Officers of the PSEL provide behavioural science services to enable the Canadian Forces (CF) to effectively assess, acquire, integrate, and maintain personnel for operational and support roles.

The primary tasks of a personnel selection officer (PSO) require the application of professional behavioural science knowledge and procedures in the assessment of people and human factors that affect working relationships.

PSOs assist CF members with their professional development, accreditation and transition to civilian life, and provide second-career assistance in the form of workshops and counselling to CF members transitioning to a second career.

They train and monitor PSOs and military career counsellors (MCCs) in the use of interview, personnel assessment and counselling techniques, either at a base or in recruiting centres.

They manage and administer military personnel resettlement programs such as the Second Career Assistance Network (SCAN) at NDHQ, command headquarters (CHQs), formations and bases.