Social Work Officer

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, which can give rise to social and family circumstances that involve complex social work interventions.

The primary responsibilities of a Social Work Officer are to:

• 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

Work environment

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 choose 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 regarding postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part-time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum, with possibilities of full-time employment.

The minimum required education to apply for this position is a Master of Social Work degree from an accredited Canadian 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. You will also require two years of clinical experience within the last five years. The minimum requirements for Social Work Officers are fixed and equivalencies are not accepted.

The ideal candidate will already have a Master of Social Work degree from a recognized Canadian university, be registered with the professional social work association of a Canadian province or territory, and meet the required clinical experience outlined above. The Canadian Armed Forces may place you directly into the required on-the-job training program following basic training.