Military Family Life Counselor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of global conflict and peacekeeping, the importance of military family life counselors cannot be underestimated.

As military operations continue, the need for professionals who can provide support, guidance, and counseling to military families grows even more critical.

So, what exactly is expected from a military family life counselor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of military family life counseling,

You have come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable military family life counselor job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Military Family Life Counselor Duties and Responsibilities

Military Family Life Counselors offer support and advice to military personnel and their families.

They help them to overcome the unique challenges they may face, such as deployment, transition, and family dynamics.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Provide short-term, non-medical counseling support to military service members and their families
• Facilitate workshops and seminars on topics such as stress management, coping with deployment and separation, reintegration, and resilience-building
• Provide crisis intervention and referral services
• Maintain strict confidentiality guidelines and respect the sensitive nature of the counseling process
• Conduct assessments and develop treatment plans based on identified needs and goals
• Collaborate with military command and community agencies to understand and address the specific needs of service members and their families
• Provide coaching, education, and guidance to both individuals and groups
• Refer clients to appropriate resources and services when needed
• Support family members during the deployment cycle and aid in reintegration process
• Document counseling sessions and maintain client records in a secure manner

 

Military Family Life Counselor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Military Family Life Counselor to provide emotional and mental health support to active military personnel, veterans, and their families.

The ideal candidate will have experience with military culture, PTSD, deployment stress, and family dynamics.

Military Family Life Counselors are responsible for assessing and addressing the emotional and psychological needs of military families, assisting them in navigating through the unique challenges they face.

This role requires a high level of empathy, strong communication skills, and the ability to adapt to a variety of situations.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide confidential, non-medical counseling to individuals, couples, and families
• Conduct assessments and develop treatment plans in collaboration with clients
• Facilitate psycho-educational group sessions on topics like stress management, resilience, and adjustment to life changes
• Offer crisis intervention and conflict resolution assistance
• Provide guidance and resources for dealing with separation and deployment-related stress
• Collaborate with military command and support staff to ensure the delivery of quality services
• Advocate for clients’ needs and connect them to additional resources when necessary
• Maintain thorough and confidential client records
• Follow ethical guidelines and professional standards

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work or related field
• Current state licensure in counseling or mental health services
• Minimum of 2 years of experience counseling individuals, couples, and families
• Experience working with military families and understanding of military culture and issues
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle crisis situations and high-stress environments
• Experience with trauma-informed care and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Military Family Life Counselor
• Work Environment: Military bases, community centers, schools, or via telehealth services. Availability for emergency situations and after-hours crisis intervention may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Mental Health Program Manager or similar.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Military Family Life Counselor Do?

Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) are mental health professionals who work directly with military members and their families.

They provide a range of counseling and support services designed to help military families cope with the stresses and challenges of military life.

MFLCs often work on military bases or in community centers and offer confidential, non-medical counseling services.

These include addressing issues related to deployment and reintegration, marriage and family relationships, stress and anxiety, depression, grief, coping skills, and adjustment to military culture.

They provide individual, couple, family, and group counseling sessions and conduct workshops and seminars on topics related to mental health and wellbeing.

They may also provide referrals to other services and resources when necessary.

MFLCs work closely with military command and other support services to provide comprehensive care for service members and their families.

They advocate for the needs of military families and work to improve access to mental health services.

Furthermore, they are often involved in crisis intervention and response, assisting military families during emergencies or times of extreme stress.

This may include providing support after natural disasters, during deployments, or following the loss of a loved one.

In all their work, Military Family Life Counselors prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment where military families can explore their feelings, strengthen their relationships, and develop resilience in the face of adversity.

 

Military Family Life Counselor Qualifications and Skills

A Military Family Life Counselor is expected to have a unique set of skills and qualifications that ensure their ability to provide support and guidance to military families, such as:

• Master’s degree or doctoral degree in counselling, social work, or related field of study
• State licensure as a professional counselor or clinical social worker
• Extensive knowledge about military culture, lifestyle and stressors to provide relevant guidance
• Excellent interpersonal skills to connect with a diverse range of individuals and families, building trust and understanding
• Strong communication skills to effectively convey advice, empathy and support to clients
• Problem-solving skills to address various issues that military families may face, such as deployment stress, relocation challenges, and family dynamics
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries in sensitive situations
• Experience in crisis intervention and conflict resolution to handle urgent and high-stress scenarios
• Flexibility in working hours, as the job may require providing support during non-traditional hours or during emergency situations
• Skills in providing educational presentations and workshops on issues such as stress management, grief, and coping strategies

 

Military Family Life Counselor Experience Requirements

Military Family Life Counselors often require a significant amount of theoretical and practical experience in counseling or psychology.

