Impacts of Military Service on First Responder Behavioral Health

Estimated watch time: 1 hr 36 minutes

Presentation Materials:

Molly Jones, LSW

Clinical Education Coordinator for Advanced Recovery Systems

Molly Jones, LSW is a Clinical Education Coordinator for Advanced Recovery Systems. In this role, Molly is responsible for providing clinical education and training to various client populations, treatment providers, and other behavioral health stakeholders across the country. Molly provides in-person, virtual, and on-demand behavioral health education and is able to cover a wide variety of topics under the behavioral healthcare umbrella.

Molly is a Licensed Social Worker in the State of Colorado and based out of Denver, Colorado. Prior to joining the ARS Community Outreach Team in August 2019, Molly worked in a variety of social work settings. She has worked in direct practice, counseling older adults, adolescents, high acuity clients, and other populations struggling with various mental health and substance abuse related issues, as well as a Permanency Planning Worker for the Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Division in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Molly has worked in the field of Social Work since 2013, and holds the philosophy that all individuals, with proper support and awareness, possess the ability to learn, change, and grow to achieve the highest quality of life and sense of self possible.

Molly earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Family Life Education with a focus on Gerontology from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Oklahoma. In her time with Advanced Recovery Systems, Molly has primarily worked with first responders and their families, as well as the International Association of Fire Fighters and various municipalities across North America. Molly is the Peer Team Clinician for the IAFF’s 9th District Peer Support Team, has been featured in news publications and mental health podcasts, and provided clinical oversight to local non-profits in Colorado.

Marc Rattigan

IAFF COE Executive Director

As the executive director of the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery, Marc Rattigan promotes positive team interactions to support exceptional patient care for IAFF Members. Marc comes from a long line of firefighters, including his father, uncle, and grandfather. A combat veteran with 21 years of service in the United States Army, Marc values teamwork and dedication to help people who are struggling with behavioral health and addiction.

 

Mike Jefferson

Local 76 Union President- Somerville and Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts

Objectives and Summary:

This training will highlight the convergence of veterans in the first responder community and the impact on behavioral health. Many first responders have previous military backgrounds and can even be considered preferred hires among municipal employers. While this experience can be very beneficial to the new responder, potential past exposure to trauma may also pose future challenges. This traning is intended to explore the ways in which a previous military career is a protective and risk factor for various behavioral health challenges among those in other first responder professions. Molly Jones, LSW will be joined by IAFF Center of Excellence Executive Director and U.S. Army veteran, Marc Rattigan, and Rt. Marine Sergeant/Infantry Squad Leader and Somerville, MA fire fighter, Mike Jefferson to share their insight. 

Objectives: 

  • Discuss the prevelance of first responders with previous military experience
  • Identify the ways in which these men and women may be better preformed and at risk for experiencing behavioral health challenges
  • Discuss best practices for military personnel to prepare for a first responder role and identify ways these men and women can best care for themselves after starting a career in public safety 

Presentation Materials:

Molly Jones, LSW

Clinical Education Coordinator for Advanced Recovery Systems

Molly Jones, LSW is a Clinical Education Coordinator for Advanced Recovery Systems. In this role, Molly is responsible for providing clinical education and training to various client populations, treatment providers, and other behavioral health stakeholders across the country. Molly provides in-person, virtual, and on-demand behavioral health education and is able to cover a wide variety of topics under the behavioral healthcare umbrella.

Molly is a Licensed Social Worker in the State of Colorado and based out of Denver, Colorado. Prior to joining the ARS Community Outreach Team in August 2019, Molly worked in a variety of social work settings. She has worked in direct practice, counseling older adults, adolescents, high acuity clients, and other populations struggling with various mental health and substance abuse related issues, as well as a Permanency Planning Worker for the Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Division in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Molly has worked in the field of Social Work since 2013, and holds the philosophy that all individuals, with proper support and awareness, possess the ability to learn, change, and grow to achieve the highest quality of life and sense of self possible.

Molly earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Family Life Education with a focus on Gerontology from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Oklahoma. In her time with Advanced Recovery Systems, Molly has primarily worked with first responders and their families, as well as the International Association of Fire Fighters and various municipalities across North America. Molly is the Peer Team Clinician for the IAFF’s 9th District Peer Support Team, has been featured in news publications and mental health podcasts, and provided clinical oversight to local non-profits in Colorado.

Marc Rattigan

IAFF COE Executive Director

As the executive director of the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery, Marc Rattigan promotes positive team interactions to support exceptional patient care for IAFF Members. Marc comes from a long line of firefighters, including his father, uncle, and grandfather. A combat veteran with 21 years of service in the United States Army, Marc values teamwork and dedication to help people who are struggling with behavioral health and addiction.

 

Mike Jefferson

Local 76 Union President- Somerville and Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts