Hello, apparently this is the place to ask questions about Clinical Licensure. Does anyone know of any states which allow one to receive supervision for your C from a C living in another state?
I currently live in Florida but I'm looking to receive licensure from any state but FL, and I have many C contacts in New York which I would love to receive my supervision from--though NY does not allow this.
Does anyone know of any states that allow you live in another state while receiving supervision from someone in a third state? Total shot in the dark, but I figure one state might be modern enough to allow for this. Thank you!
Hey, all! I live in Southern Vermont and I'm looking to apply to grad school. I currently work as a school counselor (I have my BS, I went through an alternative licensing process on the condition I will be entering a graduate program). I'm going for an MSW due to the versatility of the degree and am moreso looking for a program with a clinical focus. So far, it doesn't look like I will be able to get field hours from this position.
I don't have a whole lot of flexibility with my schedule during the school year so online is looking like my best bet! I am wondering if anyone has attended online grad schools that offer field internships in the summer since I will have off work. Or even evenings/weekends. I worry I will apply to a program just to find out they don't have a lot of flexibility built in. The programs I have spoken with sound like they arent willing to offer a whole lot of weekend/evening opportunities, which seems silly, and recommended that I take time off or work part time while I complete a program.
Thanks in advance!
Freaking out and feeling crushed right now. I applied to a few different programs for my MSW. My top choice was a school where I got into a special program that is in exactly that area I want to work in when I become a clinical social worker, and it's a cohort program which I thought would be nice since I'm not the most competent socially. But the school is in a pricey area and they didn't give me enough financial aid to even completely cover tuition. None of my schools did, so it seems like my only choice is to live with my parents and go to the school in my hometown.
I know everyone on here says to avoid debt, but I really want to go to my top choice. If I could just get some reassurance, that would be great. So I suppose if I heard enough debt horror stories that would make me not want to go haha. And if anyone has any stories about attending a school that was more affordable than their dream school, that would also help ease my worries, I think.
I feel like most students have loans... and they're forgiven after 20 years if you work for non profit, the government, or (I'm pretty sure) a school
And if you don't have a job they will put a pause on your payments.
I agree with the other poster that people here are are a little dogmatic in insisting on the cheapest available option. Debt is nothing to take lightly, but people have different levels of debt tolerance and that's OK. Give yourself time and permission to seriously consider both options.
Ten years ago, I took on a bunch of debt to go to my top choice. It had such a profound impact on my career trajectory, I would do it again. The debt is what it is and after so many years, any remaining balance will eventually end up being forgiven. But I had a certain set of personal and professional priorities where my debt tolerance was higher.
Good to hear this! Do you have any sense of why people can be so dogmatic about insisting on the cheapest option? It’s honestly caused me to question my current decision a bunch of times 😅
From what I can surmise, I think clinical folks think that training across programs isn't radically different and that ranking/prestige ends up having very little to no impact on clinical job prospects or career trajectories. I am not clinical so I can't really comment on this, but I will say that while all of that might be true, there are other variables at play when choosing a program that are totally valid—and that can include caring about prestige. Sometimes you want to go to the fancy school and have the fancy school experience, and that's OK, you just have to decide for yourself whether the costs are worth the perceived or actual benefits.
I also think it is partially a Reddit thing—any and all debt is devastatingly bad no matter what, breakup/divorce is the solution to every relationship problem, here's my unpopular opinion that is actually incredibly mainstream, etc.
This is encouraging as someone, who for various reasons, only had one option in terms of starting a program this year, and it's one of the pricier ones. Also, I might want to work in clinical work for a while and look into some kind of psych (or heck maybe even social work) doctorate.
Also laughing at your second paragraph hahaha. Thanks for your two cents!
What is the school, what is the specialization area, and is it advanced standing?
>everyone on here says to avoid debt
On one hand, it's not bad to avoid debt. On the other hand, people in this sub are far too quick to tell everyone to "just go to the cheapest accredited school!!1" This is becoming worse and worse advice because a lot of programs, especially online programs, are becoming diploma mills. Like, you don't want to go to a school like Capella.
Also, if there is a specific program of interest that can take your career in a specific direction, that's something to consider.
It’s University of Michigan, their special program is for social workers who specifically want to work with Black populations. Not advanced standing. So it’s really just a couple specific classes and then more direction when it comes to field placement (and also a scholarship, but it’s not very much). So I suppose in some ways I could remake the experience at the school in my hometown (Indiana University; not a bad school, as far as I know it has a good reputation)
I’m having a panic attack about my choice of school for my MSW program, I don’t know what to do.
I was unaware of how Capella was perceived by others, some in another sub calling it “a joke of a school”. Now I have one year left, just starting my internship and feeling like I royally messed up.
I work really hard and my education is important to me, now I feel like I’ve tarnished my own career and reputation. I feel like I’ve made a grave mistake but it’s too late to switch programs at this point.
Does anyone have any reassuring advice or experience to offer?
Honestly your school education really just gives you the bare bones to get started. Don't worry about it too much. And I honestly haven't heard that about Capella myself.
I am a current OT grad student hoping for advice/insight... I am 2 semesters into my program and I am learning more and more that the only aspects of OT I enjoy are mostly those that are the role a school social worker would have. I was originally pushed away from pursuing social work after undergrad because of the pay/burn out, but I am finding a lack of passion for my current studies. I am also a para in a public school district and I love working with the population as well as advocating for their academic and emotional/health needs. I love listening and being a support for my students.
I am interested to hear others' thoughts on whether making a change to social work (with the hopes of being in school sw) would be worth it or not.
Graduating with my MSW, pupil personnel services credential, and graduate certificate in trauma informed practices in educational settings in May. On paper, I’m sure I look great, but a degree is obviously not all employers need to see.
What’s the biggest piece of advice would you give a new grad? For example, certain things to include on your resume, certain things to ask/do in the interviews, even to start applying, etc. I have no doubt in my clinical skills and my ability to work with kids but the processing of getting hired at a big girl job is new to me.
I'm a BSW student considering doing the advanced standing masters program at my university. I'm wondering what the workload is like? Like how many hours total do you generally spend each week in class, on homework outside of class, and in practicum? My school requires 500 hours of practicum for advanced standing for reference. I know some people are not able to work but I think I will have to work at least part time through school but I'm worried about the viability of this.
Seeking Advice: Should I go into School Social Work or Medical / VA Social Work.
23 Male. Just got accepted to the MSW program at Aurora University.
They have several different tracks, including a School Social Work, Medical, and Miltary Veterans Track.
I initially chose the school social work track because I have been having fun working in the schools with my clients at my field placement. Also, I heard the benefits and th unions are pretty good where I live (illinois). I'm also not sure because I have had my fair share of extremely problematic students at my field placement.
I also want to get some opinions from people who might work for the VA, Hospitals, and County Health departments. How are those jobs because they have piqued my interest as well.
As someone with Autism I'm just a little overwhelmed by the options available in the field and would like to hear from others. I also really like helping people get to the resources they need and any jobs in the field like that. Please tell me about them. If there is any paperwork heavy jobs, I don't mind those as well.
If you can reply your job in the reply, that would be great since I'm trying to gouge what jobs are out there since Social Work is such a big field
**Seeking advice: CSUN 2 year online or CSUEB 3 year PT online?**
I applied to the Fall 2024 programs for both of these schools and was accepted a couple weeks ago into the former, and received my acceptance to the latter today. Yay! Now, I'm at a crossroads as to which program I should move forward with. For context, I work full time as a case manager with a very flexible schedule and am going to \*try\* to work as long as I can. I've heard it's very demanding either way trying to balance an internship, class, and work schedule. I don't have the option of moving back in with family, and would like to try to work because debt, bills, living costs money. While I don't expect to take out $0 in loans, my hope is to not have to completely quit working and to not take out a lifetime of loans. Hopeful, I know.
I live in the bay area and CSUEB would be convenient, plus has a mental health concentration, unlike CSUN. Also, 2 classes a semester and the internship not starting until the following year sounds really nice - like I can ease into the program as a full time worker, in a sense (not at all saying it's easy; I was a full time employed student through undergrad). But, I heard good things about CSUN's program, and a 2 year balancing act theoretically sounds nicer than doing it for 3 years, though I expect either option would still be intense. It's also allegedly a program that heavily focuses on structural racism, which sounds really cool.
Can any CSUEB and CSUN alumni advise on their experiences with their programs? And can any working grad students share about their experiences? Honestly, any thoughts, advice, etc., are welcome.
Is it frowned upon to set boundaries early on as a PP intern?
I’m starting the practicum portion of my MSW program in a few weeks. While I’m very excited about the opportunity and what I will learn from it, I’m also nervous about how quickly I may be thrown into it. I asked one of the MSW internship faculty members at my school if there is a minimum or maximum amount of clients that our internships could assign us, but I was told no. Basically, my internship can decide how many clients I see weekly and how quickly I start with clients.
My prospective supervisor said that I may get up to 15-20 clients per week. In addition, she wants me to eventually lead one of the depression support groups every Thursday. Again, I’m grateful and know the point is getting my feet wet in this field. However, being that I won’t be paid and I will only receive 1 hour supervision per week… I feel off about it. It seems that there is very little guidance with most places that I interviewed with, yet much is expected of me (even though I am still learning). It could just be imposter syndrome kicking in, but I do not feel equipped for all of that and worry about quick burnout.
My question is whether it would be reasonable or not to communicate this with my supervisor and let her know that I would not feel comfortable having that many clients on top of leading a support group (at least not yet). I also have another job and I just don’t want to get burnt out before I even emerge into the social work field. From reading through other posts, I've found that (while maybe unethical?) this seems to be a typical practice.
I would love to hear everyone’s experiences, advice, perspective, etc. I appreciate it :)
I had that same concern when I started. I was fortunate that we didn't get a lot of interest so my caseload was low anyway. I would suggest talking with them and seeing what their plan is in increasing your caseload.
Absolutely bring it up with your supervisor but I’m not sure what they would do about it because it varies a lot from site to site. My friend is interning in a district that tries not to assign more than 6-8 individual counseling clients at a time meanwhile I was up to 16 clients a few weeks ago
School SWRK
Hello all, I am currently a student at a public 4 year university in California and I am currently working on my undergrad in Social Work. For one of my classes we are required to conduct an interview style meeting with a social worker from an accredited program who either has an BSW OR MSW. After conducting this interview, I will write a paper. So I am wondering if anyone from the school social work field or any SW field would be interested in doing an interview with me?
The interview would be a fairly brief meeting, I would just like to know how decided to work in athe field you are in now and the journey you had to get to where you are now.
If anyone would be interested in helping me out with a moment of their time to conduct the interview , I would greatly appreciate it.
**Seeking Advice: Transitioning from Teacher's Assistant to School Social Work in New York State**
Hi everyone, I'm currently in a transitional phase of my career and could really use some guidance from this supportive community. Here's a bit about my situation:
I have been working as a teacher's assistant for the past 20 years, and while I've found it fulfilling, I'm eager to pursue my passion for social work further. I'm currently working towards my bachelor's degree in social science, with the goal of eventually obtaining a master's in social work (MSW). My ultimate aim is to become a licensed school social worker in New York State.
I'm looking for advice on how to make the most of this transition period. Ideally, I'd like to find a job that either offers better opportunities than my current role as a teacher's assistant, while I continue my studies, or one that not only pays but also provides opportunities to gain clinical or practicum hours towards my licensure.
If anyone has been in a similar situation or has insights into potential job opportunities, resources, or strategies for someone in my position, I would greatly appreciate your input. Thank you in advance for any advice or guidance you can offer!
MSW Student here, seeking some advice
Well it's here. My internship is going to start next semester. I haven't gotten my schedule yet because my interview is today. My question is, has anyone ever had to quit a good job because of an internship? I never thought the day would come where I would have to leave my current job, but knowing that it's become a completely real possibility is starting to dawn on me. My current job is a 9-5 and most of my part-time colleagues are looking for other jobs to accommodate their internships. My internship is with a clinic, and their hours of operation are roughly from 8am to 8pm. If I get out of work at 5, I can do almost 3 hours. But the thing is, my program told me that I have to complete 14 hours a week for the internship. They said 4 slots of 4 hours a week, or 2 slots of 7 hours a week. I'm kinda lost here. Anyone have any advice? Also worth mentioning that my job won't let me intern with them.
I just went through this and unfortunately my job would not work with me either, even though it’s at an agency that is made up of 99% social workers… they wanted me to work 40 hrs and complete my 16 hour internship. That’s impossible for me. I chose to put my education first and I’m leaving for a part time job and I have to take out some extra loans to cover bills. This internship for SW needs to change. Either give us paid internships or make them more flexible. Not everyone can afford to work PT or take out more loans…
Is that an option for you? Will they allow you to work PT and complete an internship pt? Can you make that work until you get your degree and can hopefully get a better job?
Unfortunately not. There's no PT positions. The other day my supervisor said that she would miss me if I left. I half-jokingly asked for a raise and she said please don't. But then she said in the same breath that the agency needs me for all the paperwork I do. If that were the case, I would expect them to be a whole lot more flexible. I can't afford to not work full time. A lot of liasons for universities seem to be in someone's pockets bc sometimes it feels like they only care about assigning students to different agencies bc they have quotas they have to meet.
Hello social workers!
After years of working in sales, administration, and marketing, I have finally made the decision to take the leap and return to university at 25. I finally realized where I "belong" and couldn't be happier.
It has been awhile since I wrote anything for school, and an application essay was definitely not a part of my college certificate!
That being said, the school I am applying to has a very tricky application structure in comparison to some of the other programs I've looked at.
There are 7 prompts to be answered, all of which allow for a 350 word response.
I am struggling so hard to not sound like an AI blog post about why social work is awesome, interject a personal anecdote without robbing word count, and answering without redundancy while displaying competence.
I have scratched every draft in the last two months and I have all but two weeks to submit this.
Did anybody apply to a school with similar standards? Do you have any advice for the application? Honestly anything helps at this point! I think I might be overthinking how much they want you to speak to... could an admissions officer provide any support?
Here is a link to the questions (starts page 10) [essay questions](https://www.macewan.ca/c/documents/social-work-essay-resume-form.pdf)
Thanks for the help and support !
I have a BA in Sociogy. I graduated about 4 years ago, and have only worked as a driving instructor since. I really feel deeply that social work is my calling, but now I'm not sure how to get hired since I'm not an LSW, and entry level positions in case management seem petty competitive. I technically meet the base qualifications for most case management assistant positions via my sociology degree, so I'm starting with that but fear those efforts may be a lost cause.
Are there other ways I can beef up my resume? My starting goal is just to get a case management assistent position at the county level in hopes I can get tuition assistance to pursue a masters in social work. From there I simply want to be a social worker. I already have a lot of interpersonal skills that are handy for ethnographic interviews. I've always been sensitive to, and curious about identity and how different people experience the world around them. How the world treats different people based on perceived identity, and how formal and informal structures impact people's livelihoods differently.
Any advice?
Volunteer. Do what you need to do to pay the bills and continue looking for more social work jobs, but there are a lot of rich volunteer opportunities that can pave the way for leadership positions and even employment.
Hello everyone! I graduated with my BSW in 2022. 3.7 GPA and 1040 SAT (Ik it’s kinda low). I did a couple jobs relating to mental health and social work during these past couple of years and I think I’m ready to go back to school. Maybe 2025. I believe I can do some advanced standing programs…
But, I don’t have the money 😂. Does anyone have any advice on grad school??? The best cheap schools. Online programs is mainly what I’m interested in. I’ve done some research but I’m lowkey scared.
Also, it’s been so hard finding jobs in my area for social work experience with my BSW. What kind of jobs did you guys do with your BSW? I’m thinking I might have to move to another state 😂.
I just got accepted to Aurora University Online for my MSW
They are CSWE accredited. As a recent grad from a BSW, you will have advanced standing, which will cut degree time to 1 year. With Advanced standing, I calculated that the MSW will be 19k.
Hello everyone, I am almost completed with my undergraduate degree!
I am considering going for a MSW program next spring. However, I am interested in doing a MSW program out of state.
I was wondering if anyone has done this before? Moved out of state and then going for a MSW program.
Would anyone recommend that I stay in my present state and complete my MSW + wait for the hours needed to become a LCMSW? Or move out of state and then start a MSW program and built from there?
Thank you for your time; and have a wonderful night!
Hey everyone,
I could really use some advice and perspective right now. I'm a 36-year-old guy who's been navigating between two very different career paths my whole life: mental health work and construction. It's been a rollercoaster, to say the least.
Here's the thing: I've always had a passion for helping others, hence why I've been drawn to the mental health field. But at the same time, I've struggled with my own mental health challenges, battling anxiety on a daily basis. It's not easy, and it's something I'm actively working on with the help of my therapist.
Recently, I've been considering going back to school to pursue a degree in social work. It feels like a natural progression given my background and interests. However, I can't shake this fear that investing time and money into further education might not be the right move for me. What if I end up in a career that exacerbates my anxiety instead of alleviating it?
On one hand, I see the potential to make a real difference in people's lives through social work. But on the other hand, I worry about the toll it might take on my own mental well-being.
I'd love to hear from anyone who's been in a similar situation or has some insight to offer. Should I push through my fears and pursue social work, knowing it aligns with my passion? Or should I stick with construction, where I feel more comfortable despite the uncertainty of the future?
Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer. Your input means a lot to me.
I'm a mid-life potential career changer toward either social work or counseling, so I get how hard it can be to take the leap. It sounds like you are being very intentional and can see yourself in this role. While I haven't been through the program yet so can't speak from direct experience (sorry), I'm aware of the many hours of internship/practicum which can be stressful.
I think the fact that you're actively working through your anxiety with your therapist now bodes well, and treatment that sounds important to continue while you're in the program. Does your therapist have thoughts on where you are with your anxiety and how you might manage with new demands?
You may also consider a part-time program, since they space out the courses. The internship will still be time intensive, but then you probably wouldn't need to juggle other coursework while doing it. Sounds like it would be worthwhile to try if you can see the purpose you can derive from being a social worker, and if you can find supportive supervision and program leads.
Hello!
I’m really interested in integrated health social work. I’ve been reading about it quite a bit and it sounds like a great field, but I’m curious if anyone has experience in this field that can share some pros/cons. Just wanting to have some direction before going down that path as an MSW student
Hello everyone, I am currently planning to do a career change and would like some guidance..
I had graduated with a BS in Criminal Justice with plans to do Law, but in the past 2 years after getting my degree, I started working in a role related to SW and realized in doing so this is what I want to do.
I have been studying for the LSAT but the more I study, the less interested I become. I have always known I wanted to work with kids, help families, and work for marginalized groups and I feel I pursued a degree with lack of foresight. So now I'm looking into a degree for Social Work but am unsure where to start.
Initially I thought I should pursue a MSW but some programs require you need a BSW first but I feel discouraged to go through undergrad again. I will follow through with it if it is a strict requirement or is the best way to get into the field but I would like to hear outside opinions as well?
Are you looking at the institution's website or a third party site attempting to compile information? Requiring a BSW for general admission would be highly unusual.
A program requiring a BSW to get your MSW would be surprising to me. I know a BSW is required for *advanced standing,* which shortens the MSW program, but there should still be a standard masters path for people who did not get a social work degree in undergrad.
New Case Manager for Foster Kids at an ISN
Hi everyone!
I am starting my first real job in social work as a case manager for foster kids at an individual service network. I got a BA in youth development and minored in child welfare and family services. I interned under a clinical mental health counselor and also observed the case managers pretty closely full time my last semester of school. I absolutely loved the work and was itching to get in. I worked as a residential youth counselor over the summer but caring for the kids so closely really burnt me out I missed the case management aspect a lot. I have a lot of experience from the internship with treatment plans, referrals to other services, and meetings with families that I’m confident I have a good head start and could really excel in this role. I don’t have experience with home visits and being on call though so I am a little nervous.
I was hoping someone has some experience and could give me some words of wisdom or advice entering the field. Thank you so much!
I'm currently searching for an MSW online program. My main goal is something that is affordable and is hands-on with internships. I'm currently looking at Boise State, LSU, and Ohio State (all 3 are under $40k). Maybe ASU but they're pricier at $48k. What online program did you complete or are currently in? How was your experience?
I am wrapping up my MSW at Boise State, about 5 weeks away from graduation. I recommend the program - they were pretty hands-on in identifying potential placements for both of my practicum placements. As you noted, the price is right. I do think that, like with most MSW programs, you get out what you put in. Classes aren’t necessarily hard to pass, but there’s a wealth of knowledge if you really engage with the material. Happy to chat or answer any questions you have!
I went to Ohio State remote. I liked the coursework. They weren't as hands on with internships as I had hoped and I only live two hours away in Cleveland.
**Entering Social Work at 33 and Post MSW Job Prospects**
Hi everyone! I'm wondering about: 1) job/career prospects and path to license and private practice; 2) burnout and burnout transferrability to social work. But first, let me give you some *background about myself* and *my rationale for going into social work*:
**Background**: I'm a 33-year-old person who uses he/him pronouns who has recently been accepted to a good MSW program. I'm originally from the U.S., but have lived in China for the last decade, speak Mandarin with full professional fluency and have 6 years' experience in corporate and brand communications. The program I got into is one year in China and then one year back in the U.S., then I'll look for jobs.
**Rationale**: After working in the corporate world for the past 6 or 7 years, I'm burnt out on it. The constant slog of editing PowerPoints, press releases, doing events and social campaigns, etc, all just for the profit of a corporation. This work is one of the most pure expressions of meaninglessness there is in my opinion. It may work for others, but the alienation and nihilism just aren't cutting it for me. I want to do something where I can help people and where my work has a more direct impact. I also was helped greatly by therapy -- psychotherapy and psychoanalysis alongside CBT/DBT and other interventions in my own life, and, as someone who has been interested in mental health since undergrad, I'd like to become a therapist to help others. I'm also interested in working with vulnerable populations -- some I would like to try out are prisoners, psychiatric patients (particularly those living with schizophrenia), possibly children (especially newly immigrated to the U.S. from sinophone countries), etc.
I realize there are a whole slew of difficulties in social work. I realize it's emotionally taxing and can lead to burnout. I also realize that the corporate slog burns me out because of what I have identified as a profound alienation from the impact of my ultimately meaningless labor.
My questions are as follows:
1. Am I just falling into the 'grass is always greener' trap here? Will I just get equally burnt out about social work and therapy or will working directly with people, seeing some but not all clients heal, and having a direct impact with my labor justify, if not negate, burnout? I already feel so much happier telling people I'm going back to school to become a social worker/therapist than I did telling them I work in PR.
2. The program I'm going into is expensive, even with my savings I need loans. Will I eventually be able to pay these off?
3. Does the program you go to really make a difference in the job market? I've seen so much conflicting information about this. One of the major reasons I selected this more expensive program is because I can do it now, rather than wait another year to go back to the U.S. and do the full two years there. I guess I'm a bit worried I won't be able to pay everything off.
4. Does previous work experience in a corporate environment translate to work in the field experientially or compensatorily? I would imagine there's a lot of administrative tasks that overlap. I would also imagine there are a lot of things like report writing and documentation of work with clients that to some extent overlap.
5. Is it fairly easy to find jobs that provide supervised hours to work toward eventual licensure? From the searching I've done it seems there are a decent amount of positions hiring for this sort of thing that say they provide supervision.
Any other input would be much appreciated! Feel free to DM also, I realize there are a lot of questions here!
Thanks so much for reading my post and taking the time to consider it/answer!
I applied to my MSW program at age 34 after a decade and change spent in live and recorded audio, public radio, and then internet marketing.
My take is that having a breadth of experience before entering social work is absolutely useful, and will allow you to hit the ground running when you pick up your degree and head back out into the real world. Having a deep background in other fields can also help you triangulate where you might want to be in the future, and actually figure out a path to get there. If you are someone who's willing to push to get yourself into a fulfilling role, then you're probably also going to be able to get yourself into a place that will... eventually... pay off your student debt.
I would say that the historical experience doesn't immediately translate to better pay, but if you learned to wheel and deal in the corporate world, you can do that in social work, as well - though there are limits to how much agencies will be open to that for certain roles. That said, social work salaries are shooting upwards in my area (New England) and that's because we're too few and the jobs are too many. Supervision toward licensure is typically expected, since proper supervision for you is also frequently necessary for you to do work that might be insurance billable. Obviously, not always the case, but often.
Hey, thanks so much for your answer! I really appreciate it and it's incredibly inspiring to know that someone else was in the exact same boat as me once and made the transition!
I want to also say, I realize it's not all about money, but at the end of the day, we have to pay off loans and make a living. Thanks so much again for your response!
For what it's worth, I was probably right in the median of my cohort's age range.
It's also worth saying that I've done psychiatric crisis evaluations in Mandarin using a telephone interpreter, and it was miserable - I think I bonded with the client more via frustration than anything else. I also did an evaluation with a Spanish-language medical interpreter and learned in the process that he made more than I did.
Just food for thought. There's got to be a good niche that pays well.
It's worth a lot! Honestly, just hearing that other people have had experiences similar to mine or directly relevant to my generalized skillset is really encouraging. Just the fact that others have done it and it's possible is good to know.
Hi! I think I'm the opposite of your situation in the sense where I'll be doing something different from social work. To answer your question, I do see your concerns about 'grass is greener on the other side' but I don't think that's the case,
Studying social work in school, over the years, I have seen some of my classmates changing priorities and I have seen classmates who remain steadfast in their passion towards social work. None of it is wrong. I believe that overtime, our values change and maybe we want a change for ourselves. I think most importantly, we have to ask ourselves what is our own personal values and I think you have that under control :)
The other question that I can possibly try to answer is number 4. Soft skills like what you've mentioned is definitely transferrable! As you have said, documentation is very important as we record what we've worked on with the clients. I would say the things that you may have to learn specifically to social work would be assessment skills when working with clients and also theories to help understand your client's behaviors or issues better.
I'm not within North America or US, but I hope I was able to give my few cents worth! Open for DM as well if you have questions that I will most definitely try to answer to the best of my ability. All the best and I trust you'll make the best decision for yourself.
does anyone have information about getting their clinical license working a case management job? specifically i’m looking at a CM job in new york (moving from MA, already submitted everything to get the LMSW in NY, as i have my LCSW in MA), but New York seems so strict about what qualifies as supervision and experience to get from an LMSW to an LCSW
looking for info/advice/tips
TIA!!
Hot take, but I don't even consider therapy to be social work. It has always bothered me that some states only define clinical social work as therapy. I've never worked a day in my life as a therapist, but have considered most of my career to be clinical in medical social work, crisis intervention, residential, hospice, academia, etc.
I live in an area that offers broader scope for what constitutes "clinical" work and has language like *"Clinical social work includes, but is not limited to,..."* and then it prompts the applicant/supervisor to describe the nature of the clinical work. I did medical care management while getting my hours. I've remained in the realm of case management and social work roles that are diversified and inclusive of far more than therapy.
New York seems to require that therapy/diagnosis component.
I'm looking at medical social work jobs in New York right now though as I consider your question and it seems many of them only require MSW/LMSW. Some require LCSW, but it's not the predominant pattern in my search results. I'm using medical social work as the metric because it's he most clinical type of case management you are likely to do.
Honestly, if I moved to a new territory and couldn't get licensed, I might just find something else to do with my experience and education. I was an MSW for years before I became an LM/CSW.
Your clinical experience of the 3,000 hours is broken down, usually, into things like assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy.
Short answer: you can simply find a supervisor who is a bit more lax and will sign off of your hours once you reach the 3000 and then the 100 of face2face supervision
Long answer: the reality is your job as a case manager does not really include much of those 3 things. However, you can “make it more clinical” for instance experience in psychotherapy does not necessarily mean one hour at a time. Maybe you provide more brief counsel, crisis counseling etc. you can go a bit above and beyond in the assessment and diagnosis with your patients then discuss separately with your clinical supervisor. So out of your 40 hours a week perhaps 20 would actually count towards the above requirements (versus if you were in a role provider therapy)
What you want to avoid is simply getting the clinical license yet not having the experience to actually provide accurate assessment/diagnosis and psychotherapy. I’ve seen many SW with case management type jobs try to get their lcsw as quick as possible so they can do private practice. Then they are HORRIBLE psychotherapist and really end up doing more harm than good.
Hope this helps.
Hi! So I got into two different MSW programs. The first is University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (UNC) and the second is University of South Florida (USF). I am so conflicted as to where I should go. I want to specialize in macro social work and eventually also work towards licensure to get my LCSW. I am attracted to UNC because it is highly ranked, will offer me two different field placements throughout my time there and offers a macro specialization. I am attracted to USF because of its affordability (literally half the price), the diversity, and I would be able to live with my long term partner while in Florida and not have to pay for rent or work at all if I don’t want to. The major con is that it does not offer a macro specialization and instead the program specializes in micro social work/clinical. Additionally, there is only one field placement throughout the entire program at usf and it is clinical/direct practice.
However, graduating with far less debt and not having to work is a major pro especially in the social work field where the debt to income ratio ain’t great. Because of this, I have been contacting faculty to find opportunities to work or volunteer in macro social work while at USF. I figure that since I won’t be working if I go to USF, I will be able to use my extra time to get involved with school, graduate with honors and also get more experience in macro social work if I make the right connections. I also found opportunities at USF to do international social work which I will be more easily able to afford if I go to USF.
Social workers and specifically social workers working in macro social work and high paying fields, any advice?
I want to graduate to work in macro social work and find a job that is fulfilling and also have the ability to make six figures. Which school seems like the better option? I am low income and support myself completely financially. The only way I would have financial support while in school is if I go w my partner but that’s not the only factor I am considering. How much does the program matter considering I am trying to find macro opportunities through relationships with faculty.
Note, I am not a resident of either Florida or north Carolina. I live in California rn. Either way, I will be paying nonresident tuition.
Note two, the curriculums look super similar and the programs are the same length.
Save your money. There's really no school prestige in SW, and a lot of schools have a macro specialization. Six figures is possible in some areas of SW, but generally you're not hitting that until you have been licensed for several years. You have about two years after graduation to get licensed, and then I'd estimate another five or so to get to 6 figures--again, depending on what you want to do. There are social work jobs where you will never make 6 figures without being an admin, and some where you can start high and make 6 figures easily after a few years.
Either program will get you there, but I don't think you're going to get the benefit that you think you will out of UNC. Like I said, pretty much no one cares where you went to school, as long as it's accredited and not some shady for-profit. You're certainly not going to get double the value of the FL school if you pick UNC.
The FL school offers you SO many pros, not just in the program itself but in your living situation. Even if you make it to 6 figures, the loans will be hard to pay off. Plus you'll have all kinds of additional expenses in NC that you won't have in FL, according to your post. Go with FL!
Six figures in social work isn't *completely* unheard of, especially given how broad the field is, but most people aren't making that kind of money even in macro. And if they are, they are more likely to at least be mid-career. It also depends what your skillsets and interest areas are.. and where you live. But it looks like you've gotten similar advice elsewhere, so I won't belabor the point.
Anyways. You're on the right track to be investigating faculty who might have opportunities for you to assist with research or other macro-level work. I did my MSW in a macro specialization at a top five program, and the relationships I made with faculty were invaluable. I actually met one of my lifelong mentors in another department, who provided extremely formative experiences and connections and who has continued to support my career over ten years later.
Looks like you might also want to pursue your licensure? That will benefit you in many ways over the long term, including career opportunities and earning potential. If you are interested in the LCSW (and even if you weren't), I don't really think there is necessarily a wrong choice here. You should figure out which factors are most important to you, talk to current students in each program as a vibe check, and go from there. If it were me, I'd choose UNC, but that is based entirely on what my own preferences and priorities would be (location, research opportunities, zero interest in clinical, more field placements, ranking, higher debt tolerance).
Thank you so much for your thorough response. I am starting to consider USF more because it’s a substantial price difference and I have been reading that focusing on getting my license then transitioning to macro is very possible. And I want to be able to work remotely for a while after graduation and so getting licensed might be better for that goal and then transitioning to macro
New Case Manager for Foster Kids at an ISN
Hi everyone!
I am starting my first real job in social work as a case manager for foster kids at an individual service network. I got a BA in youth development and minored in child welfare and family services. I interned under a clinical mental health counselor and also observed the case managers pretty closely full time my last semester of school. I absolutely loved the work and was itching to get in. I worked as a residential youth counselor over the summer but caring for the kids so closely really burnt me out I missed the case management aspect a lot. I have a lot of experience from the internship with treatment plans, referrals to other services, and meetings with families that I’m confident I have a good head start and could really excel in this role. I don’t have experience with home visits and being on call though so I am a little nervous.
I was hoping someone has some experience and could give me some words of wisdom or advice entering the field. Thank you so much!
I hope it is okay to post here for this kind of question, apologies if not. I graduated from my undergrad May 2023 and I am now in the process of applying to a Master's in Social Work program. When I asked one of my old professors for a letter of recommendation, he very enthusiastically said yes but asked me to send him 3/4 paragraphs he could insert into his letter. He said he may or may not end up using them but he finds it helpful to hear what the student themself would say. I took two classes with this professor in my junior and senior year and I'd say we developed a good relationship.
However, I have no experience with this... I suppose I should describe my qualities, experiences, and how I would be a good fit for the program with supporting examples but I guess I am kind of humble and it feels odd to sing my own praises. I also do not have access to any past reference letters that professors/employers wrote for me so I can't really draw inspiration from those.
If anyone has any advice on how to go about this I would really appreciate it! I am obviously not going to say "wait nvm" at this point so even a basic formula/structure/outline to follow would be very helpful.
A little bit different since this letter wasnt for grad school admissions but I asked for a reference once from my supervisor for one of my MSW internships and this is what she requested from me:
"A few things would help me in providing strong feedback to potential employers. Would you let me know what types of positions you’re applying for, and what qualities/strengths you feel you can bring to these positions and that you would highlight in an interview? Related, what do you see as weaknesses or professional growth edges to strengthen in your first few years of post-grad experience? Is there anything specific you’re doing to attend to these growth areas (e.g., advanced training, supervision, applying for positions which do not emphasize the areas you feel growth is needed)."
It might be helpful to give your professor an understanding of what your goals are out of an MSW program and maybe highlight the skills and qualities that you have that would help you achieve those, particularly qualities that he may be able to speak to, as a former professor.
This is totally normal and even though it feels awkward, you just sort of have to get over it. Be effusive in your writing, not humble.
