to working directly with service members and their families, a military social worker may participate in or lead research in areas such as pre- and post-deployment resiliency, comprehensive health care and the transition to civilian life, as well as assist in training medical personnel or consult on policy development.

In some cases, military social workers may assist military veterans who are struggling to adapt to civilian life by connecting them with services designed to help them find housing and social services.

Regardless of which services they provide, social workers play a vital role in supporting the nation's active-duty service members and veterans, a reality borne out in the data:

According to the Military Health System Management Analysis and Reporting Tool, social workers with the DOD had more than 770,000 behavioral health interactions with service members or their families in 2020.

Social workers represent 45 percent of DOD mental health professionals at military hospitals and clinics, and are involved in 42 percent of all encounters dealing with mental health or substance misuse issues.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest employer of social workers in the nation, with more than 15,000 on staff.

Ultimately, the goal of a military social worker is to help veterans and their families achieve and maintain a sense of stability. Considering the stressful conditions military personnel may have to endure, the support of a social worker can have a lasting positive impact on those who serve.

Becoming a Military Social Worker

While each person's individual career path may differ, a general framework exists for becoming a military social worker. Those interested in this career should become familiar with these steps prior to embarking on the journey.

1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Obtaining a Bachelor of Social Work degree allows individuals to build a foundational knowledge of social work and related concepts, such as a study of social welfare policy, ethics, diverse populations and human behaviors. This also allows students to start developing the essential skills that will serve them well throughout their career.

2: Earn a Master's Degree

While a bachelor's degree can qualify candidates for entry-level social work positions, advanced or specialized roles may require advanced education. Military social workers generally need a master's degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, such as Virginia Commonwealth University's Master of Social Work online format. A master's program can deepen an aspiring military social worker's knowledge and skills, preparing them to identify and resolve the unique, complex issues that arise in guiding military personnel.

3: Gain Appropriate Field Experience

Obtaining experience is essential before applying for a military social work role. This can be achieved through internship opportunities such as engaging in supervised clinical work. However, this experience isn't merely about meeting requirements for work hours. Ideally, interns should strive to ensure their field experience is relevant to some sort of military capacity.

Military social workers should understand, among other things, the culture and subcultures of the military, the stages and developmental influences of military training, and the stigma associated with seeking care and the perceived potential of negative career impacts. They should also anticipate that their clients may be high-ranking officers and, therefore, be capable of managing complicated boundary, confidentiality and privacy issues. Gaining field experience through organizations that serve veterans and their families, for instance, can help an individual become acclimated to such environments and situations.

4: Apply for Licensure

Prospective military social workers must already be licensed as social workers in their home state before they can begin practicing. The process of obtaining a license can vary from state to state. Because of this, individuals should familiarize themselves with the requirements of the state in which they plan to practice.

Military Social Worker Salary and Career Outlook

While it does not provide salary data specifically for military social workers, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for a social worker with the federal government was approximately $83,000 in 2021. Several factors can influence the precise amount an individual may earn in the role such as years of experience, work environment and location, as well as whether they're an active-duty service member.

The BLS projects 9 percent employment growth for the social work profession overall between 2021 and 2031, nearly double the 5 percent job growth rate it projects for the country's job market as a whole.

Where Do Military Social Workers Work?

Many career opportunities for individuals with military social work experience exist, both inside and outside the armed forces. They may work at veterans service organizations or military-related agencies, or they may start a private practice of their own.

Military social workers can also pursue roles in the private sector. Those interested in leveraging their military social work experience in private sector employment can take advantage of the Army Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) program, which guarantees a job interview with military-friendly employers looking for experienced veterans.

Key Skills of a Military Social Worker

Interpersonal skills are essential for success as a military social worker. The foundation of the role is built on an individual's ability to develop a rapport with clients and their families. This rapport fosters a sense of trust, which can be crucial given the nature of the profession. This competency goes hand in hand with the need for solid communication skills, as it's important to make sure every instruction, direction and piece of information is stated clearly without any room for ambiguity.

Additionally, a military social worker needs strong organizational skills to allow them to effectively manage multiple cases and client care strategies. They must also have strong problem-solving skills to accurately assess a patient's needs. These skills should be underscored by a sense of compassion, which builds empathy for the people they're helping.

Serve Those Who Serve Our Country

The challenges that active-duty service members and veterans face can seem overwhelming. The support that social workers provide is a lifeline for many. A military social worker can help service members cope with PTSD, depression and addiction. They can also assist them in the transition to civilian life, connecting them with child care, employment resources, housing opportunities and much more.

Virginia Commonwealth University's online Master of Social Work Program format can help prepare you to make a profound difference in the lives of others. The program is designed to help you curate the expertise to help soldiers and their families find the necessary resources to improve their lives and well-being.

Learn how we can prepare you for this rewarding career.

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Explore the duties and career path of a military social worker, and learn how they can make a profound impact on the lives of soldiers and their families.

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They offer active military members, relatives of victims of violent incidents, and veterans psychological and emotional help. Many mental health conditions, such as substance misuse, PTSD, suicide, sadness, and anxiety, may result from this. The Military Social Worker is essential in assisting these people in getting the assistance they require to deal with these problems.

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@Jami Strickland

I agree with you! It was very interesting to learn that the VA is the largest employer of advanced degree social workers. This was all great information!

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I found this topic very interesting. I always knew that there were therapists for the military, but I never really knew much about them. I was shocked to find out that this is one of the largest areas of social work overall.

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I learned many different things during my web hunt. This site is one that I learned various new things on. This site leads you in the direction of becoming a military social worker as well as explaining what all they do. I never really knew much about military social workers until now, but this taught me some good information about them.

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Military social workers help members of the armed forces reintegrate into civilian or professional life after a deployment, injury, or personal crisis. These professionals also provide social service support to families of veterans and active-duty military personnel. Aspiring social workers enjoy strong job prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 11% increase in social work jobs between 2018-2028, far outpacing the national average for all occupations.

Military social workers qualify for many roles in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which is the largest employer of advanced social work degree-holders in the country. The federal government also considers military social workers part of the Armed Forces' Allied Health network, making them eligible for military retirement benefits.

Programs to Become a Military Social Worker

What Does a Military Social Worker Do?

Military social work jobs have a core set of responsibilities focused on supporting and empowering active service personnel, veterans, retired military members, and their families. These professionals provide case management and counseling services while advocating for clients within the VA system. Military social workers also connect clients with helpful resources and services.

Military social workers also help veterans affected by physical injuries access benefits, counseling, therapy, and other forms of rehabilitative support.

In many cases, military social workers assist service personnel, veterans, and family members who need emotional and psychological support. Military deployments and exposure to dangerous and violent situations can potentially lead to issues like post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and suicide. Social workers with specialized training in these issues help clients reclaim control of their lives.

Issues like domestic violence, spousal abuse, and child abuse also frequently touch military families. In these instances, military social workers advocate for victims, guiding them to the protective and legal resources they need. Military social workers also help veterans affected by physical injuries access benefits, counseling, therapy, and other forms of rehabilitative support.

How Do I Become a Military Social Worker?

Education Needed to Become a Military Social Worker

Earning a master of social work degree.

Master's programs with concentrations in military social work are relatively rare, so many students use electives to gain relevant career training, taking classes on topics like substance abuse counseling, family counseling, and the psychology of trauma. Students can also use practicum and internship requirements to gain experience in the field.

While a master's in social work is the most direct educational path into this career, alternatives do exist and not all of them require an advanced degree. Those with only a bachelor's degree can pursue certificates in military or veteran social work. However, entry requirements for these certificate programs usually include a bachelor's degree in social work, so aspirants considering this path should choose their undergraduate majors accordingly.

Prospective undergraduate and graduate students can choose from programs that offer traditional in-class learning, online learning, or hybrid formats that blend the two. The following table summarizes the key differences between undergraduate and advanced social work degrees:

Bachelor's Degree in Military Social Work

Master's Degree in Military Social Work

Doctoral Degree in Military Social Work

Accreditation for Military Social Work Programs

Students pursuing a career in military social work should only attend an accredited school. Military social work jobs require state licensure, and while licensure requirements vary among jurisdictions, they invariably include a relevant degree from an accredited institution.

Accreditation is a third-party endorsement from an independent agency that holds national or regional authority. National accreditation usually applies to for-profit schools and vocational institutions, while regional accreditation typically applies to nonprofit, liberal arts institutions. Regional accreditation is generally considered the more prestigious of the two.

Programs within a school may receive programmatic accreditation. The Council on Social Work Education (CWSE) is a well-known accrediting body for social work programs. This endorsement signals high academic quality, giving students a boost in the job market and an advantage in the licensing examinations required for professional licensure.

Licensure and Practicum Requirements to Become a Military Social Worker

State licensure is required for professional practice as a military social worker. Requirements vary by state and typically depend on whether a candidate wants a non-clinical or clinical license. Non-clinical social workers - also known as direct social workers - act as case managers or coordinators, connecting clients with community resources. Clinical social workers provide counseling and therapy services to clients.

Social work licenses expire every 2-3 years, and professionals need to meet continuing education requirements to renew them.

Requirements for non-clinical practitioners include a bachelor's degree in social work or a bachelor's degree in a related field and a social work certificate. Clinical social workers need at least a master's degree. These core educational requirements qualify candidates for state licensure examinations, which all aspirants must pass to earn their licenses. Social work internships and practicums, which all CSWE-accredited degrees require, help prepare candidates for licensing exams.

