Is anyone familiar with military social work jobs in NYC?

I'm from NYC and am curious about social work opportunities on military bases here. How does one apply, and what qualifications are necessary? Do these roles differ from regular social work positions in terms of responsibilities?

Military social work is indeed a unique subset of the broader social work field and it offers rewarding opportunities to serve the unique needs of service members, veterans, and their families.

To qualify for a position, you'll typically need a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) and be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Previous experience in mental health and substance use treatment may also be required or beneficial due to the common issues faced by military personnel. Additionally, the military often requires that you are physically and mentally fit to work in potentially challenging conditions.

Applying for these types of roles typically involves a direct application to the U.S. Department of Defense or Department of Veterans Affairs, which you can usually find on the USAJOBS government website.

Regarding your question about responsibilities, in essence, military social workers perform similar duties to other social workers, but the clients they work with have unique challenges. They may deal with issues spanning from combat-related psychological trauma (such as PTSD), to family dynamics strained by long deployments or the stressors of life associated with military service. So, while the fundamental social work skills remain the same, the context and nature of the issues you're managing can vary significantly.

However, it's important to note that New York City itself does not have many military bases, so job openings getting in military social work specifically within NYC may be limited. You may have better luck applying to general Veterans Affairs hospitals or clinics throughout the city, which often employ social workers.

Remember, every job will have its own specific requirements, so ensure to carefully read through job announcements and descriptions before applying.

I hope this information helps you as you explore potential paths in social work. Good luck in your search!