Social Work Internship Program

The Social Work Internship Program (SWIP) of the U.S. Army is a pivotal initiative for civilians, officers, and enlisted personnel aspiring to become Regular Army Medical Service Corps officers. This 26-month program is conducted at various Army Medical Treatment Facilities and serves as a crucial educational bridge from the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE) to independent social work practice.

SWIP is structured to provide social work interns with comprehensive supervision as they transition from students to independent social work providers. This format is especially beneficial for unlicensed Active-Duty social workers, offering them exposure to key practice areas in the social work field within the military context. Moreover, the program enables the practical application of theoretical knowledge gained during the MSW program in a supervised and structured environment, enhancing the interns’ readiness for real-world challenges.

SWIP standard practice areas are:

Social Work Leadership and Management (SWLM) Behavioral Health (BH) Addiction Medicine (AM) Family Advocacy Program (FAP) Embedded Behavioral Health (EBH) Rotation within the Brigades shadowing the Behavioral Health Officer (BHO)

Optional rotations:

Medical Social Work Emergency Room Department Combat Operational Stress Control Social Work Administration Military Correction Facility Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) Labor/Delivery Ward

Admission to SWIP is competitive and demands high academic and professional standards. Applicants must possess a Master of Social Work degree from an institution accredited by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). A graduating GPA of 3.5 or higher is also necessary. In addition, applicants must have passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination and be recognized through a state licensing body as a master’s level provider (i.e. LGSW, LMSW, ASW, LSW, CMSW, CSW). The only acceptable master’s level exam is an Association of Social Work Boards exam. State ethics exams are not considered a master level exam.

Upon completing the program, participants fulfill a 30-month Active Duty Obligation (ADO). This commitment highlights the significant investment in training and development that the Army makes in each intern and reflects the importance of their role in providing specialized social work services in the Army setting. SWIP not only equips participants with the necessary skills for effective practice but also prepares them for a career dedicated to supporting the well-being of Army personnel and their families.

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Competency Standards:

Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior Competency 2: Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice Competency 3: Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice Competency 4: Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities