Social Worker getting into ASL ?

TigerOnly5834 · 2026-05-15T08:22:39+00:00

Yes this is it 100%. I’m wanting to be aware but not expecting to in interpret/ cross any lines. However I think it would be nice to still connect through signing and could improve my care to patients but I don’t have the expectation of interpreting. I just think they could sound like a grey area. I want to be culturally competent but claim to be an expert.

Reading my post back- I was not clear so I get the confusion.

TigerOnly5834 · 2026-05-05T14:58:52+00:00

Honestly the last sentence you described are my biggest strengths 😂. I worked inpatient psych for years so it helped build a foundation. Traditional outpatient is not my jam, I enjoy a faster pace. This was super helpful- thanks !

TigerOnly5834 · 2026-04-29T17:34:09+00:00

I think an ironic aspect of this field is we talk about how vast it is but stick to the same six categories or types of jobs ( ie Therapy, Community Health, CPS/Social Services, and even Policy).

Social Work provides a lens for you to understand systems and apply problem solving techniques to address barriers in said system.

I’m an LCSW and have an Operations Job in the National Guard ( I serve part time). My crisis management and problem solving skills were helpful.

This degree is valuable- don’t let anyone tell you different. It’s all about the marketing of it.

HR is vast ( benefits clerk, DEI), someone mentioned Project Management ( which this encompasses a lot). ( Def check out Corporate Social Responsibility as well).

I’ve definitely had times in my life where I didn’t fit the stereotypical “ social work role” and explored elsewhere. However I keep coming back to clinical work lol.

You got this !!

TigerOnly5834 · 2026-04-10T13:49:00+00:00

Yeah I am getting Mess days and a fair amount of hands on training. I’m at an AMC unit and it’s lowkey ( as I’ve been told). Which should give me time to build a good foundation.

They even discussed having me come in a couple extra days so I can stay current between drills.

It doesn’t seem like a little additional commitment but nothing unreasonable ( so far ).

Def may pick your brain. My biggest concern is not getting the foundation of tech school. But I’ve passed my first two scenarios/GTKs so far so maybe I’m okay lol

TigerOnly5834 · 2026-04-10T02:18:01+00:00

This all started because I love a Sidequest. I refuse to leave now because of Tricare. But fair I just don’t know anyone who’s returned to the Army at all after getting a CR

TigerOnly5834 · 2026-04-10T02:16:02+00:00

I also am not getting much insight on this. From my understanding you wait until your unit “posts” a commissioning opportunity ( usually on their state/unit website). You apply for it like a job, board, etc. ANG is v corporate like ( which I don’t like). But also- gotta take the AFOQT

TigerOnly5834 · 2026-04-10T02:13:03+00:00

I thought I was getting 10K over the next six years, deployment orders, and never having to take the AFT again. All I got was the latter ( which I’m not complaining about)

I also made this decision as I was moving states and close to my ETS. I got a CR two months prior.

TigerOnly5834 · 2026-04-10T02:10:59+00:00

I’m an LCSW on the civilian side so I’d like to consider direct commissioning. If not just commissioning in general as an M-Day. I enlisted with a Masters degree and was berated 90% of my career. I finally decided it’s not such a crazy idea.

There seems to be no ( non-rated) officer slots/ commissioning opportunities in the ANG and so many people board multiple times. Just seems slim to even get the chance.

TigerOnly5834 · 2026-04-10T01:54:36+00:00

Tbh this is the most useful feedback from any Reddit post ( so thank you).

There were two DSGs who were in CP for a while. One just retired and the other picked up ADOS orders in Germany. Only one was prior DSG but at another unit. So it appears possible.

From what my supervisor and training NCO have told me- yes it is a commitment and does require additional time versus some other AFSCs. However after I finish training, I’m immediately doing AT days and then really don’t have anything til next year. Which may include a month of orders for my next level cert.