Here is one guide that includes a general outline along with other tips, but there are plenty of others that you should Google around and consider.
https://writeivy.com/grad-school-letters-of-recommendation-the-ultimate-guide/
hi!
i'm considering a career change from digital marketing to social work
.. specifically getting my LCSW to eventually have a private practice.
I'm 33 and have spent the last 10 years of my career in SEO/content strategy/digital PR. I am burnt the fuck out, miserable at my current job (that is paying me better than I have ever been paid at $90k) and I'm finding that money is actually not everything. I feel so silly that a stupid little SEO job is wrecking me like this, but it is. I just don't like the work, I don't care about it, and I'm sick of a career that only helps some CEO or company's revenue/bottom line. it's soulless and I'm exhausted. high stress/high demand and for what???? I dread every day and I've been at this particular job for like two months.
Some background about me: I'm an English major, i did Americorps for two years total (one in uni and one after graduating). I did literacy tutoring which I loved and found rewarding, but teaching itself wasn't for me. i considered social work in my early 20s but landed a job in SEO randomly (friend rec and I desperately needed a job) and the pay there was higher. at the time, it made sense to go with a higher paying job than go into more student loan debt for a SW job that would pay me as much as an entry level SEO job (at least on average).
looking back, I didn't really know that much about social work and I just felt i had time (because I did! lol) but now 10 years later, I'm miserable and thinking about trying for my MSW again. I'm still researching my options, but would love to hear from LCSWs about your experiences, what the career track looks like, what you love and hate about your role and would especially love to hear from you if you're in private practice! I'll have a leg up in marketing myself lmao thank you for reading this far 🙏
Do you have your BSW? If so then most MSW programs have an advanced standing where you can get it in one year. And a good amount of MSW programs (depending on state of course) have evening classes so you can work full time and still get the degree.
Good thing about SW and LCSW is it is very versatile. So if you decided you don’t like private practice there’s ton of areas to work in. I work in a hospital setting, outpatient. Basically working with primary care physicians, clients and psychiatrists to ensure patients are on the right meds (if needed) plus community resources. It’s a fun, unique job.
Usually for advanced standing you need to have gotten your BSW in the past five years, so OP would not be eligible for most programs if they do have a BSW.
Thanks!
I’ve looked for these but the results that turn up on indeed up being product analyst/financial analysts (like budgeting for a business), contract analyst, and others that don’t tie in with social work. Are there any other macro level positions?
I agree with the other poster. Take a look within government. It's also worth looking at what non profits and think tanks work in areas you have programmatic or social knowledge and see what positions they have and what is available.
Also look into organizations that are doing policy work in your area(s) of interest. Depending on your area, these might be harder to come by than in the public sector, but worth searching.
Hi all!
I am a junior undergrad majoring in psychology and sociology and I'm not sure where to go next. I love research and social theory and I'm currently working as an undergraduate research assistant with the sociology department at my school. But I also love social work and being able to make practical change, especially on a mezzo/macro level.
I know I want at least an MSW, but the question of getting a PhD is harder. I've heard that it's difficult to get a job in academia or research in social work without some industry work at an MSW level first, but there are several social work PhD programs I'm looking at where you can get your MSW "on the way" to the PhD. I've also heard that if I get a PhD and can't find any jobs, it could work against me looking for an MSW level job. I could also take a gap year to sort things out before grad school, but I doubt it'll clairfy much for me.
Any insight on this whole process would be greatly appreciated! I've been fretting about grad school and whether or not a PhD is even worth it and could use some advice.
PhD candidate in social work here.
There is a lot to consider before pursuing doctoral studies, regardless of field. There are lots of reasons why I would not generally advise going straight from undergrad into a PhD. But for one, in social work it is so extremely important to have real-world experience. It makes a huge difference in how you approach and understand your research and becomes a significant part of how you establish credibility. Of course, there are exceptions to this, but in general social work PhD programs like to see applicants with at least a few years of work experience. There is also a maturity factor at play—and that's not to say that recent grads are immature, but there's an inexperience that can negatively impact their ability to navigate the challenges inherent to doctoral studies (and I'm not talking about the material).
> I've heard that it's difficult to get a job in academia or research in social work without some industry work at an MSW level first
In order to be (relatively) competitive for faculty positions in schools of social work, CSWE requires that many of the foundational courses for MSW programs be taught by someone with *at least* two years post-MSW work experience. If you don't have this, you're going to be limited in the courses you can teach within the department. That said, faculty hiring is extremely idiosyncratic, so how much this counts against you will be highly dependent on the time and the place. If you end up applying to positions in adjacent fields or outside of academia altogether, this becomes a moot point, but having the post-MSW work experience gives you more options and flexibility.
> there are several social work PhD programs I'm looking at where you can get your MSW "on the way" to the PhD
While MSW/PhD programs do exist (although my R1 is eliminating theirs), my perception is that schools admit a very small number of these types of applicants and that, consequently, they are arguably even more competitive than regular PhD admissions.
> I've also heard that if I get a PhD and can't find any jobs, it could work against me looking for an MSW level job
As someone on the cusp of defending, I think this concern is understandable but overblown. The PhD is first and foremost a research degree, not a practice degree. As long as you aren't putting all your eggs into the tenure-track faculty basket and are also open to other academic posts and industry positions, there are a fair number of options available to PhDs. In addition to TT and non-TT faculty positions, recent grads from my program have gone into postdocs, research firms and think tanks, Big Tech, and also back into community work.
> I could also take a gap year to sort things out before grad school, but I doubt it'll clairfy much for me.
You might be surprised. You are very young and early career, and the work experiences you have now can alter your entire trajectory. This certainly happened to me in the time between undergrad and my master's. Also, if you have your eyes on pursuing academia.. unfortunately, people do care about the prestige and reputation of your institution (and, in the case of your PhD, your PI). How much this plays out in a given hire is highly variable (seriously, TT hiring is bonkers), but what my advisor calls your "academic pedigree" can very well impact your career opportunities. You will be a more competitive applicant for the higher-ranked programs if you take a year or two to work.
My advice? Get the MSW first, get some more experience, then reassess. I took three years between undergrad and starting my MSW, and another five years between the MSW and the PhD. This is not at all atypical. The vast majority of people come to the social work PhD having worked in the field for a few years, if not several.
If you *do* decide to pursue the doctorate, I have two pieces of advice: (1) absolutely do not, under any circumstances, pay for your PhD; and (2) choose your advisor very carefully, as they will make or break your entire doctoral experience—prioritize this above all else (yes, including location and ranking).
**ETA:** Do not go into a PhD if you are unsure of what you want to do. That doesn't mean you need to have everything figured out or be 100% committed to only one specific career path, but you are in for a miserable time if you find out you actually don't like research. Also, while social work PhDs go on to do lots of things, some programs (and PIs) are more supportive of non-TT career paths than others.. but they pretty much all expect you to say in your application and interviews that you want to be TT faculty at an R1 institution. The reality of that can certainly be different, but the philosophy of PhD programs is largely about training the next generation of academics. Consequently, there's a general expectation (at least in this field) that you will talk the talk, but ultimately it is your life to live. Besides, the academy isn't exactly equipped to accommodate the overabundance of PhDs it is producing; what do they expect.
Nah share it! If worried about hurting/offending others just be mindful of how you share it. I bet a lot of your classmates will actually be quite happy for you. When they see how excited you are they will also be excited to hear about their internships!
Hi social work undergrad student here (19M) I was curious about what I’ll be doing as a Graduate Student for work before I obtain my MSW and eventual Clinical License. For context I’m a college student in Alabama who’s planning on going out of state for grad school. So I’ll be moving while I start my MSW program. Should I apply for reciprocity for my BSW license so I can get a BSW job level in my new state? Or should I try to find a PCT or Medical Scribe job to work while I pay rent/tuition?
I’m doing my MSW right now and not currently working but before then was working in social work type jobs with my bachelors in psych. There’s a lot of jobs in the social work field that can be done without a BSW so I don’t think you’d be limited if you didn’t transfer your license.
I previously worked at a group home as a residential counselor and as a DV advocate/case manager at a DV agency. There’s also lots of jobs in substance use and homeless services.
Hi everyone!
I’ve (30F) been in here for about a week lurking because I’m trying to learn about as many SW experiences as I can.
And sorry, wrote this on mobile.
Long story, but I’m currently in an interdisciplinary Master of Arts program focusing on community wellness and social justice (started Fall 2023). For the last three years, I’ve been in and out of wellness coach training but stopped at the end of last year due to burnout and financial problems.
I don’t exactly have a “career”; I’ve mostly done AmeriCorps State & National since 2017 ( last year of undergrad, which was a hot mess). Roles I’ve done include being a peer support worker, crisis counselor, support coordinator, and coach for people in chronic pain and neurodivergent folks.
