Dual Mission: An Innovative Field Model for Training Social Work Students for Work With Veterans

Abstract

This descriptive article explores a collaborative model that blends the dual missions of training social work students to work with military personnel, veterans, and their families while serving student veterans on campus. The model consists of 2 main components: (1) a nationally recognized service component for providing academic, health and behavioral health, career, and research and technical assistance services for student veterans as they transition into, through, and out of higher education; and (2) a training component for social work students that includes a campus-based field unit that trains social work students to work with student veterans, a course on helping troops and veterans transition, and a federal grant designed to produce social work graduates for working with veterans.

Additional information

Funding

This product is supported by funds from the Bureau of Health Professions (BHPr), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services Administration (DHHS) under grant number HRSA-12-181, Mental and Behavioral Health Education and Training Grants—financed by 2012 Prevention and Public Health Funds (PPHF-2012), M01HP25195, Project Stand Up for Veterans.

Notes on contributors

Katherine Selber

Katherine Selber is professor, Nancy Feyl Chavkin is Regents’ professor, and Mary Jo Garcia Biggs is associate professor at Texas State University.

Nancy Feyl Chavkin

Katherine Selber is professor, Nancy Feyl Chavkin is Regents’ professor, and Mary Jo Garcia Biggs is associate professor at Texas State University.

Mary Jo Garcia Biggs

Katherine Selber is professor, Nancy Feyl Chavkin is Regents’ professor, and Mary Jo Garcia Biggs is associate professor at Texas State University.