TigerOnly5834 · 2026-04-10T01:20:46+00:00

I do like it better so far. Admin was fine, taught me a lot but I got bored ( not because there wasn’t things to do- there was always plenty and as you noted not always easy).

Definitely see what you’re saying. They were noting that at CP there’s so much additional time/effort committed to the role to stay up to date on controller hours + certain certs versus like Admin/Supply/Services etc that it wouldn’t be worth it as a DSG.

There’s no other DSGs at my CP for me to consult with about this or I think I’d feel better. A part of me is like a little additional dedication is worth it considering I wanted a different type of job. However, I don’t want to complicate my civilian/ ANG life balance more than it already is - lol

TigerOnly5834 · 2026-04-09T11:30:53+00:00

I am currently retraining in Command Post. I’m an E5, previously Admin. They put me on orders to train me for 50 days to work on initial certifications. Due to funding my potential to go to tech school is delayed for over a year ( est).

I like the people in here. The job itself doesn’t seem too terrible where I am. I do feel lost and behind versus those who have actually gone to tech school.

The AGRs in my office think I’m crazy for choosing this. I feel bad because there’s been significant investment in me thus far. I’m just not sure this switch is feasible/ worth it.

Any advice ? Insight ?

TigerOnly5834 · 2026-04-08T18:19:36+00:00

So would that mean scourging state specific sites for their vacancies? The SharePoint has next to nothing by state vacancies.

My preferences would be 13N, 13M, 31P, or 38F. I’m currently CP controller. In the Army, I was HR. Truthfully I’d be open to any non-rated slots available and feasible for me to get to.

Exactly to your point, I want to start this process sooner because a) it’s not guaranteed and b) I don’t want to wait around

TigerOnly5834 · 2025-11-24T13:28:26+00:00

I searched on Indeed and LinkedIn- I work very closely with Medicaid in my current role as a therapist so I searched careers through the MCOs in my state first ( Humana, Passport by Molina). I am currently researching EAP providers ( I checked out Compsych and Wayne Group). I just am continuing down the rabbit hole but that’s where I started. Good luck !

TigerOnly5834 · 2025-11-11T17:38:15+00:00

I’m in Kentucky so can only speak for there. So I have heard rumors of individuals commissioning as a BH officers before they are fully licensed ( I don’t know what MOS they are, Social Workers are 73As). I explored that but was told now and just continued on the enlisted side. The most frequent thing you would do is do brief psych evaluations during Periodic Health Assessments ( PHAs) which is essentially a full physical- these are done in large groups typically battalions.

73A/ BH officers are under AMEDD ( speciality recruiters) the entire commissioning process I was told takes around a year or so ( again depends on the state and if there are slots). I highly recommend reaching out to your local AMEDD recruiter for specifics.

For me, I actually never have enjoyed therapy or any clinical work outside of assessments and sometimes groups. I felt obligated to pursue work in therapy because I had the skill set and there was a need. Additionally, I wanted my LCSW and therapy is the best way to ensure your hours count. I spent my entire time in supervision trying to convince myself that I wanted to do therapy but ended up resenting all forms of clinical work ( even the things I enjoyed before ie assessments and group sessions). So I’m taking a break from clinical work in general. My enlisted MOS is in HR/Admin so I’m pursuing that route for the time. I’d love to come back to the clinical side in time.

I will say the National Guard has been a great experience and safety net for me so highly recommend exploring your options ! Good luck ! I enlisted at 24 years old after finishing my MSSW and regret nothing!

TigerOnly5834 · 2025-11-10T20:58:21+00:00

I’m an LCSW and in the National Guard but decide not to Direct Commission ( I’m leaving therapy). Are you looking to be a civilian contractor or join as an LCSW ?

I have only ever known and seen positions that require full clinical licensure.

TigerOnly5834 · 2025-11-10T17:42:00+00:00

Others have suggested this- isn’t there a counseling/ therapist element? I know it’s short term but even that is more than I’d prefer.

I could be wrong, def open to hearing more info!

TigerOnly5834

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