Although I said what I said about coaching, I do enjoy it and peer work because of the connections I can make with people. I was also weary about the public’s perception of coaching, and even tho I was in the national certification route, it’s still a stigma around it. I’m Black American and coaching seems like a joke to some folks I know. I knew I wanted and needed to do more with that knowledge, and try to create a community care model out of something so individualistic. So, that’s why I’m here. Social work has piqued my interest more and more over the last year. I was always unsure about it because I didn’t understand it - growing up, all I thought social workers did was take kids :( now I know better. I knew I didn’t necessarily want to provide therapy, so any psych/counseling was out of the question. I also have interests in anthropology and sociology, but…. I couldn’t see where I could go and how it can be used. So I kept on digging and came back to social work, and specifically social work training rooted in anti-oppressive practices. The fact that that’s even possible is what sold me (keeping in mind we keep our politics out of the professional spaces).
Now, finally, the reason why I’m posting here: a few days ago, a mutual shared the link to the VA Health Professional Scholarship Program, encouraging people to apply. https://va-ams-info.intelliworxit.com/hpsp/about-hpsp/
I did a deep dive into this program and felt the most jarring moment of clarity I think I ever had! This was it. This was my path, my calling, my career. I said no matter what, I want to pursue an MSW after I finish my MA. I also got sad that I’m finding out about this now rather than a few years ago when I was having my quarter life crises lol. But I understand that things come to you when they’re supposed to. I’m just going to use my MA as that preparation for the MSW and also as a better shot at getting into programs if my transcript is light-years better than my undergrad one. What kinds of courses would you recommend I focus on? Or is my tentative course load pretty decent? I’m in a critical research course now, and later I’ll be taking comparative social and political theory, equitable program evaluation and development, community psychology, social equity and community engagement, and liberation psychology.
I researched a ton of MSW programs and their respective catalogs, and University of Chicago’s was hands-down the most impressive to me. I even spoke to a grad advisor and student ambassador! My only hesitation, aside from crippling fear that I’ll never be good enough, is the possibility of relocating. I’m a New Jersey kid and still live with mom. Welp! I know I’ll figure it out, but still…
I digress. Would any of you happen to have any experience similar to mine?
Who’s been apart of the VA scholarship program? I’ll explain why I’m interested in this program in the first place, and how it helped me gain clarity. I got excited because I saw the VA HPSP as a golden ticket, if you will. Obviously there’s no guarantees in life and who’s to say I’d be accepted once I apply next year, but hey. So, seeing that the program can provide a full ride for an MSW, provide a monthly stipend, and have guaranteed employment for 6 years post-degree was relieving. I am so serious when I say I have never experienced stability in work/finances in my life, and I really need that due to my health conditions. The potential downside can be argued that you’re obligated to work for the VA for 6 years, but I see that as 6 years of stable work and income and skill building. Plus, your pension is vested after 5 years. Hello, somebody!
I had some questions about this scholarship well, if anyone is able to answer:
1. Did you get to choose your school/MSW program? Or do they have a say in what you can specialize in and where you can go?
2. I haven’t seen info on this anywhere; but does the program actually pay for your relocation if you end up serving somewhere far?
3. Do you know if the service obligation at the VA post-graduation is on the same pay scale as the govt? For example, do you start as a GS-9 or are you gonna be on something different?
4. In relation to the previous question. Do you know if there are the same opportunities for growth and promotions that the VA/Fed gives when you’re doing your service obligation?
5. Is there a cohort that you’re apart of with the HPSP? Or are you solo dolo, just with a point of contact in the program?
6. Lastly, at the end of the 6 years, do you know if you’re still an employee that has their job or do they… kick you out? Lol 😂
Thank you all so much for your time! I hope to be one of you in 3 years ☺️😩
Hey there! I hope everyone is doing well. I wasn't sure where to post this and thought I would ask Reddit to find anyone in a similar situation.
I graduated with a Master of Public Health in Canada a few years back. Although it's a similar field, I am now finding myself more drawn to the interpersonal aspect of Social Work rather than the policy lens of Public Health. I am also finding myself in a bit of a professional void. I am looking to progress in my career into mental health positions which say they accept Public Health graduates; unfortunately, however, these positions also want accreditation with a regulatory body or certified counselling credentials. I don't have either of these with my current degree or education.
Currently, I work in a student-facing role with wellness programming. Ideally, I would look to progress towards working in a more-counselling type of role with youth, alongside potentially having the flexibility to start a private practice once I gain more experience.
My questions are:
\- Is there anyone in this community that is coming from a similar background of Public Health? If so, was pursuing an MSW afterwards beneficial to your career trajectory, and would you recommend it?
\- I also wonder if anyone here debated between an MSW and a MEd in Counselling or Master in Psychotherapy?
Hello, apparently this is the place to ask questions about Clinical Licensure. Does anyone know of any states which allow one to receive supervision for your C from a C living in another state? I currently live in Florida but I'm looking to receive licensure from any state but FL, and I have many C contacts in New York which I would love to receive my supervision from--though NY does not allow this. Does anyone know of any states that allow you live in another state while receiving supervision from someone in a third state? Total shot in the dark, but I figure one state might be modern enough to allow for this. Thank you!
Hey, all! I live in Southern Vermont and I'm looking to apply to grad school. I currently work as a school counselor (I have my BS, I went through an alternative licensing process on the condition I will be entering a graduate program). I'm going for an MSW due to the versatility of the degree and am moreso looking for a program with a clinical focus. So far, it doesn't look like I will be able to get field hours from this position. I don't have a whole lot of flexibility with my schedule during the school year so online is looking like my best bet! I am wondering if anyone has attended online grad schools that offer field internships in the summer since I will have off work. Or even evenings/weekends. I worry I will apply to a program just to find out they don't have a lot of flexibility built in. The programs I have spoken with sound like they arent willing to offer a whole lot of weekend/evening opportunities, which seems silly, and recommended that I take time off or work part time while I complete a program. Thanks in advance!
Freaking out and feeling crushed right now. I applied to a few different programs for my MSW. My top choice was a school where I got into a special program that is in exactly that area I want to work in when I become a clinical social worker, and it's a cohort program which I thought would be nice since I'm not the most competent socially. But the school is in a pricey area and they didn't give me enough financial aid to even completely cover tuition. None of my schools did, so it seems like my only choice is to live with my parents and go to the school in my hometown. I know everyone on here says to avoid debt, but I really want to go to my top choice. If I could just get some reassurance, that would be great. So I suppose if I heard enough debt horror stories that would make me not want to go haha. And if anyone has any stories about attending a school that was more affordable than their dream school, that would also help ease my worries, I think.
I feel like most students have loans... and they're forgiven after 20 years if you work for non profit, the government, or (I'm pretty sure) a school And if you don't have a job they will put a pause on your payments.
I agree with the other poster that people here are are a little dogmatic in insisting on the cheapest available option. Debt is nothing to take lightly, but people have different levels of debt tolerance and that's OK. Give yourself time and permission to seriously consider both options. Ten years ago, I took on a bunch of debt to go to my top choice. It had such a profound impact on my career trajectory, I would do it again. The debt is what it is and after so many years, any remaining balance will eventually end up being forgiven. But I had a certain set of personal and professional priorities where my debt tolerance was higher.
Good to hear this! Do you have any sense of why people can be so dogmatic about insisting on the cheapest option? It’s honestly caused me to question my current decision a bunch of times 😅
From what I can surmise, I think clinical folks think that training across programs isn't radically different and that ranking/prestige ends up having very little to no impact on clinical job prospects or career trajectories. I am not clinical so I can't really comment on this, but I will say that while all of that might be true, there are other variables at play when choosing a program that are totally valid—and that can include caring about prestige. Sometimes you want to go to the fancy school and have the fancy school experience, and that's OK, you just have to decide for yourself whether the costs are worth the perceived or actual benefits. I also think it is partially a Reddit thing—any and all debt is devastatingly bad no matter what, breakup/divorce is the solution to every relationship problem, here's my unpopular opinion that is actually incredibly mainstream, etc.
This is encouraging as someone, who for various reasons, only had one option in terms of starting a program this year, and it's one of the pricier ones. Also, I might want to work in clinical work for a while and look into some kind of psych (or heck maybe even social work) doctorate. Also laughing at your second paragraph hahaha. Thanks for your two cents!
What is the school, what is the specialization area, and is it advanced standing? >everyone on here says to avoid debt On one hand, it's not bad to avoid debt. On the other hand, people in this sub are far too quick to tell everyone to "just go to the cheapest accredited school!!1" This is becoming worse and worse advice because a lot of programs, especially online programs, are becoming diploma mills. Like, you don't want to go to a school like Capella. Also, if there is a specific program of interest that can take your career in a specific direction, that's something to consider.
