National Association of Social Workers

Social Workers Can Answer Call to Service

U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Offers Opportunities

The U.S. Public Health Service's Commissioned Corps initiative means new opportunities for social workers.

By Maren Dale, Special to the News

Credit: John Michael Yanson

For many social workers employed in the private sector or working for a nonprofit, the thought of working outside these service areas may never have crossed their minds. Yet for those open to change, wanting to serve the public and looking for a professional work environment with excellent benefits that supports work/life balance, a position in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps could be a perfect fit.

"I hadn't heard about the Corps when I was in school," says Kelley Smith, who has a master's degree in social work. She joined the Corps in January 2008 and holds the rank of lieutenant. "Later, when I did hear about it, people described it as being a 'best-kept secret.' Now that I am in the Corps, I completely agree — it offers so much opportunity and the benefits are tremendous. Mental health professionals and the public in general should know more about the role the Corps plays in U.S. public health."

What is the Corps? Led by the U.S. Surgeon General, the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps is comprised of more than 6,000 health and mental health professionals who fill public health leadership and service roles, including clinical social work services, within the nation's federal government agencies and programs.

Specifically, members of the U.S. Public Health Service all commissions and work alongside civilian colleagues across a variety of agencies. Corps members working in mental health serve in a number of ways: treating patients in underserved and disadvantaged areas; responding to natural disasters in the U.S.; educating communities about mental health; or working in health administration, or within a particular specialty.

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From October 2009 NASW News. © 2009 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved. NASW News articles may be copied for personal use, but proper notice of copyright and credit to the NASW News must appear on all copies made. This permission does not apply to reproduction for advertising, promotion, resale, or other commercial purposes.