Photo credit: Justin Jenniges
Military Veteran Justin Jenniges is turning his lived experience into impact through the USC Master of Social Work (MSW) program, a CSWE-accredited online MSW program designed to prepare students for clinical practice and provide a pathway to social work licensure. After completing two Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) deployments, Jenniges experienced firsthand how social workers within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) support Veterans in navigating mental health, recovery, and reintegration.
Now completing his MSW practicum placement at the St. Cloud VA Health Care System, Jenniges is gaining hands-on experience in trauma-informed care, substance use treatment, and interdisciplinary collaboration. In this interview, he shares how USC’s flexible online MSW program for working professionals has supported his transition into a career in social work and his goal of serving fellow Veterans at both the individual and systems level.
What drew you to the social work profession and how did your experience as a Veteran impact your decision to pursue a MSW degree?
What drew me to social work is multifaceted. My interactions with social workers, especially within the VA, consistently left an impression on me. They carried themselves with both competence and compassion, and I found myself thinking: that’s the kind of professional I’d like to become.
As a Veteran with two OIF deployments, I wanted the option to work with someone who shared that lived experience. I understand many of the challenges Veterans face when seeking support, and I wanted to offer that same level of understanding to others navigating recovery, reintegration, and mental health challenges.
Around the same time, my son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). I wanted to grow into a more informed and present father, and pursuing the MSW has shaped not only how I show up professionally, but also how I show up at home.
While working full-time with the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System as a Program Support Assistant in Care in the Community, I gained insight into how the VA system functions and coordinates care with community providers. That experience strengthened my desire to serve Veterans in a more direct clinical capacity. Social work felt like the most meaningful way to do that. My long-term goal is to continue serving within the VA system in a clinical role, supporting Veterans at both the individual and systems levels.
Why did you choose USC’s online MSW program?
A professional connection at the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System recommended USC’s program to me. She knew another Veteran who had graduated from it and spoke highly of both the experience and the clinical preparation it provides. That trusted feedback, combined with USC’s reputation, made the decision straightforward.
How has what you learned in the MSW program helped your career development?
I stepped away from full-time employment to focus fully on my education and practicum. I’m currently placed at the St. Cloud VA Health Care System in the Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP).
What I’ve learned through USC’s online MSW program has been directly applicable in real time. It’s often striking how closely course material aligns with the clinical situations I encounter—whether it’s assessment, intervention, or supporting Veterans with complex, co-occurring substance use and mental health concerns.
Can you tell us about your practicum experience and how your placement has prepared you for clinical social work with Veterans?
I feel incredibly fortunate to be placed in the RRTP at the St. Cloud VA Health Care System. It’s a well-structured residential program that provides broad exposure across the continuum of care.
In the RRTP, I’ve facilitated individual and group therapy, including CBT-based groups for substance use and PTSD symptom management, as well as Motivational Interviewing groups aligned with the Stages of Change model. I’ve also participated in assessments and case management while working with Veterans experiencing complex co-occurring conditions.
Photo credit: Justin Jenniges
The placement has offered additional exposure to other VA services, including acute inpatient units, PACT, HUD-VASH, and Veterans Justice Outreach. I observed interdisciplinary teams in higher-acuity acute settings and accompanied Veterans Justice Outreach to Veterans Court, which highlighted how clinical, legal, and community systems intersect to support Veterans.
One of the most valuable aspects has been collaborating with an interdisciplinary team—social work, psychology, psychiatry, nursing, and peer support. Working together every day has shown me how important coordination is when supporting Veterans with complex needs. It’s also helped me become more confident in how I contribute within a team. I’ve observed evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and EMDR, and benefited greatly from mentorship by experienced social workers.
Throughout the process, USC faculty and field education professionals have been highly supportive, helping me reflect on experiences and grow clinically and professionally. My cohort has provided valuable perspective on complex cases as well.
What are some of your favorite experiences and/or things you’ve learned from your online courses?
One experience that stands out was working with a standardized patient (professional actor) while practicing clinical skills. It created a realistic bridge between theory and practice.
I’ve also really valued learning evidence-based interventions, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which has been engaging and immediately applicable in my work with Veterans.
As an online MSW student, how do you connect with other students and professors?
Connection in the online program is flexible and largely student-driven. For me, it’s been a mix of group texts, email chains, and Zoom meetings—whatever works best for the group.
Professors have been accessible and responsive, and as long as you’re willing to engage, there are plenty of opportunities to build meaningful relationships.
What evidence-based practices are you excited about that are shaping the future of clinical social work?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) stands out to me. Seeing its impact on trauma work has been powerful, and I plan to pursue EMDRIA-approved training after completing my degree. I’ve also been drawn to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), particularly in working with neurodivergent populations.
At the same time, I believe it’s important to build a broad clinical toolkit. Modalities like CBT, ACT, and EMDR each offer something unique, and effective social work means staying adaptable—meeting clients where they are and using what best fits their needs.
What is one piece of advice you would share with prospective students?
Start thinking about your practicum early. Be intentional about networking, asking questions, and identifying what a good fit looks like for you. That process can make a significant difference – not just in securing a placement, but in shaping your clinical identity and career path.
Learn more about USC’s CSWE-accredited Online Master of Social Work program and practicum education.