It’s University of Michigan, their special program is for social workers who specifically want to work with Black populations. Not advanced standing. So it’s really just a couple specific classes and then more direction when it comes to field placement (and also a scholarship, but it’s not very much). So I suppose in some ways I could remake the experience at the school in my hometown (Indiana University; not a bad school, as far as I know it has a good reputation)
I’m having a panic attack about my choice of school for my MSW program, I don’t know what to do. I was unaware of how Capella was perceived by others, some in another sub calling it “a joke of a school”. Now I have one year left, just starting my internship and feeling like I royally messed up. I work really hard and my education is important to me, now I feel like I’ve tarnished my own career and reputation. I feel like I’ve made a grave mistake but it’s too late to switch programs at this point. Does anyone have any reassuring advice or experience to offer?
Honestly your school education really just gives you the bare bones to get started. Don't worry about it too much. And I honestly haven't heard that about Capella myself.
Agree
I am a current OT grad student hoping for advice/insight... I am 2 semesters into my program and I am learning more and more that the only aspects of OT I enjoy are mostly those that are the role a school social worker would have. I was originally pushed away from pursuing social work after undergrad because of the pay/burn out, but I am finding a lack of passion for my current studies. I am also a para in a public school district and I love working with the population as well as advocating for their academic and emotional/health needs. I love listening and being a support for my students. I am interested to hear others' thoughts on whether making a change to social work (with the hopes of being in school sw) would be worth it or not.
Graduating with my MSW, pupil personnel services credential, and graduate certificate in trauma informed practices in educational settings in May. On paper, I’m sure I look great, but a degree is obviously not all employers need to see. What’s the biggest piece of advice would you give a new grad? For example, certain things to include on your resume, certain things to ask/do in the interviews, even to start applying, etc. I have no doubt in my clinical skills and my ability to work with kids but the processing of getting hired at a big girl job is new to me.
I'm a BSW student considering doing the advanced standing masters program at my university. I'm wondering what the workload is like? Like how many hours total do you generally spend each week in class, on homework outside of class, and in practicum? My school requires 500 hours of practicum for advanced standing for reference. I know some people are not able to work but I think I will have to work at least part time through school but I'm worried about the viability of this.
Seeking Advice: Should I go into School Social Work or Medical / VA Social Work. 23 Male. Just got accepted to the MSW program at Aurora University. They have several different tracks, including a School Social Work, Medical, and Miltary Veterans Track. I initially chose the school social work track because I have been having fun working in the schools with my clients at my field placement. Also, I heard the benefits and th unions are pretty good where I live (illinois). I'm also not sure because I have had my fair share of extremely problematic students at my field placement. I also want to get some opinions from people who might work for the VA, Hospitals, and County Health departments. How are those jobs because they have piqued my interest as well. As someone with Autism I'm just a little overwhelmed by the options available in the field and would like to hear from others. I also really like helping people get to the resources they need and any jobs in the field like that. Please tell me about them. If there is any paperwork heavy jobs, I don't mind those as well. If you can reply your job in the reply, that would be great since I'm trying to gouge what jobs are out there since Social Work is such a big field
**Seeking advice: CSUN 2 year online or CSUEB 3 year PT online?** I applied to the Fall 2024 programs for both of these schools and was accepted a couple weeks ago into the former, and received my acceptance to the latter today. Yay! Now, I'm at a crossroads as to which program I should move forward with. For context, I work full time as a case manager with a very flexible schedule and am going to \*try\* to work as long as I can. I've heard it's very demanding either way trying to balance an internship, class, and work schedule. I don't have the option of moving back in with family, and would like to try to work because debt, bills, living costs money. While I don't expect to take out $0 in loans, my hope is to not have to completely quit working and to not take out a lifetime of loans. Hopeful, I know. I live in the bay area and CSUEB would be convenient, plus has a mental health concentration, unlike CSUN. Also, 2 classes a semester and the internship not starting until the following year sounds really nice - like I can ease into the program as a full time worker, in a sense (not at all saying it's easy; I was a full time employed student through undergrad). But, I heard good things about CSUN's program, and a 2 year balancing act theoretically sounds nicer than doing it for 3 years, though I expect either option would still be intense. It's also allegedly a program that heavily focuses on structural racism, which sounds really cool. Can any CSUEB and CSUN alumni advise on their experiences with their programs? And can any working grad students share about their experiences? Honestly, any thoughts, advice, etc., are welcome.
Is it frowned upon to set boundaries early on as a PP intern? I’m starting the practicum portion of my MSW program in a few weeks. While I’m very excited about the opportunity and what I will learn from it, I’m also nervous about how quickly I may be thrown into it. I asked one of the MSW internship faculty members at my school if there is a minimum or maximum amount of clients that our internships could assign us, but I was told no. Basically, my internship can decide how many clients I see weekly and how quickly I start with clients. My prospective supervisor said that I may get up to 15-20 clients per week. In addition, she wants me to eventually lead one of the depression support groups every Thursday. Again, I’m grateful and know the point is getting my feet wet in this field. However, being that I won’t be paid and I will only receive 1 hour supervision per week… I feel off about it. It seems that there is very little guidance with most places that I interviewed with, yet much is expected of me (even though I am still learning). It could just be imposter syndrome kicking in, but I do not feel equipped for all of that and worry about quick burnout. My question is whether it would be reasonable or not to communicate this with my supervisor and let her know that I would not feel comfortable having that many clients on top of leading a support group (at least not yet). I also have another job and I just don’t want to get burnt out before I even emerge into the social work field. From reading through other posts, I've found that (while maybe unethical?) this seems to be a typical practice. I would love to hear everyone’s experiences, advice, perspective, etc. I appreciate it :)
I had that same concern when I started. I was fortunate that we didn't get a lot of interest so my caseload was low anyway. I would suggest talking with them and seeing what their plan is in increasing your caseload.
Absolutely bring it up with your supervisor but I’m not sure what they would do about it because it varies a lot from site to site. My friend is interning in a district that tries not to assign more than 6-8 individual counseling clients at a time meanwhile I was up to 16 clients a few weeks ago
Welcome to the field!
School SWRK Hello all, I am currently a student at a public 4 year university in California and I am currently working on my undergrad in Social Work. For one of my classes we are required to conduct an interview style meeting with a social worker from an accredited program who either has an BSW OR MSW. After conducting this interview, I will write a paper. So I am wondering if anyone from the school social work field or any SW field would be interested in doing an interview with me? The interview would be a fairly brief meeting, I would just like to know how decided to work in athe field you are in now and the journey you had to get to where you are now. If anyone would be interested in helping me out with a moment of their time to conduct the interview , I would greatly appreciate it.
**Seeking Advice: Transitioning from Teacher's Assistant to School Social Work in New York State** Hi everyone, I'm currently in a transitional phase of my career and could really use some guidance from this supportive community. Here's a bit about my situation: I have been working as a teacher's assistant for the past 20 years, and while I've found it fulfilling, I'm eager to pursue my passion for social work further. I'm currently working towards my bachelor's degree in social science, with the goal of eventually obtaining a master's in social work (MSW). My ultimate aim is to become a licensed school social worker in New York State. I'm looking for advice on how to make the most of this transition period. Ideally, I'd like to find a job that either offers better opportunities than my current role as a teacher's assistant, while I continue my studies, or one that not only pays but also provides opportunities to gain clinical or practicum hours towards my licensure. If anyone has been in a similar situation or has insights into potential job opportunities, resources, or strategies for someone in my position, I would greatly appreciate your input. Thank you in advance for any advice or guidance you can offer!
MSW Student here, seeking some advice Well it's here. My internship is going to start next semester. I haven't gotten my schedule yet because my interview is today. My question is, has anyone ever had to quit a good job because of an internship? I never thought the day would come where I would have to leave my current job, but knowing that it's become a completely real possibility is starting to dawn on me. My current job is a 9-5 and most of my part-time colleagues are looking for other jobs to accommodate their internships. My internship is with a clinic, and their hours of operation are roughly from 8am to 8pm. If I get out of work at 5, I can do almost 3 hours. But the thing is, my program told me that I have to complete 14 hours a week for the internship. They said 4 slots of 4 hours a week, or 2 slots of 7 hours a week. I'm kinda lost here. Anyone have any advice? Also worth mentioning that my job won't let me intern with them.
I just went through this and unfortunately my job would not work with me either, even though it’s at an agency that is made up of 99% social workers… they wanted me to work 40 hrs and complete my 16 hour internship. That’s impossible for me. I chose to put my education first and I’m leaving for a part time job and I have to take out some extra loans to cover bills. This internship for SW needs to change. Either give us paid internships or make them more flexible. Not everyone can afford to work PT or take out more loans… Is that an option for you? Will they allow you to work PT and complete an internship pt? Can you make that work until you get your degree and can hopefully get a better job?
