Social Workers (Officer)
Opportunities
Social workers apply knowledge and professional social work practices to provide effective mental health services to military personnel and their families. They are responsible for performing social work functions including clinical counseling, consultation, critical event debriefings, and substance abuse interventions. They assess needs for social and psychological support in individuals, families, and groups, and they provide evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders. They provide consultation to leading officials and they promote social work research, training, and internship programs.
Training Provided
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.
- Ways of controlling drug and alcohol abuse among military personnel
- Management of equal opportunity programs
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. Officers complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.
Earnings
Officers in the military can progress through ten officer pay grades during their careers. Pay grade and length of service determine an officer's pay. Most newly commissioned officers begin at pay grade O-1 ($43,646/year basic pay in 2023). With certain professional qualifications, officers may enter at a higher pay grade. After two years, officers generally move up to O-2 ($57,272/year basic pay in 2023). After an additional two years, the military generally promotes officers to O-3 ($77,637/year basic pay in 2023) if job performance and other requirements are met. Cost-of-living increases usually occur once a year. Many officers and their families live free of charge in military housing on the base where they are assigned. Those living off base receive a housing allowance in addition to their basic pay. Officers also receive a monthly food allowance. These allowances, and associated tax savings, are substantial additions to basic pay. Other employment benefits for military officers include free health care, 30 days paid vacation each year, legal assistance, education assistance, military store privileges, and an excellent retirement program.
Services offering this occupation
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Navy