“It was a personal journey.” One member’s path to becoming a Social Work Officer

September 14, 2026 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 2:05

By: Jessica Jagodics, Junior Communications Officer, Total Force Attraction, Canadian Forces Health Services

In 2004, Captain Mathieu Filion began his Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) career in the infantry. Through the CAF, and with the help of the Subsidized Education for Entry Level Masters (SEELM) program, he later had the opportunity to pursue a new profession and transition into the Social Work Officer occupation, combining his military experience with a passion for helping others.

“The best part is really seeing someone getting better and that ‘thank you’ for helping them. You’re happy for that person and you feel like you made a difference,” Captain Filion said.

In their day-to-day work, Social Work Officers provide services to support the morale, efficiency, and mental health of CAF members. Their primary duties include developing and delivering preventative and rehabilitative programs, helping CAF members navigate difficult personal situations, and providing counselling and other clinical services.

Captain Filion said sharing his own experiences helps him connect with patients on a personal level.

“Sometimes I use examples from my own life. Patients come in with struggles that can make them feel very alone. Often, they keep it to themselves. I try to help by sharing that I’ve faced similar challenges and that others have as well,” Captain Filion said.

Captain Filion finds the career most rewarding when he sees his patients making positive changes in their lives.

“It’s most memorable when, after a couple of sessions, the patient says, ‘I really appreciate the time we spent together and I’m leaving better now,’” he explained.

Captain Filion said it’s a privilege to earn patients’ trust and work in an office where “the hierarchy falls off and you have that human being in front of you.”

“People are opening up with things they don’t say to anybody. It’s their secret world, and I feel privileged to have that information,” he noted.

As he worked towards becoming a Social Work Officer, the financial support he received from the SEELM program was key to making the career transition possible.

Captain Filion said SEELM creates new opportunities for serving members while helping the CAF recruit and retain personnel.

“There’s opportunity to change trades as you go, to keep your salary, and you don’t start back [at the beginning],” Captain Filion noted.

To be eligible for SEELM, an individual must hold a Bachelor of Social Work degree, a current unrestricted license to practice, a letter of good standing, and be unconditionally accepted into a recognized Canadian Master of Social Work program.

“When you ask yourself what’s important for yourself as a human being, it can help you to choose a path; this is what led me to social work.”

Curious about whether the Social Work Officer occupation is for you? Visit the CAF Social Work Officer occupation webpage or contact HSRecruiting-RecrutementSS@forces.gc.ca to learn more. You may also be eligible for subsidized education through SEELM. Applications must be submitted to your local Base Personnel Selection Office by October 9, 2026.