A Master’s degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited university or college is typically required.

For entry-level positions, a minimum of two years of post-Masters supervised clinical experience is often expected.

This experience may come from internships, part-time roles, or full-time roles in areas such as family counseling, child and adolescent counseling, or trauma counseling.

Candidates with more than 3 years of post-Masters clinical experience often have developed their counseling skills in areas such as crisis intervention, individual and group therapy, and case management.

Experience working with military personnel and families is highly desirable.

Those with more than 5 years of post-Masters clinical experience may have leadership experience in their background and may be prepared for a supervisory or managerial role.

They may also have specialized experience in working with military families, dealing with issues such as deployment stress, relocation adjustment, and separation anxiety.

In addition, Military Family Life Counselors must typically hold a valid and unrestricted counseling license or certification from a state, U.S. territory, or jurisdiction.

To maintain this licensure or certification, ongoing professional development and continuing education are often required.

 

Military Family Life Counselor Education and Training Requirements

Military Family Life Counselors typically hold a Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field.

In addition to the degree, they need to have a state-issued license to practice counseling.

This usually requires passing a state-administered exam and completing a minimum number of supervised clinical hours.

It is also important for them to have a deep understanding of military culture and lifestyle, as they provide assistance to military service members and their families.

Hence, many Military Family Life Counselors complete additional military-specific training or have prior military experience.

Furthermore, these professionals need to have at least two years of post-master’s supervised clinical experience.

This means they have demonstrated a certain level of competency in their field and have honed their counseling skills.

Counselors can also earn specialized certifications such as Certified Military Behavioral Health Professional (CMBHP) to indicate expertise in military-focused counseling.

Finally, due to the sensitive nature of their work, Military Family Life Counselors are also required to pass a federal background check.

 

Military Family Life Counselor Salary Expectations

A Military Family Life Counselor can expect to earn an average salary of $58,000 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, and location of employment.

Additionally, benefits packages offered by the military can significantly supplement this income.

 

Military Family Life Counselor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Military Family Life Counselor need?

Military Family Life Counselors must have a master’s degree or PhD in counseling, psychology, social work or a related field.

They need to have a valid state license to practice independently.

Experience in providing family therapy or counseling services is a must, particularly with military families.

 

What skills are important for a Military Family Life Counselor?

Key skills for a Military Family Life Counselor include excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, and an understanding of the unique challenges faced by military families.

They must also be culturally sensitive and have the ability to handle crisis situations effectively.

 

What are the typical duties of a Military Family Life Counselor?

A Military Family Life Counselor provides counseling services to military personnel and their families to help them cope with the stresses of military life.

They offer support in areas such as deployment stress, reintegration and transition to civilian life, grief and loss, and other family issues.

They may also provide workshops and training, and facilitate support groups.

 

What qualities make a good Military Family Life Counselor?

A good Military Family Life Counselor is empathetic, compassionate, and patient.

They should have a deep understanding of the military culture and the unique challenges that military families face.

They should also be good listeners, able to provide guidance and support without judgment.

Flexibility and adaptability are also important, as military families often need to relocate or face unexpected challenges.

 

Do Military Family Life Counselors work on military bases?

Yes, Military Family Life Counselors often work on military bases, providing direct counseling services to service members and their families.

However, they can also work in other settings, such as military hospitals or community centers, or they may provide services remotely.

Some counselors might also travel to provide support during deployments or in crisis situations.

 

Conclusion

So, there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the true essence of being a Military Family Life Counselor.

And you know what?

It’s not just about providing counseling services.

It’s about supporting the strength of our military families, one session at a time.

With our detailed Military Family Life Counselor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to embark on this fulfilling career path.

But why limit yourself?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-crafted listings or polishing your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Each counseling session is a part of the larger support system.

Let’s strengthen that support. Together.

How to Become a Military Family Life Counselor (Complete Guide)

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