Mental Health Caseworkers (Enlisted)
Opportunities
Mental health caseworkers assess, diagnose, and treat psychological conditions. They implement initial mental health assessment procedures including standardized psychological testing, clinical interviewing, and substance abuse evaluations. They monitor, record, and report on patient progress. Mental health caseworkers conduct and/or provide individual and group counseling, and they establish preventative measures related to patient injuries, including those sustained in combat. They supervise and support caring for individuals with acute and post-traumatic stress reactions.
Training Provided
Mental health caseworkers develop skills in meeting the social and psychological needs of service members primarily through on-the-job learning in various healthcare environments.
- Orientation to counseling and social service programs
- Interviewing and counseling methods
- Treatments for drug and alcohol abuse
- Psychological testing techniques
- Psychiatry, psychology, and nursing principles
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.
Earnings
Military pay and benefits are set by Congress, which normally grants a cost-of-living pay increase once each year. All members of the military receive "basic pay," which is the largest component of a member's pay. A member's grade (usually the same as rank) and years of service determines the amount of basic pay received. Enlisted members can progress through nine enlisted pay grades during their careers. In 2024, most enlisted personnel started as recruits at Grade E-1 ($24,204/year basic pay); however, those with special skills or above average education started as high as Grade E-4 ($31,608/year basic pay). In addition to pay, the military provides many of life's necessities, such as food, clothing, and housing, or pays allowances for them. Other benefits include health care, 30 days paid vacation, legal assistance, recreational programs, education assistance, and military store privileges.
Services offering this occupation
Air Force
Navy