Licensees can transfer valid credentials to some other states through reciprocity agreements. Social work licenses expire every 2-3 years, and professionals need to meet continuing education requirements to renew them. Requirements vary, but many states demand 10-30 hours of continuing education during each renewal period.

Optional Certifications for Military Social Workers

Military social work professionals can earn optional certifications. These certifications endorse a candidate's expertise in a specific practice area, which makes them more competitive in the job market.
Applicants with a master's degree in social work and current membership to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) can apply for this general certification after accruing two years of employment under a credentialed supervisor and 20 or more hours of continuing education. This NASW certification is an entry-level option for social workers interested in military specializations. It's an ideal credential for bachelor's degree holders with two or more years of military-oriented work experience. Licensed social workers with accredited master's degrees qualify for this certification if they have two years of professional experience with veterans and military personnel or their families. It also requires 20 hours of continuing education, including at least 10 on military-related specializations.

Military family counseling

Military-to-civilian transition support

Crisis intervention

Substance abuse counseling

Mental health counseling

This certification signals advanced clinical, behavioral, and mental health expertise. Certificate holders can diagnose and treat psychosocial disorders commonly experienced by veterans. Candidates need a master's degree, three years of relevant professional experience, and 30 or more hours of continuing education training.
Employment and Salary for Military Social Workers

Military social workers enjoy an excellent employment outlook thanks to overall growth in the profession and increased awareness of the unique reintegration needs faced by veterans and active-duty personnel. Though military social work is already a specialized field, practitioners can further distinguish themselves in the job market by concentrating in areas such as:

The VA is the nation's largest employer of social workers with master's and doctoral degrees. The federal government announced the agency's largest-ever proposed annual budget for the 2019 fiscal year, largely to provide more funding for veterans' healthcare services and social support programs, making the VA an excellent place to seek employment. However, thousands of military social work jobs take place through other organizations, including military bases, faith-based organizations, and government agencies.

Pay rates for military social workers tend to line up with the national median for all professions, and salaries usually rise with experience. The following table summarizes salary information for military social workers at various stages of their careers:

How to Find a Job as a Military Social Worker

CSWE Specialized Practice Curricular Guide for Military Social Work This regularly updated curricular provides an in-depth review of the ethical standards, academic background, and competencies needed to succeed as a military social worker.

The National Association of Social Workers NASW is the largest social work organization in the United States. Members benefit from access to continuing education and professional development opportunities as well as a job board.

Association of Social Work Boards ASWB is a regulatory agency that develops the standards used by state certification boards in examination and licensing protocols. It is the authority for current, professional best practice guidelines.

Association of Veterans Affairs Social Workers Social workers employed by the VA can join this professional organization, which provides networking and peer mentoring opportunities as well as other free or low-cost professional and educational resources.

Clinical Social Work Association Military social workers with clinical licenses can list their services through this professional organization, which maintains an exclusive job board and detailed information on social work standards, care guidelines, and best practices.

The federal government is the largest employer of military social workers, but state and local government agencies, nonprofit groups, and private hospitals and care clinics also employ many military social work professionals.

The internship and practicum requirements of accredited bachelor's and master's in social work programs allow students to make professional connections that may lead to employment. Students can also reach out to their school career centers for job assistance. Additionally, professional organizations often provide job listings for prospective social workers, while MVF certifications boost competitiveness in the job market.

Military Social Work Resources

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Military social workers help members of the armed forces reintegrate into civilian or professional life after a deployment, injury, or personal crisis. These professionals also provide social service support to families of veterans and active-duty military personnel. Aspiring social workers enjoy strong job prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 11% increase in…

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Social workers assist the military in various ways and forms. Therapy is something that is very utilized by the military. This can help them with many things from PTSD, education, and even just adjusting back into society.

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I agree, it's very interesting the VA is the largest employer of advanced degree social workers! Prior to this course I would have assumed it would be within other areas such as child welfare services. However, it does make a lot of sense considering the large need that veterans have for mental health services. Would you ever consider going into this line of work with the military? Personally, I find military culture complex and a bit intimidating to navigate since I do not have close connections to it.

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Learning about military social work was very eye opening! While I knew that veterans may work with social workers for conditions such as PTSD, I had not considered that there are social workers serving active duty within the military. However, it makes a lot of sense especially considering the potential trauma service members are subject to. I'm sure positions such as working within the navy would be appealing to someone who would like to travel a lot while also helping those in need of social work services.

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When searching for resources on social workers in the military, I found the job application website page for the navy. Something that stood out to me is that the website states you may serve in locations around the world. Also, in addition to requirements such as an MSW you will need to attend a 5 week training program and commit to serving a minimum of 3 years of active duty.

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U.S. Navy Social Worker Careers | Navy.com

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Find social work jobs in the U.S. Navy and get unparalleled experience as a Naval social worker. Learn the requirements and start your social work career.

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There are many ways a social worker may assist the military. Social workers can work with active services members, veterans, or even their families. Those involved in the military need access to the dedicated services a social worker can provide such as counseling for PTSD, grief, or coping with deployment. Those in the military may also struggle with areas such as substance abuse, which a social worker can also assist navigating and referring to the necessary programs.

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I agree that this section was very insightful. I feel we learned how one can serve as a military social worker whether as a service member or a civilian. I definitely agree its interesting that the VA employs so many advanced degree social workers.

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I learned that you do not have to be enlisted in the military in order to work within the military. I also learned and was very interested in the fact that social workers continue their work in helping military members transition into and also cope with civilian life. It is great that the work extends beyond active duty.

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I found this area of social work very interesting and diverse. Being able to serve others that are fighting and making sacrifices for the greater good of the nation. Social work is can be emotionally daunting, but I can see how military social workers can deal with this on a higher magnitude.

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From this Podcast I've learned that a MSW is the basic criteria to become a Military social worker. The interviewee states some of the disorders that are helped, such as traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, substance abuse, and helping those dealing with bereavement.

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I learned that social workers in the military do more than just work with active duty military. They work closely with active duty transitioning into civilian life. They also assist veterans with substance abuse issues, because coping with the military, active and after, can be very difficult. Social workers also work very closely with veterans experiencing PTSD in finding counseling and other therapy to help them with managing their PTSD.

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VCU School of Social Work Online Master of Social Work Program Format

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For those enlisted in the U.S. military, the mental and emotional challenges associated with serving extend well beyond the battlefield. These challenges can have devastating effects. According to a 2021 report from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), the suicide rate among active component service members has gradually risen since 2011. Additionally, a 2020 report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - the most recent report, due to the COVID-19 pandemic - revealed that 1.3 million veterans struggled with a substance use disorder.

The mental and emotional safety net available to civilians through their social circle isn't as readily available to active-duty service members who spend prolonged periods away from loved ones under frequently stressful circumstances. As a result, military social workers are instrumental in enhancing the mental readiness of service members and ensuring the emotional well-being of both soldiers and their families. An advanced education can help prepare social workers for the important role of supporting the nation's military.

What Is a Military Social Worker?

Military social workers help connect active-duty service members and their families with resources designed to improve their mental health and well-being. These can include therapeutic services such as clinical counseling, crisis intervention and critical event debriefing - services that can help individuals cope with all manner of psychological and emotional disorders, as well as substance misuse issues and family crises. Social workers may also help soldiers prepare for the transition to private sector life, and offer mental health therapy for conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In addition to working directly with service members and their families, a military social worker may participate in or lead research in areas such as pre- and post-deployment resiliency, comprehensive health care and the transition to civilian life, as well as assist in training medical personnel or consult on policy development.

In some cases, military social workers may assist military veterans who are struggling to adapt to civilian life by connecting them with services designed to help them find housing and social services.

Regardless of which services they provide, social workers play a vital role in supporting the nation's active-duty service members and veterans, a reality borne out in the data:

According to the Military Health System Management Analysis and Reporting Tool, social workers with the DOD had more than 770,000 behavioral health interactions with service members or their families in 2020.

Social workers represent 45 percent of DOD mental health professionals at military hospitals and clinics, and are involved in 42 percent of all encounters dealing with mental health or substance misuse issues.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest employer of social workers in the nation, with more than 15,000 on staff.

Ultimately, the goal of a military social worker is to help veterans and their families achieve and maintain a sense of stability. Considering the stressful conditions military personnel may have to endure, the support of a social worker can have a lasting positive impact on those who serve.

Becoming a Military Social Worker

While each person's individual career path may differ, a general framework exists for becoming a military social worker. Those interested in this career should become familiar with these steps prior to embarking on the journey.

1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Obtaining a Bachelor of Social Work degree allows individuals to build a foundational knowledge of social work and related concepts, such as a study of social welfare policy, ethics, diverse populations and human behaviors. This also allows students to start developing the essential skills that will serve them well throughout their career.

2: Earn a Master's Degree

While a bachelor's degree can qualify candidates for entry-level social work positions, advanced or specialized roles may require advanced education. Military social workers generally need a master's degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, such as Virginia Commonwealth University's Master of Social Work online format. A master's program can deepen an aspiring military social worker's knowledge and skills, preparing them to identify and resolve the unique, complex issues that arise in guiding military personnel.

