Working Overseas Job Opportunity Job Eligibility

Looking for a Social Work Job in Europe?

Job Eligibility:

The government system and where you fall in terms of priority.

The chances of getting a job as a civilian, or non-uniformed government social worker, usually depends upon your status in the following government priority systems:

1. Current employment with the federal government as a career social worker gives an applicant first priority.
2. Status as a command sponsored family member to a uniformed soldier, with the necessary professional qualifications, takes next priority.
3. Veterans or military retirees with an ID card and a Status of Forces (SOFA) stamp are next in line.
4. Licensed U.S. social workers applying stateside, with prior experience in a contract or military jobs are next most likely applicants. Tourists” status or U.S. citizens already in Europe but without any involvement with the military rank last.
5. This status has the least priority and is a long shot today.

For more information on the U.S. Army Europe’s ranking, rating and eligibility, see item #2 below specific resources.

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INTRODUCTION

NASW International Chapter frequently receives inquiries from Stateside members and others who ask: “How do I find a social work in Europe?”

Time was (up to the mid-1980’s) when the Chapter could recommend several vacancies.  “Social Worker” was once considered a “hard-to-fill” job title, by the Civilian Personnel Office (CPO) , the government department responsible for filling most GS-rated overseas openings.  Then chiefs of Social Work Service units were personally combing civil service lists to recruit eligible applicants.

Times do change!

With the end of the Cold War came the “draw down”, a term that refers to the “down-sizing” or closing of many military bases all over Europe.

Many GS-social worker positions were eliminated during this action.  However, the subsequent growth of “privatization” (the contracting-out of jobs formerly performed directly by uniformed or GS-civilian social workers) did recover some positions. 

Often, these contractors announce their vacancies in the national NASW News, a membership benefit to NASW members.  In most cases, licensed social workers may apply whilst in the States.

A small number of civilians, government jobs come open from time-to-time through attribution, reorganization, or the civil service regulation requiring that non-military workers to rotate out of overseas assignments after five years.

Keep in mind the following about these jobs:

• American social workers employed overseas almost without exceptions work in some way for the US government in either civil service or contract positions.

• All military and contract agencies require applicants for clinical jobs to be licensed in the States and to retain that license at their own expenses.

A recent development affecting contact social workers in Europe is the potential liability for being required by the host nation to have:

• A work permit,

• Pay income and social taxes,

• A local driver’s license.

Be sure to ask if those criteria apply when you interview prospective employers.

Most social work jobs are within the military's’ “Family Advocacy Program (FAP).”  The program is usually administrated with two separate emphases:

Primary domestic violence prevention education operated by a Army Community Service agency or a Family Support Center (Air Force) and

Clinical treatment.

Clinical treatment is directed by a uniformed military Chief of Social Work Services at a military hospital or clinic. Clinical workers should have solid clinical experience in family violence and must have a state license.

Each military service (Army, Navy, Air Force) operates its own CPO, which is under the governments’ office of Management and Budget in the States.  You must access each service for information on specific openings.  Contractors manage their own application process.

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Specific Resources - A small number of social workers have found alternative employment outside of the governmental systems described above.

• Several have established a successful private practice limited to Americans and have been admitted to insurance panels such as the new military Tricare system.
• Others who have found positions with host-nation agencies are usually fluent in the local language and have obtained a work permit.  Very high unemployment in Europe, however, has made obtaining such work extremely difficult.
• From time-to-time, there are openings as academic instructors with extensions of American universities and colleges serving military communities in Europe.
Below are some sources of information about possible openings. Most jobs have closing dates, and it is essential to obtain current listings directly from potential employers. NASW JOBLINK

NASW JOBLINK at www.socialworkers.org and browse among employers recruiting for overseas vacancies. Call 1-303-221-4970 for more information.

CIVILIAN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Information online on jobs with US Army Europe: Http://chrma.hqusareur.army.mil

To obtain a resume kit and automated ranking go: Http://chrma.hqusareur.army.mil

CHOCTAW MANAGEMENT SERVICES ENTERPRISE:
A contractor providing family advocacy services to the US Army in Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and Belgium.  Email resume to: Jayne J. Hart, Program Manager, Dept. of the Army Europe Regional Medical Command, +49 6221 17 3308/3309, jayne.hart@hbg.amedd.army.mil, CMR 442 Box 26 APO AE, 09042, or call US recruiter toll free number 1-877-267-3728

US ARMY ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE COUNSELING SERVICES (ASACS) PROGRAM 

ASACS provides counseling services to US military families stationed in Europe. This is a comprehensive school-based adolescent program that encompasses identification and referral, prevention and education, and  outpatient treatment. ASACS is managed by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). Inquiries  about positions in Europe may be forwarded to:  hsdhealthjobs@saic.com  Along with your inquiry, please forward a cover letter and resume. To learn more about the program please visit the program website at www.asacs.org.  You may also contact the Heidelberg office by telephone at 06221-57-7860