What does a military family resource specialist do?

I'm considering a career as a military family resource specialist and would like to know more about what the job entails. What are the key responsibilities and skills required for this position, and is there any specific education or experience needed?

A military family resource specialist, often referred to as a military family life counselor, primarily provides support and resources for military families. The work they do is essential for helping families cope with the unique pressures and challenges of military life, like frequent relocations and long deployments.

One of their primary duties is to provide counseling and emotional support to individuals and families. This could include offering support in times of crisis, providing counseling to children and adults, and running support groups or workshops on topics like stress management and resiliency.

These specialists also act as a link between military families and various support services, helping families navigate the many resources available to them. This could involve, for example, connecting families to services related to housing, healthcare, or education.

To be effective in this role, you'll need strong communication and interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with families. You'll also need good organizational and problem-solving skills to connect families with the right resources at the right time.

In terms of education, typically, a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field is required. However, many positions require a master's degree or higher in one of these fields. It's also common for these positions to require some experience in counseling or social work, particularly with military populations or in a crisis response setting.

Lastly, this job often requires an understanding of the military community and its unique challenges. So, having a connection to the military whether via family or direct service can be valuable. Moreover, if the position is within the school system, as it often is, additional requirements may apply, such as licensure or certification relevant to the specific position (like a school counselor certification).

I hope this gives you a good sense of what a career as a military family resource specialist might entail!