3: Gain Appropriate Field Experience

Obtaining experience is essential before applying for a military social work role. This can be achieved through internship opportunities such as engaging in supervised clinical work. However, this experience isn't merely about meeting requirements for work hours. Ideally, interns should strive to ensure their field experience is relevant to some sort of military capacity.

Military social workers should understand, among other things, the culture and subcultures of the military, the stages and developmental influences of military training, and the stigma associated with seeking care and the perceived potential of negative career impacts. They should also anticipate that their clients may be high-ranking officers and, therefore, be capable of managing complicated boundary, confidentiality and privacy issues. Gaining field experience through organizations that serve veterans and their families, for instance, can help an individual become acclimated to such environments and situations.

4: Apply for Licensure

Prospective military social workers must already be licensed as social workers in their home state before they can begin practicing. The process of obtaining a license can vary from state to state. Because of this, individuals should familiarize themselves with the requirements of the state in which they plan to practice.

Military Social Worker Salary and Career Outlook

While it does not provide salary data specifically for military social workers, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for a social worker with the federal government was approximately $83,000 in 2021. Several factors can influence the precise amount an individual may earn in the role such as years of experience, work environment and location, as well as whether they're an active-duty service member.

The BLS projects 9 percent employment growth for the social work profession overall between 2021 and 2031, nearly double the 5 percent job growth rate it projects for the country's job market as a whole.

Where Do Military Social Workers Work?

Many career opportunities for individuals with military social work experience exist, both inside and outside the armed forces. They may work at veterans service organizations or military-related agencies, or they may start a private practice of their own.

Military social workers can also pursue roles in the private sector. Those interested in leveraging their military social work experience in private sector employment can take advantage of the Army Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) program, which guarantees a job interview with military-friendly employers looking for experienced veterans.

Key Skills of a Military Social Worker

Interpersonal skills are essential for success as a military social worker. The foundation of the role is built on an individual's ability to develop a rapport with clients and their families. This rapport fosters a sense of trust, which can be crucial given the nature of the profession. This competency goes hand in hand with the need for solid communication skills, as it's important to make sure every instruction, direction and piece of information is stated clearly without any room for ambiguity.

Additionally, a military social worker needs strong organizational skills to allow them to effectively manage multiple cases and client care strategies. They must also have strong problem-solving skills to accurately assess a patient's needs. These skills should be underscored by a sense of compassion, which builds empathy for the people they're helping.

Serve Those Who Serve Our Country

The challenges that active-duty service members and veterans face can seem overwhelming. The support that social workers provide is a lifeline for many. A military social worker can help service members cope with PTSD, depression and addiction. They can also assist them in the transition to civilian life, connecting them with child care, employment resources, housing opportunities and much more.

Virginia Commonwealth University's online Master of Social Work Program format can help prepare you to make a profound difference in the lives of others. The program is designed to help you curate the expertise to help soldiers and their families find the necessary resources to improve their lives and well-being.

Learn how we can prepare you for this rewarding career.

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Explore the duties and career path of a military social worker, and learn how they can make a profound impact on the lives of soldiers and their families.

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Social workers assist the military involved by assisting veterans and their families with coping with different issues such as deployments, PTSD during active duty, injuries sustained during active duty, and reintegrating back into the civilian world. They could be either be active duty themselves, or work from the outside as a civilian.

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Whether enlisted or as a civilian, social workers are a needed profession in the military. Military social workers can work directly with soldiers and their families with therapy services or assisting them with getting resources. From the video, we see that their job can consist of constant assessments of ones readiness to serve. Military social workers can serve in different settings such as the VA, military bases, and medical centers.

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I like that you explained the military as its own world with its own rules, hierarchy, and culture. I have always seen it this way and wondered if anyone else thought the same. I did not have military in my family so it has always seemed complex and different. I have a lot of respect for those who do it. I am, like you said, not sure if I could do it. As you mentioned, the stressors and darkness that seems to accompany those in that environment seems overwhelming for someone like myself. Great post!

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My reaction when I found out about military social work was intrigued and curious. I had never realized the amount of different settings that social workers could chose to work in. I grew up in a military town but nobody in my family was in the military therefore, I have never known much about it. I think it is great that veterans have social workers that can help them get access to resources that they may need. I think this is important especially given the nature of some of their jobs.

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I found a lot of things interesting about Military social work. I first heard about military social work during my interview with my social worker. Some things I have learned was that you must first have a masters degree before you can be accepted. Not only just a masters, but strictly a masters in social work. I also didn't realize the military training that also went into becoming a military social worker. They take on a lot of leadership and also have to be committed once they have signed a contract. A pro to being in the military is also the college financial assistance they have available for those trying to complete school.

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Learn what social work practice looks like in the U.S. armed forces.

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Military social workers assist the military by providing a multitude of different services and taking on different roles for military individuals. Some of these roles included things such as reintegration, coping with deployment, PTSD, substance abuse, depression/suicide, medical issues, etc.

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I thought your website/article you posted was really great! I agree with how you said social workers can help with PTSD and coping with loss along with other needed support.

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I was surprised that the VA is the largest employer of advanced social workers, and it may be a career path I consider in the future. It is always exciting to learn just how many job opportunities there are in the field of social work.

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This article highlights how crucial military social workers are and the steps to becoming one. I learned that they also help active members transition to a private sector life instead of their main focus being counseling.

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VCU School of Social Work Online Master of Social Work Program Format

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For those enlisted in the U.S. military, the mental and emotional challenges associated with serving extend well beyond the battlefield. These challenges can have devastating effects. According to a 2021 report from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), the suicide rate among active component service members has gradually risen since 2011. Additionally, a 2020 report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - the most recent report, due to the COVID-19 pandemic - revealed that 1.3 million veterans struggled with a substance use disorder.

The mental and emotional safety net available to civilians through their social circle isn't as readily available to active-duty service members who spend prolonged periods away from loved ones under frequently stressful circumstances. As a result, military social workers are instrumental in enhancing the mental readiness of service members and ensuring the emotional well-being of both soldiers and their families. An advanced education can help prepare social workers for the important role of supporting the nation's military.

What Is a Military Social Worker?

Military social workers help connect active-duty service members and their families with resources designed to improve their mental health and well-being. These can include therapeutic services such as clinical counseling, crisis intervention and critical event debriefing - services that can help individuals cope with all manner of psychological and emotional disorders, as well as substance misuse issues and family crises. Social workers may also help soldiers prepare for the transition to private sector life, and offer mental health therapy for conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In addition to working directly with service members and their families, a military social worker may participate in or lead research in areas such as pre- and post-deployment resiliency, comprehensive health care and the transition to civilian life, as well as assist in training medical personnel or consult on policy development.

In some cases, military social workers may assist military veterans who are struggling to adapt to civilian life by connecting them with services designed to help them find housing and social services.

Regardless of which services they provide, social workers play a vital role in supporting the nation's active-duty service members and veterans, a reality borne out in the data:

According to the Military Health System Management Analysis and Reporting Tool, social workers with the DOD had more than 770,000 behavioral health interactions with service members or their families in 2020.

Social workers represent 45 percent of DOD mental health professionals at military hospitals and clinics, and are involved in 42 percent of all encounters dealing with mental health or substance misuse issues.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest employer of social workers in the nation, with more than 15,000 on staff.

Ultimately, the goal of a military social worker is to help veterans and their families achieve and maintain a sense of stability. Considering the stressful conditions military personnel may have to endure, the support of a social worker can have a lasting positive impact on those who serve.

Becoming a Military Social Worker

While each person's individual career path may differ, a general framework exists for becoming a military social worker. Those interested in this career should become familiar with these steps prior to embarking on the journey.

1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Obtaining a Bachelor of Social Work degree allows individuals to build a foundational knowledge of social work and related concepts, such as a study of social welfare policy, ethics, diverse populations and human behaviors. This also allows students to start developing the essential skills that will serve them well throughout their career.

2: Earn a Master's Degree

While a bachelor's degree can qualify candidates for entry-level social work positions, advanced or specialized roles may require advanced education. Military social workers generally need a master's degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, such as Virginia Commonwealth University's Master of Social Work online format. A master's program can deepen an aspiring military social worker's knowledge and skills, preparing them to identify and resolve the unique, complex issues that arise in guiding military personnel.

3: Gain Appropriate Field Experience

Obtaining experience is essential before applying for a military social work role. This can be achieved through internship opportunities such as engaging in supervised clinical work. However, this experience isn't merely about meeting requirements for work hours. Ideally, interns should strive to ensure their field experience is relevant to some sort of military capacity.

Military social workers should understand, among other things, the culture and subcultures of the military, the stages and developmental influences of military training, and the stigma associated with seeking care and the perceived potential of negative career impacts. They should also anticipate that their clients may be high-ranking officers and, therefore, be capable of managing complicated boundary, confidentiality and privacy issues. Gaining field experience through organizations that serve veterans and their families, for instance, can help an individual become acclimated to such environments and situations.

4: Apply for Licensure

Prospective military social workers must already be licensed as social workers in their home state before they can begin practicing. The process of obtaining a license can vary from state to state. Because of this, individuals should familiarize themselves with the requirements of the state in which they plan to practice.

Military Social Worker Salary and Career Outlook

While it does not provide salary data specifically for military social workers, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for a social worker with the federal government was approximately $83,000 in 2021. Several factors can influence the precise amount an individual may earn in the role such as years of experience, work environment and location, as well as whether they're an active-duty service member.

