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91490 Career Guide

Air Force

91490: Mental Health Service Journeyman

Career transition guide for Air Force Mental Health Service Journeyman (91490)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 91490 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

$65K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Master's degree in Counseling, Psychology, or related fieldState licensure as an LMHC or equivalent

Social Worker

$60K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Master's degree in Social Work (MSW)State licensure (LMSW or LCSW)Clinical experience (depending on state requirements)

Substance Abuse Counselor

$50K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor (e.g., CADC)Knowledge of addiction treatment modalitiesUnderstanding of relevant laws and ethics

Human Resources Specialist

$62K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related fieldSHRM-CP or similar HR certificationKnowledge of employment law

Healthcare Administrator

$75K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Healthcare AdministrationUnderstanding of healthcare regulations and complianceProject management skills

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 91490 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

Constantly monitoring patient behavior and progress, recognizing subtle changes in mental state, and anticipating potential crises like self-harm or aggression.

Maintaining a high level of vigilance, quickly assessing dynamic situations, and understanding the potential implications of subtle cues or changes in the environment.

Rapid Prioritization

Quickly assessing the urgency of patient needs, especially in crisis situations, and determining the order in which to address multiple demands or requests.

Efficiently triaging tasks based on their importance and time sensitivity, particularly when facing competing demands and limited resources.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to strict protocols and regulations when administering psychological tests, documenting patient care, and handling sensitive information to maintain patient confidentiality and legal compliance.

Following established procedures and guidelines with precision and accuracy, ensuring adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Team Synchronization

Collaborating with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement comprehensive treatment plans, ensuring coordinated care and effective communication.

Working effectively within multidisciplinary teams, coordinating efforts, and maintaining open communication to achieve shared goals and optimal outcomes.

After-Action Analysis

Evaluating the effectiveness of treatment plans and mental health programs, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing adjustments based on data and feedback.

Analyzing past performance, identifying lessons learned, and implementing changes to improve future outcomes and operational efficiency.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Corporate Wellness Program Manager

SOC 11-9199.00

You've been managing mental health service activities. You already have experience in planning, coordinating, and implementing health programs. Corporate wellness programs need someone with your understanding of mental health, prevention, and resource management to foster a healthy and productive work environment.

Human Resources Specialist (Employee Relations Focus)

SOC 13-1071.00

You've been interviewing patients, assessing their needs, and providing support. Your skills in conflict resolution, understanding human behavior, and maintaining confidentiality are directly transferable to managing employee relations and resolving workplace issues.

Victim Advocate

SOC 21-1099.00

You've been involved in substance abuse prevention, counseling, and crisis intervention. Your experience in providing support, resources, and advocacy to vulnerable individuals makes you well-suited to assist victims of crime or abuse in navigating the legal and social services systems.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

You've been meticulously following procedures, documenting patient care, and ensuring regulatory compliance in the mental health field. Your attention to detail and commitment to ethical standards are highly valuable in ensuring organizations adhere to laws and regulations in various industries.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Mental Health Service Apprentice Course, Sheppard Air Force Base, TX

672 training hours16 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in behavioral sciences

Topics Covered

  • Basic Counseling Techniques
  • Psychological Testing Administration and Scoring
  • Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
  • Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention
  • Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention
  • Patient Documentation and Record Keeping
  • Mental Health Service Administration and Resource Management

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)60% covered

Specific state requirements for supervised clinical hours and passing the IC&RC exam.

Certified Mental Health Technician (CMHT)70% covered

May need to demonstrate specific competencies through work experience or additional training modules.

Recommended Next Certifications

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW)Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)Master of Social Work (MSW)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA)Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems like Epic or Cerner
Composite Health Care System (CHCS)Hospital information systems (HIS)
Mental Health Assessment Tools (e.g., PCL-5, GAD-7, PHQ-9)Standardized psychological testing platforms and tools
Air Force Drug Testing Program Information Management SystemLaboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) with chain of custody tracking
Aeromedical Evacuation (AE) Patient Tracking SystemsEmergency medical transport patient management software
Family Advocacy Program (FAP) databaseCase management software for social services, such as Efforts to Outcomes (ETO)

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