How to Be Military Family Life Counselor (Chaplain) - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 30, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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When family members of military personnel are faced with the stress of deployments and other military-related issues, the quality of family life can be greatly impacted. This can lead to a variety of problems such as communication difficulties, unresolved conflicts, and even depression. To help mitigate these issues, many branches of the military offer Family Life Counselors (Chaplains).

These counselors provide specialized counseling, support, and advice to military families in order to help them cope with the unique challenges of military life. They work to identify potential issues before they become unmanageable and provide resources that can help families manage their stress levels. Through their support, military families are better able to cope with the emotional, physical, and spiritual demands of military life.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. This is typically required to become a chaplain, as it will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively counsel individuals and families on a variety of issues.
Achieve state licensure or certification, if applicable. Depending on the state in which you practice, you may need to be licensed or certified to be a chaplain. Check with your state's licensing board for specific requirements.
Become ordained as a minister, priest, or rabbi. Most chaplain positions require some form of religious affiliation.
Obtain a Master's degree in counseling or a related field. Many chaplain positions require this higher level of education to serve in the role.
Gain experience in counseling or related fields before applying for a chaplain position. Many organizations prefer that applicants have at least one year of experience in a counseling or related field.
Apply for a position as a Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC). These positions are offered through the Department of Defense and provide counseling services to military families.
Obtain additional training in the military lifestyle and culture. The Department of Defense provides training programs specifically designed for MFLCs that cover topics such as PTSD, grief and family dynamics in the military.
Complete any additional certifications or qualifications that may be required by your organization or state. Some organizations may require chaplains to complete additional training or certifications in order to serve in the role.

As a Military Family Life Counselor (Chaplain), it is essential to stay ahead and qualified in order to provide the highest quality of care for those in need. Attending professional development workshops and conferences, staying up-to-date on the latest research and best practices, as well as engaging in continuing education are all important ways to remain ahead of the curve. Additionally, participating in clinical supervision, obtaining certifications, and developing specialized skills can help to further enhance qualifications and make a chaplain more desirable to potential employers or clients. By staying current and proficient in the field, chaplains can ensure that they are providing the best care possible for the people they serve.

You may want to check Military Deployment Support Services (Chaplain), Oncology Chaplain, and Hospital Chaplain for alternative.

Job Description

Provide spiritual and emotional support to military service members and their families.
Conduct individual and group counseling for military families.
Develop and implement programs and activities to address the needs of military families.
Provide crisis intervention to military families in a timely manner.
Maintain close working relationships with chaplaincy staff and other service providers to ensure appropriate referrals and services are provided.
Collaborate with leadership and commanders to identify and address the needs of military families.
Conduct research and develop resources regarding military family life issues.
Develop and lead workshops, seminars, and retreats to enhance the resilience of military families.
Facilitate support groups for military families including those dealing with deployments, separations, transitions, and grief.
Assist with the planning and implementation of memorial services.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of family counseling theories and techniques.
Knowledge of military culture and related challenges.
Ability to establish and maintain effective communication with individuals, families, and groups in a counseling setting.
Ability to evaluate and assess individual, marital, and family functioning.
Knowledge of the ethical principles of professional counseling.
Ability to provide crisis management and intervention services.
Knowledge of the psychological and psychosocial aspects of military life.
Knowledge of relevant spiritual, religious, and moral beliefs and practices.
Ability to facilitate group counseling sessions.
Ability to develop and implement appropriate treatment plans.
Ability to provide consultation and assessment services to individuals, families, and groups in a counseling setting.
Skill in working with specialized populations, such as returning veterans or their families.
Ability to identify and refer individuals to appropriate resources and services.
Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and policies related to military family life counseling services.

The most important skill for a Family Life Counselor (Chaplain) to have is the ability to listen and understand. By listening to the stories of military families and understanding the unique challenges they face, the chaplain can provide valuable support, advice, and guidance to help them cope with difficult circumstances. The ability to be nonjudgmental and to offer empathy and understanding is essential in creating a safe and supportive environment for military families.

Good communication skills are also important for helping families express their feelings and worries, and for providing solutions to their problems. Finally, the chaplain must be knowledgeable about available resources and be able to refer families to professionals and organizations that can provide additional support.

Community Outreach Chaplain, Chaplain Coordinator, and Prison Chaplain are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a Military Family Life Counselor (Chaplain)?
How would you describe your counseling style?
What experience do you have working with military families?
How do you build trust and rapport with your clients?
How do you handle challenging situations when dealing with clients?
What strategies do you use to help clients overcome personal struggles and challenges?
How do you help family members cope with the stress of deployment?
What techniques do you use to provide spiritual counseling to military families?
How do you ensure confidentiality of client information?
How do you ensure your clients are receiving the best possible care and support?

Common Tools in Industry

Crisis Intervention Training. Training for counselors on how to effectively manage and support individuals in crisis situations. (eg: Suicide Prevention Training)
Empathy Development. Techniques and exercises to help counselors develop their capacity to empathize with those they work with. (eg: Role-Playing)
Cultural Competency. Understanding of and sensitivity to the values and beliefs of different cultures. (eg: Attending Cultural Events)
Conflict Resolution. Skills and strategies for helping people resolve disputes and reach a mutually acceptable agreement. (eg: Mediation)
Trauma-Informed Care. Skills and techniques for providing safe, respectful, and informed care to individuals who have experienced trauma. (eg: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Grief Counseling. Techniques and strategies for helping individuals cope with loss and grief. (eg: Guided Imagery)
Stress Management. Tools for helping individuals manage stress levels and build resilience. (eg: Relaxation Exercises)
Mental Health Support. Strategies for addressing mental health issues and supporting individuals in recovery. (eg: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Christian Counselors
National Association of Catholic Chaplains
National Association of Jewish Chaplains
Association of Professional Chaplains
Association of Clinical Pastoral Education
Association of Military Chaplains
Society of Military Psychologists
International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors
Society for the Study of Peace, Conflict, and Violence
American Counseling Association

We also have Chaplain Supervisor, Spiritual Care Chaplain, and Aviation Support Services Chaplain jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Military Family Support. This is an umbrella term for the various programs and services provided to military families to help them cope with the unique challenges of being part of a military lifestyle. These services may include counseling, financial advice, and community outreach.
Chaplaincy. The practice of providing spiritual guidance and support to members of the military, their families, and their communities. Chaplains are trained to provide pastoral care, crisis intervention, and grief counseling.
Military Counseling. A type of counseling that is tailored to the unique needs of military personnel, their families, and veterans. Counselors work with clients to address issues related to deployment, transition, reintegration, and other related topics.
Mental Health Care. The provision of mental health services and treatments to individuals struggling with mental illness, psychological distress, and other related issues. Mental health care can include psychotherapy, medication management, and other evidence-based treatments.
Crisis Intervention. The provision of immediate assistance and support to individuals experiencing a traumatic event or crisis. Crisis interventions are designed to help individuals stabilize and manage their emotions in order to move forward.
Grief Counseling. The provision of counseling and support to individuals who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Grief counseling utilizes a variety of techniques to help individuals process their emotions and cope with their loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC)?

A Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC) is a licensed clinical counselor who provides non-medical, short-term, solution-focused counseling to service members and their families.

What services does an MFLC provide?

An MFLC provides counseling services for a wide range of issues, including relationship issues, stress management, grief, deployment-related issues, parenting, anger management, and problem solving.