The BLS projects 9 percent employment growth for the social work profession overall between 2021 and 2031, nearly double the 5 percent job growth rate it projects for the country's job market as a whole.

Where Do Military Social Workers Work?

Many career opportunities for individuals with military social work experience exist, both inside and outside the armed forces. They may work at veterans service organizations or military-related agencies, or they may start a private practice of their own.

Military social workers can also pursue roles in the private sector. Those interested in leveraging their military social work experience in private sector employment can take advantage of the Army Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) program, which guarantees a job interview with military-friendly employers looking for experienced veterans.

Key Skills of a Military Social Worker

Interpersonal skills are essential for success as a military social worker. The foundation of the role is built on an individual's ability to develop a rapport with clients and their families. This rapport fosters a sense of trust, which can be crucial given the nature of the profession. This competency goes hand in hand with the need for solid communication skills, as it's important to make sure every instruction, direction and piece of information is stated clearly without any room for ambiguity.

Additionally, a military social worker needs strong organizational skills to allow them to effectively manage multiple cases and client care strategies. They must also have strong problem-solving skills to accurately assess a patient's needs. These skills should be underscored by a sense of compassion, which builds empathy for the people they're helping.

Serve Those Who Serve Our Country

The challenges that active-duty service members and veterans face can seem overwhelming. The support that social workers provide is a lifeline for many. A military social worker can help service members cope with PTSD, depression and addiction. They can also assist them in the transition to civilian life, connecting them with child care, employment resources, housing opportunities and much more.

Virginia Commonwealth University's online Master of Social Work Program format can help prepare you to make a profound difference in the lives of others. The program is designed to help you curate the expertise to help soldiers and their families find the necessary resources to improve their lives and well-being.

Learn how we can prepare you for this rewarding career.

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Explore the duties and career path of a military social worker, and learn how they can make a profound impact on the lives of soldiers and their families.

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Social workers can assist people that are military involved by providing counseling and mental health support to people in active service or veterans, help them and their family access resources, and provide crisis intervention during crisises such as substance abuse.

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@ Maria Schatzling by Mackenzie McDuffie

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@ Maria Schatzling by Mackenzie McDuffie

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I really liked this response, you basically typed exactly how I felt. I can't imagine what military social workers go home after helping the military personnel and think. I would assume it may traumatize them as well, seeing what goes on in the military and the things our people go through. Especially PTSD, it can be really scary. Seeing someone with PTSD can traumatize a person.

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I knew the military had a lot of needs and help required, but I truly did not know they had social workers to help with their needs. It is great to know we can have someone help with the struggles and trauma our military personnel go through. Our military deserves so much, especially someone to look after them and their health and well-being.

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After reading this article, I learned how involved Military social workers are. of course most of us always heard about PTSD, so I assumed military social workers would help with that, but they help with so much more than just PTSD. It makes me wonder if military social workers are ever traumatized or even feel a certain way after seeing what the military personnel go through.

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VCU School of Social Work Online Master of Social Work Program Format

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For those enlisted in the U.S. military, the mental and emotional challenges associated with serving extend well beyond the battlefield. These challenges can have devastating effects. According to a 2021 report from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), the suicide rate among active component service members has gradually risen since 2011. Additionally, a 2020 report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - the most recent report, due to the COVID-19 pandemic - revealed that 1.3 million veterans struggled with a substance use disorder.

The mental and emotional safety net available to civilians through their social circle isn't as readily available to active-duty service members who spend prolonged periods away from loved ones under frequently stressful circumstances. As a result, military social workers are instrumental in enhancing the mental readiness of service members and ensuring the emotional well-being of both soldiers and their families. An advanced education can help prepare social workers for the important role of supporting the nation's military.

What Is a Military Social Worker?

Military social workers help connect active-duty service members and their families with resources designed to improve their mental health and well-being. These can include therapeutic services such as clinical counseling, crisis intervention and critical event debriefing - services that can help individuals cope with all manner of psychological and emotional disorders, as well as substance misuse issues and family crises. Social workers may also help soldiers prepare for the transition to private sector life, and offer mental health therapy for conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In addition to working directly with service members and their families, a military social worker may participate in or lead research in areas such as pre- and post-deployment resiliency, comprehensive health care and the transition to civilian life, as well as assist in training medical personnel or consult on policy development.

In some cases, military social workers may assist military veterans who are struggling to adapt to civilian life by connecting them with services designed to help them find housing and social services.

Regardless of which services they provide, social workers play a vital role in supporting the nation's active-duty service members and veterans, a reality borne out in the data:

According to the Military Health System Management Analysis and Reporting Tool, social workers with the DOD had more than 770,000 behavioral health interactions with service members or their families in 2020.

Social workers represent 45 percent of DOD mental health professionals at military hospitals and clinics, and are involved in 42 percent of all encounters dealing with mental health or substance misuse issues.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest employer of social workers in the nation, with more than 15,000 on staff.

Ultimately, the goal of a military social worker is to help veterans and their families achieve and maintain a sense of stability. Considering the stressful conditions military personnel may have to endure, the support of a social worker can have a lasting positive impact on those who serve.

Becoming a Military Social Worker

While each person's individual career path may differ, a general framework exists for becoming a military social worker. Those interested in this career should become familiar with these steps prior to embarking on the journey.

1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Obtaining a Bachelor of Social Work degree allows individuals to build a foundational knowledge of social work and related concepts, such as a study of social welfare policy, ethics, diverse populations and human behaviors. This also allows students to start developing the essential skills that will serve them well throughout their career.

2: Earn a Master's Degree

While a bachelor's degree can qualify candidates for entry-level social work positions, advanced or specialized roles may require advanced education. Military social workers generally need a master's degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, such as Virginia Commonwealth University's Master of Social Work online format. A master's program can deepen an aspiring military social worker's knowledge and skills, preparing them to identify and resolve the unique, complex issues that arise in guiding military personnel.

3: Gain Appropriate Field Experience

Obtaining experience is essential before applying for a military social work role. This can be achieved through internship opportunities such as engaging in supervised clinical work. However, this experience isn't merely about meeting requirements for work hours. Ideally, interns should strive to ensure their field experience is relevant to some sort of military capacity.

Military social workers should understand, among other things, the culture and subcultures of the military, the stages and developmental influences of military training, and the stigma associated with seeking care and the perceived potential of negative career impacts. They should also anticipate that their clients may be high-ranking officers and, therefore, be capable of managing complicated boundary, confidentiality and privacy issues. Gaining field experience through organizations that serve veterans and their families, for instance, can help an individual become acclimated to such environments and situations.

4: Apply for Licensure

Prospective military social workers must already be licensed as social workers in their home state before they can begin practicing. The process of obtaining a license can vary from state to state. Because of this, individuals should familiarize themselves with the requirements of the state in which they plan to practice.

Military Social Worker Salary and Career Outlook

While it does not provide salary data specifically for military social workers, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for a social worker with the federal government was approximately $83,000 in 2021. Several factors can influence the precise amount an individual may earn in the role such as years of experience, work environment and location, as well as whether they're an active-duty service member.

The BLS projects 9 percent employment growth for the social work profession overall between 2021 and 2031, nearly double the 5 percent job growth rate it projects for the country's job market as a whole.

Where Do Military Social Workers Work?

Many career opportunities for individuals with military social work experience exist, both inside and outside the armed forces. They may work at veterans service organizations or military-related agencies, or they may start a private practice of their own.

Military social workers can also pursue roles in the private sector. Those interested in leveraging their military social work experience in private sector employment can take advantage of the Army Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) program, which guarantees a job interview with military-friendly employers looking for experienced veterans.

Key Skills of a Military Social Worker

Interpersonal skills are essential for success as a military social worker. The foundation of the role is built on an individual's ability to develop a rapport with clients and their families. This rapport fosters a sense of trust, which can be crucial given the nature of the profession. This competency goes hand in hand with the need for solid communication skills, as it's important to make sure every instruction, direction and piece of information is stated clearly without any room for ambiguity.

Additionally, a military social worker needs strong organizational skills to allow them to effectively manage multiple cases and client care strategies. They must also have strong problem-solving skills to accurately assess a patient's needs. These skills should be underscored by a sense of compassion, which builds empathy for the people they're helping.

Serve Those Who Serve Our Country

The challenges that active-duty service members and veterans face can seem overwhelming. The support that social workers provide is a lifeline for many. A military social worker can help service members cope with PTSD, depression and addiction. They can also assist them in the transition to civilian life, connecting them with child care, employment resources, housing opportunities and much more.

Virginia Commonwealth University's online Master of Social Work Program format can help prepare you to make a profound difference in the lives of others. The program is designed to help you curate the expertise to help soldiers and their families find the necessary resources to improve their lives and well-being.

Learn how we can prepare you for this rewarding career.

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Explore the duties and career path of a military social worker, and learn how they can make a profound impact on the lives of soldiers and their families.

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Social workers play a role in keeping the military situated in real life. In their cases, they help with mental health, and their overall well-being, they also counsel, for psychological and emotional disorders, and of course PTSD. They often work with service members and their families as well. Overall, they help with the strain being in the military can put on the members and their families.

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I like how stability is the first thing brought up. We all need stability in our lives and I can't even imagine how much a service member or a veteran needs that. It is a scary world they step in/out of, and the transition can be very taxing. Besides counseling, how do you think a social worker can help a service member or veteran with stability?

