Mission

To prepare Air Force social workers to capably deliver timely, high quality, effective psychological healthcare services within a community-based healthcare model to support of worldwide, military operations.

Vision

Provide fully capable Air Force officers and clinicians to support operational assignments at any Military Treatment Facility (MTF), mental health clinic, or other assignment where their expertise may be needed.

Aims

Ethical Practice, Advanced Clinical Competency & Exemplary Officership

Social Work Didactics are hosted weekly, followed by group supervision and case consultation. Additionally, Social Work Fellows participate in monthly Evidence-based Practice Labs, guest lectures, and academic reading as assigned.

• Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention & Treatment Program: six months (three days per week)
• Family Advocacy Program: six months (three days per week)
• Outpatient Mental Health Clinic: 12 months (two days per week)

As time permits, optional rotations are available in:

• Embedded Mental Health
• Inpatient Mental Health
• Intensive Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment
• Transgender Health
• Primary Care Behavioral Health
• Airman Medical Transition Unit

• Quarterly Interdisciplinary Military Unique Curriculum hosted with Psychiatry and Psychology trainees. Review Medical Leadership Structure, Officership, Standard of Care, Ethical Practice in a Military Setting, etc.
• Readiness Training every Wednesday. Learn Core Competencies for Mental Health providers in support of the readiness mission.
• Other topics addressed in weekly didactics include: Promotions, Military Writing, Biomedical Sciences Corps Corps Overview, etc.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for suicide prevention and at least one evidence-based practice for posttraumatic stress disorder (curriculum varies by year).

Role Play is used during various evidence-based practice training sessions. Simulation is also used in readiness training for topics such as, patient movement and stabilization, blood pressures, etc.

Fellows will be provided with didactic leadership topics and will also have the opportunity to train and supervise enlisted staff during their ADAPT rotation.

Mock Peer Review, SOC (Capstone assignment, required in June)

Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Fort Sam Houston (AMIOP, 6T, and FAP) and Randolph AFB FAP

• All applicants must have graduated with their MSW and have an LMSW or LCSW license. Applications due by September/October. Members will be interviewed by phone. Final Application packages are reviewed by O6 board in December/January with selection announcement to follow.
• Civilian Applicants must apply via AF Health Professional Recruiter.
• Enlisted candidates have a separate process:
  • Contact your respective Career Field Manager to request release from the career field and complete BSC Statement of Understanding, OTS Statement of Understanding, and AF Form 24.
  • See AFMS Knowledge Exchange site for more information.

Clinical experience is the foremost criteria for candidate selection, along with capability to succeed in a dynamic environment. Highlight experiences that demonstrate these focus characteristics.

Graduates take the Licensed Clinical Social Worker exam once all clinical hours are accomplished. Members independently track clinical hours and apply for testing at local testing centers. Independent clinical licensure must be obtained within three years of fellowship graduation to remain on active duty. Applicants are encouraged to review the Association of Social Work Boards website for more information. 

Fellows will have opportunities to lead group therapy, provide didactic training to enlisted staff, and/or conduct base-wide outreach.

Our fellows engage in regular scheduled wellness activities coordinated by our program. Additionally, fellows have full access to the Well-Being programs within San Antonio Uniformed Services Education Consortium.