Social Work Jobs in the Military
The U.S. military employs the second-largest contingent of social workers of all U.S. government agencies, and the agency with the most social workers -- the Department of Veterans Affairs -- has a relationship with the military. Between the active military and Veterans Affairs, military-related employment of social workers comprises about 17,000 individuals.
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Population
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The Department of Veterans Affairs has over 13,000 individuals employed in social work positions, and the Department of Defense has over 3,800 social workers. This translates to between 200 and 900 workers each for the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.
Description
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Military social workers serve in a variety of positions. They may work as part of a teams that also include medical officers and psychologists. Social work personnel include designated social workers and counselors. Those with training in social work skills who also hold religious qualifications may serve as military chaplains.
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Post-Military
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Upon retirement from the military, social workers may look to other government agencies to continue to apply their social work skills. Besides Veterans Affairs, government agencies that employ social workers include the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the National Institutes of Health. Chaplains may enter traditional ministry positions in their denominations. Employment at private facilities such as hospices or in community social work, such as in schools, may also provide post-military employment options.
Outlook and Salary
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The outlook for military employment in social work should remain excellent through 2018, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Earnings vary widely depending on military rank, pay grade and length of service. Salaries range from just under $1,300 a month for a new recruit serving in an enlisted personnel position to over $14,500 for a Grade 10 Commissioned Officer with more than 20 years of military service, according to the BLS. Additionally, military pay includes either housing at a military facility or a housing allowance.
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References
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