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I’ve learned that being a social worker in the military comes with a lot of stressors. It is hard work and there is a lot to manage and many places to be at once. I think it can be very taxing to deal with service members and veterans who have come home from wars and are experiencing PTSD, depression, high levels of anxiety, and grief, and at the same time help them reintegrate back into society. To work within the military seems like stepping into a different world with its different hierarchy and rules, culture, language, norms, and values. The military world comes with its challenges and can be very dark, harsh, and unforgiving. I think it would be difficult for me to deal with the military’s ethics and codes.

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Military social workers assist individuals and their families within the military, and most work for the VA and veterans’ centers. They help clients who are experiencing different issues and problems including mental health, physical injuries, stress, anxiety, and depression regarding deployment, and help reintegrate them back into society after their time of service by providing counseling and assessments for those who suffer from PTSD and other trauma, substance abuse, coping with loss, and navigating through different services and programs offered to service members and veterans. They also help families to service members manage any obstacles that may occur, stressors, and mental health issues, and they provide tools to family members to help them understand, communicate, and get back to everyday life. Social workers may also work as behavioral health officers where they “provide clinical care, respond to public health disasters, and develop and implement mental health prevention and treatment programs” (Cox, et al., 2021, p. 451).
A military social worker has to be knowledgeable about and have a skill set that includes treatment phases for physical injuries, case management, counseling, advocacy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy and they usually work as generalist practitioners in different settings such as on base, VA hospitals, and centers.

Work Cited

Cox, Lisa, et al., 2021, Introduction to Social Work

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I’ve learned that a military social worker has to have a high degree of knowledge regarding the military culture, ethics, and codes and only 13 percent meet the needed knowledge.
There are many different directions a social worker may take in the civilian world when working with members of the military, including, but not limited to, substance abuse, mental health, and child welfare. There are many different centers a social worker may work at that specify different areas of the military. Some military social workers are on active duty and completed full military training. Some schools want to add classes in military social work as the military is in dire need of more social workers.

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After serving our country, many military service members find themselves in need of assistance. They may need help managing the transition back to civilian life, maintaining housing, navigating family issues or accessing necessary health care service.

In fact, U.S. service members and veterans face an increased risk of mental health issues upon returning from combat experiences. They're also potentially more susceptible to substance abuse disorders or alcohol dependency.

Fortunately, there are specialists out there who are trained to help. Dr. Ellen Belluomini, assistant professor of social work at University of Massachusetts Global, says all social workers should be well-versed in working with the military, as military social work skills are needed at every agency. Approximately 7.6 percent of the U.S. population consists of military veterans. When you factor in current service members and the families of service members and veterans alike, it's clear that a good portion of the U.S. population is directly impacted by military service.

"What we're trying to do is help people understand that military social work is a different intersection that we all need to be aware of," she offers. " Military social work isn't just for military installations anymore. Military social work is for everyone."

What does military social work involve?

While the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs have made access to high-quality mental health care more of a priority for service members, veterans and their families, many veterans seek services in the civilian sector. And yet, a RAND Corporation report found just 13 percent of surveyed civilian providers met the threshold of cultural competency when it comes to serving military populations. Social workers must have a level of familiarity with military and veteran culture to provide the appropriate care.

Some experts think social work programs need to incorporate coursework related to military and veteran culture into their curricula. Some programs have begun to answer that call. At University of Massachusetts Global, for example, social work students take an encompassing military social work course.

"We go over all the cultural components social workers should become familiar with," Dr. Belluomini says. Students get a small taste of what the military experience is actually like by participating in a simulated parallel process in the course, relying on combat buddies for support and experiencing squad missions to demonstrate the need for group cohesion. It's designed to mimic the military experience.

"The first class is boot camp, then they serve active duty and finally transition out into civilian population," Dr. Belluomini explains, adding that there's particular emphasis on the final phase. "Transitioning out of the military is one of the most difficult things for a military member to do, because military life is so vastly different from civilian life."

Both active and former military personnel can encounter psychological and emotional difficulties from their experiences. In addition to experiencing PTSD, depression or anxiety, service members may deal with isolation, insomnia or substance abuse. They may also struggle with unemployment, financial hardship or marital conflicts.

Social workers can help military clients address these difficulties with individual or family counseling, while helping clients access available resources and education services. Military social workers also have an opportunity to help develop programs and initiatives designed to better serve military personnel and their families.

What types of military social work jobs are there?

All social workers will work with our military population in some capacity. But if you feel a particular urge to dedicate your career to working with service members, veterans and their families, there are a few more specific options you might consider.

Civilian military social work

Social workers trained in military competencies may work with service members, veterans and their families in various organizations within the civilian community. Their military social work skills can be used in the areas of substance abuse, mental health, child welfare, homelessness or within employee assistance programs.

If you're curious about a position in civilian military social work, there are a handful of places to look. The various branches of the U.S. military have specific resources in place to offer support to their personnel in civilian environments, typically when they return from deployment. Trained military social workers are needed in community-based clinics, veterans' centers, schools, civilian healthcare organizations, corporations and private practices.

Social workers in this sphere may also consider the following branches of civilian-based support centers designed to serve military members and their families:

Social workers are among a team of other human services professionals employed at these organizations. Civilian military social workers can also work in private practice environments.

Active duty military social work

Each branch of the military provides mental and emotional health services to their active duty personnel. They employ military social workers within medical and mental health departments on their military bases.

Some of these social workers are civilians, while others have completed military training and serve as active duty service members, traveling alongside a specific unit. Regardless of military status, the goal of military social workers in this sphere is to offer clients the support needed so that they can function most effectively in their jobs.

Veteran social work

Military social workers also have an opportunity to focus their services on our veteran population. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employs thousands of social workers who are equipped to help military veterans with a host of issues.

Among other things, they can provide veterans with the following services:

Assisting with financial or housing struggles

Helping navigate military benefits from the VA, Social Security and other organizations

Developing treatment approaches related to mental health struggles

Counseling related to marriage or family problems

Providing guidance and resources for substance abuse issues

Assisting with the process of moving to an inpatient facility

Acting as an advocate for your needs and preferences among your team of medical providers

Military social workers who work with veterans also provide ample support and services to family members. In addition to operating at VA medical centers, these social workers can be found at community-based clinics, veterans' centers and private clinics and practices.

Are you prepared to serve as a social worker?

If you're looking for a career that can allow you to give back to our homeland heroes, military social work could be the perfect way for you to make a difference. Intrigued? Then it might be time to start thinking about next steps.

Whether you're starting your educational journey from scratch or you've already earned an undergraduate degree, University of Massachusetts Global can help you steer your career toward social work. Check out our robust library of social work resources. Or for more information on an undergraduate degree path, check out the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program. If you already have a bachelor's degree-even if it's not in social work- consider the .

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What is military social work? Supporting our homeland heroes - UMass Global

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If you want to dedicate your career to helping the U.S. service members and veterans who have fought for our country, you might consider military social work. Learn more about this important career path.

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This was a very interesting article. Thanks for sharing this article. I really enjoyed reading it, especially the part about how they can help them transition back into civilian life. I can imagine it is difficult to go from being in an another country with little sleep and very little time for hobbies and cannot see your family to being back at home. Along with the financial resources, it makes sense that they will need resources to keep them stable and help them transition.

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I was really excited to learn about this because when you think of social workers and their career, you tend to think of "child welfare" or "children services". Military social work is such a noble cause and so important for veterans. I have witnessed many times, people who went to service and came back with a disability, either mental or physical. The disabilities make it impossible for them to work, so they need resources. This aspect of social work is important because they are helping them attain the resources they need for survival.

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I chose this website because it gave an in-depth understanding and discussion of exactly what military social workers do. One aspect of their work is to secure housing for veterans, especially those who cannot work due to a disability. As I read this discussion about this institution's program, I thought about my uncle who is a veteran. He has been assisted so many times by military social workers and they insured that he received everything he needed. So this aspect of social work is very necessary for our veterans.

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After serving our country, many military service members find themselves in need of assistance. They may need help managing the transition back to civilian life, maintaining housing, navigating family issues or accessing necessary health care service.

In fact, U.S. service members and veterans face an increased risk of mental health issues upon returning from combat experiences. They're also potentially more susceptible to substance abuse disorders or alcohol dependency.

Fortunately, there are specialists out there who are trained to help. Dr. Ellen Belluomini, assistant professor of social work at University of Massachusetts Global, says all social workers should be well-versed in working with the military, as military social work skills are needed at every agency. Approximately 7.6 percent of the U.S. population consists of military veterans. When you factor in current service members and the families of service members and veterans alike, it's clear that a good portion of the U.S. population is directly impacted by military service.

"What we're trying to do is help people understand that military social work is a different intersection that we all need to be aware of," she offers. " Military social work isn't just for military installations anymore. Military social work is for everyone."

What does military social work involve?

While the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs have made access to high-quality mental health care more of a priority for service members, veterans and their families, many veterans seek services in the civilian sector. And yet, a RAND Corporation report found just 13 percent of surveyed civilian providers met the threshold of cultural competency when it comes to serving military populations. Social workers must have a level of familiarity with military and veteran culture to provide the appropriate care.

Some experts think social work programs need to incorporate coursework related to military and veteran culture into their curricula. Some programs have begun to answer that call. At University of Massachusetts Global, for example, social work students take an encompassing military social work course.

