Overview 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. These individuals also help CAF members cope with additional stresses associated with frequent moves and separations, which can produce complex social and family circumstances requiring social work interventions. Responsibilities 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 programmes in the areas of pre‑ and post‑deployment stress, suicide prevention and family violence Work Environment Social Work Officers work in an office at a base, wing or garrison and deploy overseas on operational missions. Collaboration with civilian social agencies to develop referral contacts and staying abreast of professional development and social legislation is required. Those in the Regular Force will be assigned to a base after training, with some flexibility for posting but typically require relocation. Reserve Force members work in a chosen reserve unit part‑time, with no obligation to relocate and often working one night per week and some weekend duties. Entry Plans Direct Entry Options Paid Education Options The minimum required education is a Master of Social Work degree from an accredited program, an unrestricted licence to practice, and a letter of good standing. Two years of clinical experience within the last five years is ideal. Subsidised Education for Entry Level Masters (SEELM) allows the CAF to sponsor eligible candidates with a Bachelor of Social Work to complete a clinical Master’s programme within two years, with full salary, benefits and paid vacation in exchange for service. For further information, please contact a Canadian Forces Health Services Recruiter: HSRecruiting‑ Training After enrolment, Social Work Officers attend Basic Military Officer Qualification training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School for 12 weeks. Topics include general military knowledge, leadership, CAF regulations, weapons handling, first aid and physical fitness. Following basic training, official second‑language training is offered for two to nine months as needed. Social Work Officers must complete the Common Health Services Officer e‑learning course and, upon qualification, are posted to a large base for first employment, expanding clinical practice under supervision. In‑service certification is completed with a senior Social Work Officer. Specialised skills may be developed through courses such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Training, Eye‑Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, and Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples. Part‑time Options The Canadian Forces Health Services Reserves support CAF operations and training. This role is available for part‑time employment with the Primary Reserve across Canada. Reserve members serve part time in a local health services unit while possibly attending school or working a civilian job. They are paid during training and are not required to relocate, though they may volunteer for deployment. Part‑time or casual full‑time officers serve at a location within Canada and receive 92.8% of Regular Force rates, a reasonable benefits package and potential pension contributions. Related Careers Personnel Selection Officer, Health Services Management Officer, Pharmacy Officer. #J-18808-Ljbffr