Social Work Officer

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As a member of the military, Social Work Officers deliver professional social work services in a military setting to support the morale, efficiency and mental health of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families. Social Work Officers offer clinical social work services similar to community mental health and social services agencies. CAF members and their families cope with additional stresses associated with frequent moves and separations, giving rise to complex social work interventions.

• Provide clinical intervention services
• Assist in the resolution of compassionate situations
• Consult with and advise leaders on the social circumstances encountered by personnel in their units
• Investigate and report compassionate situations
• Deliver preventive and rehabilitative programs in the areas of: pre- and post-deployment stress, suicide prevention, family violence

Social Work Officers work in an office at a base, wing or garrison, and deploy overseas on operational missions. They may be required to collaborate with civilian social agencies to develop appropriate referral contacts and to remain abreast of current professional development and social legislation.

If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regard to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, so you can expect to move at some point in your career. If you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will serve part time at a specific Reserve unit;

reserve members typically work one night per week and some weekends, with the possibility of full-time employment.

The minimum required education to apply for this position is a Master of Social Work degree from an accredited Social Work Program, a current unrestricted license (active status) to practice as a social worker from a provincial or territorial regulatory authority/association and a letter of ‘good standing’ from that authority. Two years of clinical experience within the last five years is ideal.

Subsidized Education for Entry Level Masters (SEELM):
If you have a Bachelor of Social Work degree with a current unrestricted license and are unconditionally accepted to a recognized Canadian university Master of Social Work program, the CAF will subsidize your program. The program must be clinical in nature, completed within two years, and must be on campus (distance learning is not subsidized). You receive a full-time salary, medical and dental care, vacation time, and full pay in exchange for serving with the CAF for a period of time.

After enrolment, Social Work Officers attend Basic Military Officer Qualification training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, for 12 weeks. Topics covered include general military knowledge, principles of leadership, regulations and customs of the CAF, basic weapons handling, and first aid. Opportunities are also provided to apply newly acquired military skills in training exercises involving force protection, field training, navigation, and leadership.

A rigorous physical fitness program is a vital part of basic training. Basic officer training is provided in English or French and successful completion is a prerequisite for further training.

Following Basic Military Officer Qualification training, official second language training will be offered to you. Training could take from two to nine months to complete, depending on your ability in your second language.

Social Work Officers must complete the Common Health Services Officer (CHSO) course, an eight-day e-learning course available on the Defence Learning Network (DLN). The CHSO course introduces Social Work Officers to CAF policies and procedures as well as HR management of military members and civilian personnel.

Upon completion of the Rank Qualification Social…