"We go over all the cultural components social workers should become familiar with," Dr. Belluomini says. Students get a small taste of what the military experience is actually like by participating in a simulated parallel process in the course, relying on combat buddies for support and experiencing squad missions to demonstrate the need for group cohesion. It's designed to mimic the military experience.

"The first class is boot camp, then they serve active duty and finally transition out into civilian population," Dr. Belluomini explains, adding that there's particular emphasis on the final phase. "Transitioning out of the military is one of the most difficult things for a military member to do, because military life is so vastly different from civilian life."

Both active and former military personnel can encounter psychological and emotional difficulties from their experiences. In addition to experiencing PTSD, depression or anxiety, service members may deal with isolation, insomnia or substance abuse. They may also struggle with unemployment, financial hardship or marital conflicts.

Social workers can help military clients address these difficulties with individual or family counseling, while helping clients access available resources and education services. Military social workers also have an opportunity to help develop programs and initiatives designed to better serve military personnel and their families.

What types of military social work jobs are there?

All social workers will work with our military population in some capacity. But if you feel a particular urge to dedicate your career to working with service members, veterans and their families, there are a few more specific options you might consider.

Civilian military social work

Social workers trained in military competencies may work with service members, veterans and their families in various organizations within the civilian community. Their military social work skills can be used in the areas of substance abuse, mental health, child welfare, homelessness or within employee assistance programs.

If you're curious about a position in civilian military social work, there are a handful of places to look. The various branches of the U.S. military have specific resources in place to offer support to their personnel in civilian environments, typically when they return from deployment. Trained military social workers are needed in community-based clinics, veterans' centers, schools, civilian healthcare organizations, corporations and private practices.

Social workers in this sphere may also consider the following branches of civilian-based support centers designed to serve military members and their families:

Social workers are among a team of other human services professionals employed at these organizations. Civilian military social workers can also work in private practice environments.

Active duty military social work

Each branch of the military provides mental and emotional health services to their active duty personnel. They employ military social workers within medical and mental health departments on their military bases.

Some of these social workers are civilians, while others have completed military training and serve as active duty service members, traveling alongside a specific unit. Regardless of military status, the goal of military social workers in this sphere is to offer clients the support needed so that they can function most effectively in their jobs.

Veteran social work

Military social workers also have an opportunity to focus their services on our veteran population. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employs thousands of social workers who are equipped to help military veterans with a host of issues.

Among other things, they can provide veterans with the following services:

Assisting with financial or housing struggles

Helping navigate military benefits from the VA, Social Security and other organizations

Developing treatment approaches related to mental health struggles

Counseling related to marriage or family problems

Providing guidance and resources for substance abuse issues

Assisting with the process of moving to an inpatient facility

Acting as an advocate for your needs and preferences among your team of medical providers

Military social workers who work with veterans also provide ample support and services to family members. In addition to operating at VA medical centers, these social workers can be found at community-based clinics, veterans' centers and private clinics and practices.

Are you prepared to serve as a social worker?

If you're looking for a career that can allow you to give back to our homeland heroes, military social work could be the perfect way for you to make a difference. Intrigued? Then it might be time to start thinking about next steps.

Whether you're starting your educational journey from scratch or you've already earned an undergraduate degree, University of Massachusetts Global can help you steer your career toward social work. Check out our robust library of social work resources. Or for more information on an undergraduate degree path, check out the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program. If you already have a bachelor's degree-even if it's not in social work- consider the .

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What is military social work? Supporting our homeland heroes - UMass Global

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If you want to dedicate your career to helping the U.S. service members and veterans who have fought for our country, you might consider military social work. Learn more about this important career path.

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Social workers may assists veterans by providing counseling and resources for those that have mental health issues. As we have learned thus far, many times veterans who were in combat zones and have seen the atrocity of war can develop PTSD or other stress-related disorders. At places like the Veterans Affairs (VA) they help veterans by providing counseling and government resources for those that are disabled.

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I enjoyed looking over your navy website regarding social work I think the navy especially need mental health treatment and advocacy because they're in the ocean for months on end that can't be easy on the mental and feel very isolating

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A lot of what I learned from this unit I wasn't too surprised by because half of my family is military and so are my friends so I hear about military issues daily and when my family and friends heard I was majoring in social work they all pushed for me to take a class addressing it and some even gave me websites and articles to read on to get educated, I am very excited to learn more about the field as I get further in my career.

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I think it's interesting that the college has it's first class centered around mirroring boot camp. I personally think this could be a double edged sword even though it isn't exactly like boot camp I feel that if a lot of people can't adapt to that environment they may not fair well in the program. Furthermore, I do agree that some sort of military social work should be required in the curriculum as well, I know personally I'm interested in the program but from what a lot of grad schools I've seen, military social work is just an elective and I feel that should change since the military will be around forever and will always need assistance.

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After serving our country, many military service members find themselves in need of assistance. They may need help managing the transition back to civilian life, maintaining housing, navigating family issues or accessing necessary health care service.

In fact, U.S. service members and veterans face an increased risk of mental health issues upon returning from combat experiences. They're also potentially more susceptible to substance abuse disorders or alcohol dependency.

Fortunately, there are specialists out there who are trained to help. Dr. Ellen Belluomini, assistant professor of social work at University of Massachusetts Global, says all social workers should be well-versed in working with the military, as military social work skills are needed at every agency. Approximately 7.6 percent of the U.S. population consists of military veterans. When you factor in current service members and the families of service members and veterans alike, it's clear that a good portion of the U.S. population is directly impacted by military service.

"What we're trying to do is help people understand that military social work is a different intersection that we all need to be aware of," she offers. " Military social work isn't just for military installations anymore. Military social work is for everyone."

What does military social work involve?

While the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs have made access to high-quality mental health care more of a priority for service members, veterans and their families, many veterans seek services in the civilian sector. And yet, a RAND Corporation report found just 13 percent of surveyed civilian providers met the threshold of cultural competency when it comes to serving military populations. Social workers must have a level of familiarity with military and veteran culture to provide the appropriate care.

Some experts think social work programs need to incorporate coursework related to military and veteran culture into their curricula. Some programs have begun to answer that call. At University of Massachusetts Global, for example, social work students take an encompassing military social work course.

"We go over all the cultural components social workers should become familiar with," Dr. Belluomini says. Students get a small taste of what the military experience is actually like by participating in a simulated parallel process in the course, relying on combat buddies for support and experiencing squad missions to demonstrate the need for group cohesion. It's designed to mimic the military experience.

"The first class is boot camp, then they serve active duty and finally transition out into civilian population," Dr. Belluomini explains, adding that there's particular emphasis on the final phase. "Transitioning out of the military is one of the most difficult things for a military member to do, because military life is so vastly different from civilian life."

Both active and former military personnel can encounter psychological and emotional difficulties from their experiences. In addition to experiencing PTSD, depression or anxiety, service members may deal with isolation, insomnia or substance abuse. They may also struggle with unemployment, financial hardship or marital conflicts.

Social workers can help military clients address these difficulties with individual or family counseling, while helping clients access available resources and education services. Military social workers also have an opportunity to help develop programs and initiatives designed to better serve military personnel and their families.

What types of military social work jobs are there?

All social workers will work with our military population in some capacity. But if you feel a particular urge to dedicate your career to working with service members, veterans and their families, there are a few more specific options you might consider.

Civilian military social work

Social workers trained in military competencies may work with service members, veterans and their families in various organizations within the civilian community. Their military social work skills can be used in the areas of substance abuse, mental health, child welfare, homelessness or within employee assistance programs.

If you're curious about a position in civilian military social work, there are a handful of places to look. The various branches of the U.S. military have specific resources in place to offer support to their personnel in civilian environments, typically when they return from deployment. Trained military social workers are needed in community-based clinics, veterans' centers, schools, civilian healthcare organizations, corporations and private practices.

Social workers in this sphere may also consider the following branches of civilian-based support centers designed to serve military members and their families:

Social workers are among a team of other human services professionals employed at these organizations. Civilian military social workers can also work in private practice environments.

Active duty military social work

Each branch of the military provides mental and emotional health services to their active duty personnel. They employ military social workers within medical and mental health departments on their military bases.

Some of these social workers are civilians, while others have completed military training and serve as active duty service members, traveling alongside a specific unit. Regardless of military status, the goal of military social workers in this sphere is to offer clients the support needed so that they can function most effectively in their jobs.

Veteran social work

Military social workers also have an opportunity to focus their services on our veteran population. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employs thousands of social workers who are equipped to help military veterans with a host of issues.

Among other things, they can provide veterans with the following services:

Assisting with financial or housing struggles

Helping navigate military benefits from the VA, Social Security and other organizations

Developing treatment approaches related to mental health struggles

Counseling related to marriage or family problems

Providing guidance and resources for substance abuse issues

Assisting with the process of moving to an inpatient facility

Acting as an advocate for your needs and preferences among your team of medical providers

Military social workers who work with veterans also provide ample support and services to family members. In addition to operating at VA medical centers, these social workers can be found at community-based clinics, veterans' centers and private clinics and practices.

Are you prepared to serve as a social worker?

If you're looking for a career that can allow you to give back to our homeland heroes, military social work could be the perfect way for you to make a difference. Intrigued? Then it might be time to start thinking about next steps.

Whether you're starting your educational journey from scratch or you've already earned an undergraduate degree, University of Massachusetts Global can help you steer your career toward social work. Check out our robust library of social work resources. Or for more information on an undergraduate degree path, check out the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program. If you already have a bachelor's degree-even if it's not in social work- consider the .

