003754 - Counselor

Civilian Roles Similar to Counselor

Correctional Counselor, Counselor, Drug and Alcohol Counselor, Health Care Technician, Mental Health Service Worker, Mental Health Worker, Psychiatric Technician, Social Service Assistant, Social Work Assistant, Substance Abuse Control Specialist

Purpose of a Counselor

The Military provides mental health services and develops preventative and intervention programs to promote awareness, treatment, and rehabilitation as needed for service members and their families. Caseworkers perform and support counseling and related functions to provide military personnel with effective diagnosis, prevention, and intervention.

Caseworkers are responsible for overseeing and managing resources, programs, and functions regarding mental health services within the military community. They support services in psychiatry, social work, psychology, family advocacy, substance abuse awareness, and rehabilitation. They provide assistance to mental health professionals and advise in planning and administering treatment methods. They perform managerial duties in directing and coordinating resources, as well as developing, implementing, and evaluating training related to mental health programs.

What a Counselor Does

Manage mental health service resources and activities Assist mental health professionals with developing and implementing treatment plans Perform specified mental health treatment Manage and direct personnel resource activities Interpret and enforce policy and applicable directives Establish control procedures to meet work goals and standards Recommend or initiate actions to improve functional operation efficiency Plan and program work commitments and schedules Develop plans regarding facilities, supplies, and equipment procurement and maintenance Participate in patient care conferences and substance abuse intervention Coordinate with appropriate agencies regarding treatment, prevention, rehabilitation, and administrative functions Maintain contact with military and community agencies to obtain collateral information Arrange and assist with patient referral to public, private, and military community agencies Manage preparation and maintenance of records and reports pertaining to specialty services Review procedures and requirements within specialty services to ensure efficiency of personnel Develop, maintain, and evaluate specific mental health training and evaluation programs

Training Provided for a Counselor While Serving

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Military caseworkers develop skills in meeting the social and psychological needs of service members primarily through on-the-job learning in various healthcare environments. Training content may include:

Orientation to counseling and social service programs Interviewing and counseling methods Treatments for drug and alcohol abuse Psychological testing techniques

Typical Counselor Work Environment

Caseworkers usually work in offices or clinics.