Posted on Jan 6, 2020
Are there legal ramifications with having LCSW in my signature block when I am not working in the role of a social worker?
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I am an E-6 but also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am currently a squad leader at a Warrior Transition Battalion. My signature block has LCSW after my name to represent my credentials. However, I was told that I need to remove it because I am not working in the role of a social worker. My credentials are earned and whether or not I am in uniform I am still an LCSW. I am licensed and I have a Master's Degree in Social Work. By the way, I will be commissioned as a 73A pending board approval. Are there legal ramifications with having LCSW in my signature block? What are your thoughts?
Edited 5 y ago
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 6
AR25-50 says no. Para 6-4, note 6-8 and the one time it is allowed, and Appendix D.
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SSG (Join to see)
Thank you sir. I was informed today after having the same signature block for 7 months that I must remove my credential. A civilian, GS employee, was also informed that she needs to remove PhD after her name...an earned degree. I was told it "has to do with legal"...which I don't understand because legally I am a licensed clinical social worker. I wear multiple hats but I certainly understand my current role as squad leader and never overstep my boundaries.
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LTC Jason Mackay
SSG (Join to see) I’m a retired guy, no dog in the fight. Just relaying what the regulation says. You should not be any less proud of your accomplishment or the lives you improve.
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SSG W Mc thanks for working at the WTB. Where are you stationed? How is life as a SL for soldiers going through MEBOARD process? Do you think there can be ways to improve the process and what are the challenges you experience from screening to a battle handover to the VA for the soldiers?
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SSG (Join to see)
As a squad leader at a WTB we receive additional training (3 weeks at Ft. Sam) to broaden our understanding of working with a vulnerable population....lots of empathy and practice with being non-judgmental. Our population has a combination of behavioral health and complex medical Service Members. Some will return to duty while others end up going through the med board. However, upon entry until designated otherwise EVERYONE will return to duty. Squad leaders work with a care team that consists of primary care provider, nurse case managers, social workers, etc. Personally, I love it! I am a reservist on active duty orders. I volunteered on Tour of Duty and was interviewed by a panel prior to coming onboard. I'm not familiar with the screening process...not my lane. Our soldiers are assigned a VA Liason…also included in the Triad of Care. There is always a warm hand-off to the VA. I've never had a soldier leave us without the necessary resources. The time a Service Member spends with us is critical. We help them from initial entry until their final out date in the army. Yes there are always room for improvement...the med board takes forever. The process can take 6 months to over a year. I've had soldiers at the WTB for over 2 years. Also, screening for cadre...particularly active duty. AD cadre are transferred from branch. They are not interviewed and some are "volun-told" which reflects how they treat soldiers in transition. Since cadre MOS are 00G we can have a variety of cadre from field artillery to mechanics. Reservists and Guard must apply and are interviwed...so you know who you're getting. I wish it was like that across the board.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
Thank you for your response and thank your for taking care of the troops. It is quite rewarding to change peoples lives for the better. I was in the Ft Riley and Ft Campbell WTBs as a soldier med boarding. Most of the folks working there were nice. However I have encountered some real jackasses. I wondered why they behaved that way and concluded some folks who perceive they have power over other folks might treat them ill.
This blew me away as I have treated all soldiers in my 20 years with dignity and respect.
This blew me away as I have treated all soldiers in my 20 years with dignity and respect.
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