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What is military social work? Supporting our homeland heroes - UMass Global

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If you want to dedicate your career to helping the U.S. service members and veterans who have fought for our country, you might consider military social work. Learn more about this important career path.

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A social worker would be more well equipped in assisting the military because social work is a very broad field where we get trained on so many policies, demographics, etc. we're well rounded overall. For example, not only are social workers trained for substance abuse and mental health treatment, which most military former or current , deal with on a regular basis but we're also trained on different government policies to help assist with getting them proper housing, reimbursement, and even a job if they need it after leaving the service.

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I agree with you!!! It is a very interesting concept and now knowing. It makes me happy to know that those who have been taking care of us or getting taken care of the way that they need to be! And you are right, social workers are needed within military and their families.

Elisabeth Cox (replying)

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I thought this unit was very intriguing to me!! I knew there was help for our veterans along with their families and those still serving. Some of my family has even opened up about the struggles they had. What I didn't know was actually how supportive they are and how much they actually help and provide for those that are in crisis or in need of support. You know thinking about the military you think harsh, strong, independent and having that mentality. But when actually digging in and looking for answers, I was so suprised by the idea that I have had for so long and how I was not even close to the truth in what they do for our veterans and families.

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I thought this was pretty cool!!

Not only would there literally be help on deck but the social workers would understand what the sailor is referring to or would need due to having a requirement of service within that branch. I thought that was a major benefit for the sailors, because then they would have someone that would actually understand . Another thing that I found more important is how fast they react to those on the ship or throughout the program that are in need of help or struggling in crisis. That amazed me by how fast their responses are for their people.

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U.S. Navy Social Worker Careers | Navy.com

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Find social work jobs in the U.S. Navy and get unparalleled experience as a Naval social worker. Learn the requirements and start your social work career.

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Military Social Workers could help in a lot of areas, for example; PTSD or coping with the loss. Also within the VA's and support groups for veterans and military families, military Social Workers would be able to help support and supply mental health, physically incline and needs for the veteran, military personal and their families.

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You can feel your excitement through you section 3 post. I also agree with you, the more I learn about the different pathways that you can take with social work, the more excited i become as well. I never knew that the VA employed the most master level social workers, thank you for providing that information.

Adrienne Parker (Reply)

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I thought it was very interesting how the VA is the largest employer of advanced degree social workers. I also thought it was interesting just how much social workers could assist veterans with their mental wellbeing and things such as injuries and aiding with family needs. Overall I learned a lot more than what I thought I could with military social workers especially with how social workers are needed within the VA system.

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Within this website I learned that military social workers can assist veterans in a wide range of things such as advocating for assistance, finding resources to help with injuries, and providing counseling and case management for both the veteran and their families. It also mentioned how the VA is the largest employer of advanced-social work degree holders.

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Military social workers help members of the armed forces reintegrate into civilian or professional life after a deployment, injury, or personal crisis. These professionals also provide social service support to families of veterans and active-duty military personnel. Aspiring social workers enjoy strong job prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 11% increase in social work jobs between 2018-2028, far outpacing the national average for all occupations.

Military social workers qualify for many roles in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which is the largest employer of advanced social work degree-holders in the country. The federal government also considers military social workers part of the Armed Forces' Allied Health network, making them eligible for military retirement benefits.

Programs to Become a Military Social Worker

What Does a Military Social Worker Do?

Military social work jobs have a core set of responsibilities focused on supporting and empowering active service personnel, veterans, retired military members, and their families. These professionals provide case management and counseling services while advocating for clients within the VA system. Military social workers also connect clients with helpful resources and services.

Military social workers also help veterans affected by physical injuries access benefits, counseling, therapy, and other forms of rehabilitative support.

In many cases, military social workers assist service personnel, veterans, and family members who need emotional and psychological support. Military deployments and exposure to dangerous and violent situations can potentially lead to issues like post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and suicide. Social workers with specialized training in these issues help clients reclaim control of their lives.

Issues like domestic violence, spousal abuse, and child abuse also frequently touch military families. In these instances, military social workers advocate for victims, guiding them to the protective and legal resources they need. Military social workers also help veterans affected by physical injuries access benefits, counseling, therapy, and other forms of rehabilitative support.

How Do I Become a Military Social Worker?

Education Needed to Become a Military Social Worker

Earning a master of social work degree.

Master's programs with concentrations in military social work are relatively rare, so many students use electives to gain relevant career training, taking classes on topics like substance abuse counseling, family counseling, and the psychology of trauma. Students can also use practicum and internship requirements to gain experience in the field.

While a master's in social work is the most direct educational path into this career, alternatives do exist and not all of them require an advanced degree. Those with only a bachelor's degree can pursue certificates in military or veteran social work. However, entry requirements for these certificate programs usually include a bachelor's degree in social work, so aspirants considering this path should choose their undergraduate majors accordingly.

Prospective undergraduate and graduate students can choose from programs that offer traditional in-class learning, online learning, or hybrid formats that blend the two. The following table summarizes the key differences between undergraduate and advanced social work degrees:

Bachelor's Degree in Military Social Work

Master's Degree in Military Social Work

Doctoral Degree in Military Social Work

Accreditation for Military Social Work Programs

Students pursuing a career in military social work should only attend an accredited school. Military social work jobs require state licensure, and while licensure requirements vary among jurisdictions, they invariably include a relevant degree from an accredited institution.

Accreditation is a third-party endorsement from an independent agency that holds national or regional authority. National accreditation usually applies to for-profit schools and vocational institutions, while regional accreditation typically applies to nonprofit, liberal arts institutions. Regional accreditation is generally considered the more prestigious of the two.

Programs within a school may receive programmatic accreditation. The Council on Social Work Education (CWSE) is a well-known accrediting body for social work programs. This endorsement signals high academic quality, giving students a boost in the job market and an advantage in the licensing examinations required for professional licensure.

Licensure and Practicum Requirements to Become a Military Social Worker

State licensure is required for professional practice as a military social worker. Requirements vary by state and typically depend on whether a candidate wants a non-clinical or clinical license. Non-clinical social workers - also known as direct social workers - act as case managers or coordinators, connecting clients with community resources. Clinical social workers provide counseling and therapy services to clients.

Social work licenses expire every 2-3 years, and professionals need to meet continuing education requirements to renew them.

Requirements for non-clinical practitioners include a bachelor's degree in social work or a bachelor's degree in a related field and a social work certificate. Clinical social workers need at least a master's degree. These core educational requirements qualify candidates for state licensure examinations, which all aspirants must pass to earn their licenses. Social work internships and practicums, which all CSWE-accredited degrees require, help prepare candidates for licensing exams.

Licensees can transfer valid credentials to some other states through reciprocity agreements. Social work licenses expire every 2-3 years, and professionals need to meet continuing education requirements to renew them. Requirements vary, but many states demand 10-30 hours of continuing education during each renewal period.

Optional Certifications for Military Social Workers

Military social work professionals can earn optional certifications. These certifications endorse a candidate's expertise in a specific practice area, which makes them more competitive in the job market.
Applicants with a master's degree in social work and current membership to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) can apply for this general certification after accruing two years of employment under a credentialed supervisor and 20 or more hours of continuing education. This NASW certification is an entry-level option for social workers interested in military specializations. It's an ideal credential for bachelor's degree holders with two or more years of military-oriented work experience. Licensed social workers with accredited master's degrees qualify for this certification if they have two years of professional experience with veterans and military personnel or their families. It also requires 20 hours of continuing education, including at least 10 on military-related specializations.

Military family counseling

Military-to-civilian transition support

Crisis intervention

Substance abuse counseling

Mental health counseling

This certification signals advanced clinical, behavioral, and mental health expertise. Certificate holders can diagnose and treat psychosocial disorders commonly experienced by veterans. Candidates need a master's degree, three years of relevant professional experience, and 30 or more hours of continuing education training.
Employment and Salary for Military Social Workers

Military social workers enjoy an excellent employment outlook thanks to overall growth in the profession and increased awareness of the unique reintegration needs faced by veterans and active-duty personnel. Though military social work is already a specialized field, practitioners can further distinguish themselves in the job market by concentrating in areas such as:

The VA is the nation's largest employer of social workers with master's and doctoral degrees. The federal government announced the agency's largest-ever proposed annual budget for the 2019 fiscal year, largely to provide more funding for veterans' healthcare services and social support programs, making the VA an excellent place to seek employment. However, thousands of military social work jobs take place through other organizations, including military bases, faith-based organizations, and government agencies.

Pay rates for military social workers tend to line up with the national median for all professions, and salaries usually rise with experience. The following table summarizes salary information for military social workers at various stages of their careers:

How to Find a Job as a Military Social Worker

CSWE Specialized Practice Curricular Guide for Military Social Work This regularly updated curricular provides an in-depth review of the ethical standards, academic background, and competencies needed to succeed as a military social worker.

The National Association of Social Workers NASW is the largest social work organization in the United States. Members benefit from access to continuing education and professional development opportunities as well as a job board.

Association of Social Work Boards ASWB is a regulatory agency that develops the standards used by state certification boards in examination and licensing protocols. It is the authority for current, professional best practice guidelines.

