Pros And Cons Of Being A Civilian Social Worker

How do you serve a population you aren’t familiar with or have not been a part of? To many it may be impossible or very challenging. However, to a social worker it is possible with education, research, and the willingness to make a difference and service our people no matter the background or population.
Being a civilian social worker requires a lot of studying and research to service serviceman because of the lack of experience and the unknown about what happens in the military, compared to someone who’s been in the military. Soldiers that are transitioning prefer a social worker who has experience with the military because they are able to identify with many of the obstacles they face.
Working with transitioning soldiers is different than
working with someone who has never been on the military. Individuals who has been in the military have become accustomed to certain rituals, rules, and behaviors which changes their lifestyle. So for them to reenter the community could be difficult because they feel people do not understand them.
As an advanced practitioner being a civilian social worker it is best to be aware and understand that there are many subgroups and subcultures in the military community. Additionally, social worker must understand the structure of the military’s power and authority as to how that plays a role with the servicemen or their families. Also social workers understand the reasons why people join the military and leave the military.
Servicemen transitioning from the service faces a variety of problems; unemployment, possible medical problems, families depending on them, in search of a new career, readjusting to the civilian world, and possibly relocating. With the many problems one face, it is vital for social workers to be well grounded and aware of the military culture to be able to better service the servicemen and their families.