Clinical Social Worker

Intern

Age: Accept appointment and enter active duty prior to age 42.

Degree: Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW), and only a MSW; no other degree is accepted Degree Note: A graduate school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). A list of accredited graduate programs can be found at www.cswe.org/accreditation.aspx. Eligibility Requirements: Applicant must have their degree plus one year of post graduate clinical social work experience in order to apply.

State License: Applicant must have an entry level state license in order to EAD. It is important to verify that the applicant will have a license by his/her EAD date. After efforts to verify this, if unsure whether an applicant will be licensed in time contact the AF Social Work Consultant for assistance.

Work Experience: Almost always, whatever work experience they have is not as fully licensed CSW, so do not count it towards grade credit on year AF Form 1431 unless you are sure it is fully licensed.

Start Process: January-September

Board Date: Early December

Estimated Board Release: Late December

COT Date: Intern applicants must be able to attend the June 22nd OTS class.

Rank/Grade: First Lieutenant/O-2

Rank/Grade Note: These candidates are typically O-2s with no professional work grade credit. Incentive(s): Not eligible for accession bonuses – These are only for FQ/42S3s

Fully Qualified

Age: Actual age on EAD is less than 42.

Degree: Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW), and only a MSW; no other degree is accepted

Degree Note: A graduate school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

State License: Applicants must have the highest level of clinical license their state offers (e.g., LCSW, LISW etc.) to practice as an independent clinical provider. Due to the variation of regulated levels of practice between states, it can be confusing to know when someone has an independent license. It is important to verify the applicant has the correct level of license. After efforts to verify the license level, if unsure whether an applicant has the correct level of license contact the AF Social Work consultant for assistance.

Work Experience: Clinical experience, to include individual, couple, family and group therapy. Experience in the use of the DSM V diagnostic manual and in completing Mental Health assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing treatment. Strong candidates will have experience diagnosing and treating mental health conditions to include mood disorders, substance-related disorders, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, relational problems, and other conditions that may be focus of clinical attention. Working knowledge in the areas of mental health, domestic violence and drug/alcohol issues. Most experienced personnel can be found in community Mental Health settings, and inpatient/outpatient psychiatric facility and in some cases, private practice, correctional facilities, and VA hospitals. Applicants whose sole work experience is hospice, medical social work, health and human services, school work, guidance counseling in college/high school are not strong candidates.

Start Process: January-September

Board Date: Early December

Estimated Board Release: Late December

COT Date: January through August and no later than October 1st Rank/Grade: First Lieutenant/O-2

Unique Clinical Social Work Benefits: 1. Opportunity to provide mental health services in a deployed environment to support the AF mission. 2. Opportunities to rehabilitate military members affected by the stress of war and other traumatic events. 3. Actively contribute to the psychological health of the fighting forces. 4. You have equal opportunity to be appointed Department Director (Flight Commander) managing a multidisciplinary outpatient mental health for the military community. This service includes psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, nurse practitioners, and paraprofessional technicians. 5. The AF offers a salary and benefit package (to include a retirement plan) exceeding a majority of private sectors. 6. Opportunities for educational advancement competing for military-funded Ph.D. scholarships and career broadening fellowships.