Vets Caring for Veterans: A Problem-Based Learning Approach

Abstract

Veterans and their family members may need clinical services from social workers or other mental health practitioners, but that is not likely their first stop in trying to secure assistance. Instead, they may seek help through their benefit claims or try to find resources from local community organizations. However, volunteers who staff these organizations may have limited exposure to military or veteran populations and lack training in interviewing, assessment, and case management. This is especially true in rural areas or communities that are not in close proximity to military bases or Veterans Affairs facilities. A veteran certificate program based on a social work curriculum can respond to those knowledge gaps and improve basic intervention skills. A newly implemented veteran certificate program using practice-based scenarios is described along with a review of implementation issues, participant outcomes, and recommendations for future needs.