A 360 View of the Spouse Employment Environment

This interactive, 90-minute course is designed to help military and civilian service providers level up in their roles, strengthen systems awareness, and approach spouse employment work with clarity, confidence, and a strengths-based mindset.

This course is an applied, interactive learning opportunity providing a foundation for military and civilian service providers. Participants will gain a clear understanding of who military spouses are and the barriers that impact career continuity — including relocation cycles, licensure portability, childcare access, and policy considerations.

With that foundation in place, participants will build a practical toolkit for identifying spouse needs, responding with a strengths-based approach, and making informed referrals that improve employment stability and long-term career outcomes.

Estimated time to complete: 90 minutes

Learning Objectives

After engaging in this course, learners will be able to:

• Identify common barriers that military spouses face when seeking and maintaining employment.
• Describe employer policies and workplace actions that can promote spouse employment, hiring, and retention.
• Recognize prominent policies that influence military spouse employment and address common misconceptions.
• Summarize key Department of War and civilian programs that support military spouse employment.
• Connect military spouses experiencing unemployment or underemployment to appropriate support services.

Chengfei Jiao serves as a Postdoctoral Scholar for OneOp and in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at East Carolina University. She will begin her position as an Assistant Professor at Lamar University in August 2026. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology (Honours) and Organizational Psychology from the University of Cape Town (South Africa), a Master of Arts in Child and Family Education from the Education University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong SAR), and a doctorate in Human Development and Family Science from Florida State University (USA). Her research focuses on interpersonal relationships and relational well-being among young adults and couples across various social contexts.

Kayla Reed-Fitzke serves as the Primary Investigator of the Spouse Employment Collaboration team with OneOp and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at East Carolina University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science from Virginia Tech, a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Kentucky, and a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Florida State University. Her research centers on promoting health and well-being among military families, with a focus on translating research to real-world practical tools practitioners can use in support of their work with military families.

Kim Smith serves as the Spouse Employment Program Coordinator with OneOp and is a Research Associate in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at East Carolina University. With more than 25 years of experience in higher education, she has devoted her career to supporting individuals in their academic and professional growth. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Education and a Master of Science in Technology Management, leveraging this foundation to connect education and innovation in ways that create meaningful opportunities for students and professionals. Kim designs professional development for those serving military families and brings extensive experience supporting service members and their families through research, innovation, and a strong commitment to access and opportunity.

The authors would like to give special thanks to Josie Beets, Abby Keeler, Kristy Kibler, and Jenny Rea for their contributions to the development of this course.

Jennifer Chilek, M.Ed., is an instructional designer and online course developer with more than 20 years of experience creating accessible, learner-centered online education for higher education, outreach, and professional development audiences. Jen has developed and taught online courses for LoneStar Community College and Colorado State University Global and has created digital learning content for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, OneOp, Texas A&M School of Law, and other academic and nonprofit initiatives. Her work focuses on transforming complex subject matter into engaging digital learning experiences that support practical application, meaningful learner engagement, and real-world impact.

Molly Herndon is the Director of Programming for OneOp. Since 2011, she has shaped innovative programming. She advances OneOp’s mission by leading the annual Academy. She holds degrees from Appalachian State University and North Carolina State University.

This course has been approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits for many different professionals accredited through the credentialing agencies listed below.

• Certified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close June 11, 2028.
• Board Certified Patient Advocates (BCPA): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) contact hours by The Patient Advocate Certification Board. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close June 11, 2028.
• Board Certified Case Managers: This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) clock hours from the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close June 11, 2027.
• Certified Family Life Educators (CFLE): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close June 11, 2029.
• Human Resource Professionals: This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close July 31, 2028.
• Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists: This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. Check with your state licensing agency for reciprocity and/or credit approval if licensed for other professions or in one of the following states: CO, FL, HI, IA, KS, KY, MI, NY, ND, OH, OK. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close June 11, 2028.
• Certificates of Attendance: OneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.

Further details on requirements for obtaining continuing education credits or a certificate of completion are available at the conclusion of the course. For help with the continuing education process, please email ce@oneop.org

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