Social Work in the Defence Team

August 11, 2022 - Defence Stories

Resilient, outgoing, independent, and ready for new challenges? These are the attributes that Social Workers in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) possess.  Every member of the military has a story to tell. Social Workers are there to listen and help them through difficult situations.

The clinical practice of military Social Workers focuses on the mental health of CAF members. Social Workers can provide care in clinics within Canada or in international deployments. In addition to direct client care, Social Workers are responsible for a number of administrative and leadership roles to ensure the mental and operational readiness of CAF members.

These include: managing clinical multidisciplinary mental health teams, conducting pre- or post-deployment screenings, delivering mental health educational presentations, and expanding the reach of social work within the CAF. Social Workers also have opportunities to partner with various organizations that support the families of military members.

A significant difference between civilian and military social work is the opportunity to deploy on operations around the globe. As mental health subject matter experts and advisors to the chain of command, Social Workers are vital to military members’ mental health on deployment.

Major Carra Greenhorn is an experienced Social Worker who deployed to HMCS Fredericton after the devastating CH-148 Cyclone helicopter accident off the coast of Greece in 2020. There, she provided first-line mental health support to personnel during an extremely challenging time. She was also responsible for liaising with the ship’s Commanding Officer regarding morale within the unit and determining what mental health supports needed to be implemented.

For Major Greenhorn, it is the versatility of her job that she enjoys the most. No two days are exactly the same. She loves the fact that client care is not always done within four walls at a desk. Sometimes it may be in a tent in the field, other days it may be on a chair outside in the sun. She is proud that her job allows her to work alongside incredible members who have dedicated their lives to serving their country. Major Greenhorn also appreciates that the military encourages Social Workers to pursue additional training in treatment modalities that interest them, such as cognitive behavioural therapy.

If this sounds like the occupation for you, “be ready for the unexpected and join us!” Now is the time to pursue military social work. The specialist officer training plan for Regular Force members, the Subsidized Education Entry Level Masters (SEELM) program, is open for applications. Through this program, your Master of Social Work education is completely subsidized by the military. To get more information about the occupation or SEELM, email CFHSAttractionCell-CelluledattractionSSFC@forces.gc.ca today!