Association of Veterans Affairs Social Workers Social workers employed by the VA can join this professional organization, which provides networking and peer mentoring opportunities as well as other free or low-cost professional and educational resources.

Clinical Social Work Association Military social workers with clinical licenses can list their services through this professional organization, which maintains an exclusive job board and detailed information on social work standards, care guidelines, and best practices.

The federal government is the largest employer of military social workers, but state and local government agencies, nonprofit groups, and private hospitals and care clinics also employ many military social work professionals.

The internship and practicum requirements of accredited bachelor's and master's in social work programs allow students to make professional connections that may lead to employment. Students can also reach out to their school career centers for job assistance. Additionally, professional organizations often provide job listings for prospective social workers, while MVF certifications boost competitiveness in the job market.

Military Social Work Resources

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Military social workers help members of the armed forces reintegrate into civilian or professional life after a deployment, injury, or personal crisis. These professionals also provide social service support to families of veterans and active-duty military personnel. Aspiring social workers enjoy strong job prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 11% increase in…

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Social workers may assist those in the military find resources for the injured, provided counseling for those suffering from PTSD and other mental illnesses, and offer support for both active and non-active members along with their families. A lot of times, social workers find themselves advocating for retired and active members of duty within the VA system.

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What I’ve learned about military social work, makes me anticipate starting my path to my career. There are many opportunities and directions that can be taken with social work. It was also a relief to learn that you don’t have to be enlisted to become a military social worker, which mean you don’t have to fear about being deployed if that is a fear of yours.

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I’ve learned that military social workers main purpose is to provide those social members with a sense of stability. In order to succeed as a military social worker, one should become familiarized themselves with the military culture. "In addition to working directly with service members and their families, a military social worker may participate in or lead research in areas such as pre- and post-deployment resiliency, comprehensive health care and the transition to civilian life, as well as assist in training medical personnel or consult on policy development."

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VCU School of Social Work Online Master of Social Work Program Format

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For those enlisted in the U.S. military, the mental and emotional challenges associated with serving extend well beyond the battlefield. These challenges can have devastating effects. According to a 2021 report from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), the suicide rate among active component service members has gradually risen since 2011. Additionally, a 2020 report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - the most recent report, due to the COVID-19 pandemic - revealed that 1.3 million veterans struggled with a substance use disorder.

The mental and emotional safety net available to civilians through their social circle isn't as readily available to active-duty service members who spend prolonged periods away from loved ones under frequently stressful circumstances. As a result, military social workers are instrumental in enhancing the mental readiness of service members and ensuring the emotional well-being of both soldiers and their families. An advanced education can help prepare social workers for the important role of supporting the nation's military.

What Is a Military Social Worker?

Military social workers help connect active-duty service members and their families with resources designed to improve their mental health and well-being. These can include therapeutic services such as clinical counseling, crisis intervention and critical event debriefing - services that can help individuals cope with all manner of psychological and emotional disorders, as well as substance misuse issues and family crises. Social workers may also help soldiers prepare for the transition to private sector life, and offer mental health therapy for conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In addition to working directly with service members and their families, a military social worker may participate in or lead research in areas such as pre- and post-deployment resiliency, comprehensive health care and the transition to civilian life, as well as assist in training medical personnel or consult on policy development.

In some cases, military social workers may assist military veterans who are struggling to adapt to civilian life by connecting them with services designed to help them find housing and social services.

Regardless of which services they provide, social workers play a vital role in supporting the nation's active-duty service members and veterans, a reality borne out in the data:

According to the Military Health System Management Analysis and Reporting Tool, social workers with the DOD had more than 770,000 behavioral health interactions with service members or their families in 2020.

Social workers represent 45 percent of DOD mental health professionals at military hospitals and clinics, and are involved in 42 percent of all encounters dealing with mental health or substance misuse issues.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest employer of social workers in the nation, with more than 15,000 on staff.

Ultimately, the goal of a military social worker is to help veterans and their families achieve and maintain a sense of stability. Considering the stressful conditions military personnel may have to endure, the support of a social worker can have a lasting positive impact on those who serve.

Becoming a Military Social Worker

While each person's individual career path may differ, a general framework exists for becoming a military social worker. Those interested in this career should become familiar with these steps prior to embarking on the journey.

1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Obtaining a Bachelor of Social Work degree allows individuals to build a foundational knowledge of social work and related concepts, such as a study of social welfare policy, ethics, diverse populations and human behaviors. This also allows students to start developing the essential skills that will serve them well throughout their career.

2: Earn a Master's Degree

While a bachelor's degree can qualify candidates for entry-level social work positions, advanced or specialized roles may require advanced education. Military social workers generally need a master's degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, such as Virginia Commonwealth University's Master of Social Work online format. A master's program can deepen an aspiring military social worker's knowledge and skills, preparing them to identify and resolve the unique, complex issues that arise in guiding military personnel.

3: Gain Appropriate Field Experience

Obtaining experience is essential before applying for a military social work role. This can be achieved through internship opportunities such as engaging in supervised clinical work. However, this experience isn't merely about meeting requirements for work hours. Ideally, interns should strive to ensure their field experience is relevant to some sort of military capacity.

Military social workers should understand, among other things, the culture and subcultures of the military, the stages and developmental influences of military training, and the stigma associated with seeking care and the perceived potential of negative career impacts. They should also anticipate that their clients may be high-ranking officers and, therefore, be capable of managing complicated boundary, confidentiality and privacy issues. Gaining field experience through organizations that serve veterans and their families, for instance, can help an individual become acclimated to such environments and situations.

4: Apply for Licensure

Prospective military social workers must already be licensed as social workers in their home state before they can begin practicing. The process of obtaining a license can vary from state to state. Because of this, individuals should familiarize themselves with the requirements of the state in which they plan to practice.

Military Social Worker Salary and Career Outlook

While it does not provide salary data specifically for military social workers, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for a social worker with the federal government was approximately $83,000 in 2021. Several factors can influence the precise amount an individual may earn in the role such as years of experience, work environment and location, as well as whether they're an active-duty service member.

The BLS projects 9 percent employment growth for the social work profession overall between 2021 and 2031, nearly double the 5 percent job growth rate it projects for the country's job market as a whole.

Where Do Military Social Workers Work?

Many career opportunities for individuals with military social work experience exist, both inside and outside the armed forces. They may work at veterans service organizations or military-related agencies, or they may start a private practice of their own.

Military social workers can also pursue roles in the private sector. Those interested in leveraging their military social work experience in private sector employment can take advantage of the Army Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) program, which guarantees a job interview with military-friendly employers looking for experienced veterans.

Key Skills of a Military Social Worker

Interpersonal skills are essential for success as a military social worker. The foundation of the role is built on an individual's ability to develop a rapport with clients and their families. This rapport fosters a sense of trust, which can be crucial given the nature of the profession. This competency goes hand in hand with the need for solid communication skills, as it's important to make sure every instruction, direction and piece of information is stated clearly without any room for ambiguity.

Additionally, a military social worker needs strong organizational skills to allow them to effectively manage multiple cases and client care strategies. They must also have strong problem-solving skills to accurately assess a patient's needs. These skills should be underscored by a sense of compassion, which builds empathy for the people they're helping.

Serve Those Who Serve Our Country

The challenges that active-duty service members and veterans face can seem overwhelming. The support that social workers provide is a lifeline for many. A military social worker can help service members cope with PTSD, depression and addiction. They can also assist them in the transition to civilian life, connecting them with child care, employment resources, housing opportunities and much more.

Virginia Commonwealth University's online Master of Social Work Program format can help prepare you to make a profound difference in the lives of others. The program is designed to help you curate the expertise to help soldiers and their families find the necessary resources to improve their lives and well-being.

Learn how we can prepare you for this rewarding career.

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Explore the duties and career path of a military social worker, and learn how they can make a profound impact on the lives of soldiers and their families.

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Military social workers work in various settings, from the VA (Veterans Affairs) to private sectors. Military social workers are a key asset to help improve the mental readiness and emotional well-being of active service members and their families. They can provide services such as; resources, clinic counseling, crisis intervention and critical event debriefing, in attempt to help service members cope in life. While also preparing service members with the necessary tools that will prepare them for the transition back into civilian life, by tackling such issues as  housing, depression, PTSD, substance abuse and family issues.

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It was interesting to know that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is the largest employer of master's level social workers. I was also excited to learn that working with veterans and the military as a master's level practitioner, there would be great opportunities to work in either clinical, administrative, or research roles.

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I learned that as a master's level social worker, you have a large selection of opportunities when choosing your role within military social work. As a master's level social worker, you can develop important leadership skills, serve as an active or reserved officer, or help veterans with crisis intervention, mental health therapy, and resource navigation (NASW).

- Nicala Williams

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Learn what social work practice looks like in the U.S. armed forces.

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Military social workers are able to help veterans by coping with trauma from the military, dealing with injuries that happened during or after a veteran's service, veteran's on deployment or reintegrating in civilian society, negative mental health effects, substance abuse, or linking veteran's to various resources.

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Military Social Worker help clients through difficult issues, relating to adapting back into civilization, family counseling, resource navigation services, education, and development programs to serve the individual.

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Don't forget to respond to one classmate's post. 

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Don't forget to respond to one classmate's post. 

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Describe your reactions to what you've learned about military social work.

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Share what you learned from your web hunt, including the link to the article or video.

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Describe how a social worker may assist the military - involved. Settings, roles, etc.?