Military Social Workers
Military Career
General Information
Description
Social workers apply knowledge and professional social work practices to provide effective mental health services to military personnel and their families. They are responsible for clinical counseling, consultation, critical event debriefings, and substance abuse interventions. They assess needs for social and psychological support in individuals, families, and groups, and they provide evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders. They provide consultation to leading officials and they promote social work research, training, and internship programs.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Social workers in the Military usually work in offices or clinics.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Comparable Industries
- Human Services
Related Military Careers
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Officer
- Managerial/professional
- College degree required
Military Workforce
Social Workers in the Military
518
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$126,143
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$64,801 - $263,729
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
-
Bachelor's degree 68%
-
Master's degree 25%
-
Associate's degree 5%
-
High school 0%
-
Some college 0%
-
Doctoral degree 0%
-
Post baccalaureate 0%
-
Less than high school 0%
-
Post-doctoral training 0%
-
Post-master's certificate 0%
-
First professional degree 0%
-
Post-secondary certificate 0%
Military training
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Job training for social workers consists of professional growth opportunities, including continuing education courses, seminars and conferences, as well as on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content typically includes: Ways of controlling drug and alcohol abuse among military personnelManagement of equal opportunity programs
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Therapy and Counseling
- Psychology
- Administrative
- Education and Training
Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program