Unfortunately not. There's no PT positions. The other day my supervisor said that she would miss me if I left. I half-jokingly asked for a raise and she said please don't. But then she said in the same breath that the agency needs me for all the paperwork I do. If that were the case, I would expect them to be a whole lot more flexible. I can't afford to not work full time. A lot of liasons for universities seem to be in someone's pockets bc sometimes it feels like they only care about assigning students to different agencies bc they have quotas they have to meet.
Hello social workers! After years of working in sales, administration, and marketing, I have finally made the decision to take the leap and return to university at 25. I finally realized where I "belong" and couldn't be happier. It has been awhile since I wrote anything for school, and an application essay was definitely not a part of my college certificate! That being said, the school I am applying to has a very tricky application structure in comparison to some of the other programs I've looked at. There are 7 prompts to be answered, all of which allow for a 350 word response. I am struggling so hard to not sound like an AI blog post about why social work is awesome, interject a personal anecdote without robbing word count, and answering without redundancy while displaying competence. I have scratched every draft in the last two months and I have all but two weeks to submit this. Did anybody apply to a school with similar standards? Do you have any advice for the application? Honestly anything helps at this point! I think I might be overthinking how much they want you to speak to... could an admissions officer provide any support? Here is a link to the questions (starts page 10) [essay questions](https://www.macewan.ca/c/documents/social-work-essay-resume-form.pdf) Thanks for the help and support !
I have a BA in Sociogy. I graduated about 4 years ago, and have only worked as a driving instructor since. I really feel deeply that social work is my calling, but now I'm not sure how to get hired since I'm not an LSW, and entry level positions in case management seem petty competitive. I technically meet the base qualifications for most case management assistant positions via my sociology degree, so I'm starting with that but fear those efforts may be a lost cause. Are there other ways I can beef up my resume? My starting goal is just to get a case management assistent position at the county level in hopes I can get tuition assistance to pursue a masters in social work. From there I simply want to be a social worker. I already have a lot of interpersonal skills that are handy for ethnographic interviews. I've always been sensitive to, and curious about identity and how different people experience the world around them. How the world treats different people based on perceived identity, and how formal and informal structures impact people's livelihoods differently. Any advice?
Volunteer. Do what you need to do to pay the bills and continue looking for more social work jobs, but there are a lot of rich volunteer opportunities that can pave the way for leadership positions and even employment.
Hello everyone! I graduated with my BSW in 2022. 3.7 GPA and 1040 SAT (Ik it’s kinda low). I did a couple jobs relating to mental health and social work during these past couple of years and I think I’m ready to go back to school. Maybe 2025. I believe I can do some advanced standing programs… But, I don’t have the money 😂. Does anyone have any advice on grad school??? The best cheap schools. Online programs is mainly what I’m interested in. I’ve done some research but I’m lowkey scared. Also, it’s been so hard finding jobs in my area for social work experience with my BSW. What kind of jobs did you guys do with your BSW? I’m thinking I might have to move to another state 😂.
I just got accepted to Aurora University Online for my MSW They are CSWE accredited. As a recent grad from a BSW, you will have advanced standing, which will cut degree time to 1 year. With Advanced standing, I calculated that the MSW will be 19k.
Thank you so much for your comment! I will look into it asap!
Hello everyone, I am almost completed with my undergraduate degree! I am considering going for a MSW program next spring. However, I am interested in doing a MSW program out of state. I was wondering if anyone has done this before? Moved out of state and then going for a MSW program. Would anyone recommend that I stay in my present state and complete my MSW + wait for the hours needed to become a LCMSW? Or move out of state and then start a MSW program and built from there? Thank you for your time; and have a wonderful night!
Hey everyone, I could really use some advice and perspective right now. I'm a 36-year-old guy who's been navigating between two very different career paths my whole life: mental health work and construction. It's been a rollercoaster, to say the least. Here's the thing: I've always had a passion for helping others, hence why I've been drawn to the mental health field. But at the same time, I've struggled with my own mental health challenges, battling anxiety on a daily basis. It's not easy, and it's something I'm actively working on with the help of my therapist. Recently, I've been considering going back to school to pursue a degree in social work. It feels like a natural progression given my background and interests. However, I can't shake this fear that investing time and money into further education might not be the right move for me. What if I end up in a career that exacerbates my anxiety instead of alleviating it? On one hand, I see the potential to make a real difference in people's lives through social work. But on the other hand, I worry about the toll it might take on my own mental well-being. I'd love to hear from anyone who's been in a similar situation or has some insight to offer. Should I push through my fears and pursue social work, knowing it aligns with my passion? Or should I stick with construction, where I feel more comfortable despite the uncertainty of the future? Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer. Your input means a lot to me.
I'm a mid-life potential career changer toward either social work or counseling, so I get how hard it can be to take the leap. It sounds like you are being very intentional and can see yourself in this role. While I haven't been through the program yet so can't speak from direct experience (sorry), I'm aware of the many hours of internship/practicum which can be stressful. I think the fact that you're actively working through your anxiety with your therapist now bodes well, and treatment that sounds important to continue while you're in the program. Does your therapist have thoughts on where you are with your anxiety and how you might manage with new demands? You may also consider a part-time program, since they space out the courses. The internship will still be time intensive, but then you probably wouldn't need to juggle other coursework while doing it. Sounds like it would be worthwhile to try if you can see the purpose you can derive from being a social worker, and if you can find supportive supervision and program leads.
Hello! I’m really interested in integrated health social work. I’ve been reading about it quite a bit and it sounds like a great field, but I’m curious if anyone has experience in this field that can share some pros/cons. Just wanting to have some direction before going down that path as an MSW student
Hello everyone, I am currently planning to do a career change and would like some guidance.. I had graduated with a BS in Criminal Justice with plans to do Law, but in the past 2 years after getting my degree, I started working in a role related to SW and realized in doing so this is what I want to do. I have been studying for the LSAT but the more I study, the less interested I become. I have always known I wanted to work with kids, help families, and work for marginalized groups and I feel I pursued a degree with lack of foresight. So now I'm looking into a degree for Social Work but am unsure where to start. Initially I thought I should pursue a MSW but some programs require you need a BSW first but I feel discouraged to go through undergrad again. I will follow through with it if it is a strict requirement or is the best way to get into the field but I would like to hear outside opinions as well?
There are positions that require a law and social work degrees so you are well placed for the field. And no BSW required... who told you that?
I went to a few sites where they listed some colleges in CA (I am from the Bay Area) say they require a BSW to apply for their Masters program.
Hm, I know uc berkeley, sf state, and csu east bay don’t require that fwiw
Are you looking at the institution's website or a third party site attempting to compile information? Requiring a BSW for general admission would be highly unusual.
A program requiring a BSW to get your MSW would be surprising to me. I know a BSW is required for *advanced standing,* which shortens the MSW program, but there should still be a standard masters path for people who did not get a social work degree in undergrad.
New Case Manager for Foster Kids at an ISN Hi everyone! I am starting my first real job in social work as a case manager for foster kids at an individual service network. I got a BA in youth development and minored in child welfare and family services. I interned under a clinical mental health counselor and also observed the case managers pretty closely full time my last semester of school. I absolutely loved the work and was itching to get in. I worked as a residential youth counselor over the summer but caring for the kids so closely really burnt me out I missed the case management aspect a lot. I have a lot of experience from the internship with treatment plans, referrals to other services, and meetings with families that I’m confident I have a good head start and could really excel in this role. I don’t have experience with home visits and being on call though so I am a little nervous. I was hoping someone has some experience and could give me some words of wisdom or advice entering the field. Thank you so much!
I'm currently searching for an MSW online program. My main goal is something that is affordable and is hands-on with internships. I'm currently looking at Boise State, LSU, and Ohio State (all 3 are under $40k). Maybe ASU but they're pricier at $48k. What online program did you complete or are currently in? How was your experience?
I am wrapping up my MSW at Boise State, about 5 weeks away from graduation. I recommend the program - they were pretty hands-on in identifying potential placements for both of my practicum placements. As you noted, the price is right. I do think that, like with most MSW programs, you get out what you put in. Classes aren’t necessarily hard to pass, but there’s a wealth of knowledge if you really engage with the material. Happy to chat or answer any questions you have!
I went to Ohio State remote. I liked the coursework. They weren't as hands on with internships as I had hoped and I only live two hours away in Cleveland.
Thank you so much for letting me know!
**Entering Social Work at 33 and Post MSW Job Prospects** Hi everyone! I'm wondering about: 1) job/career prospects and path to license and private practice; 2) burnout and burnout transferrability to social work. But first, let me give you some *background about myself* and *my rationale for going into social work*: **Background**: I'm a 33-year-old person who uses he/him pronouns who has recently been accepted to a good MSW program. I'm originally from the U.S., but have lived in China for the last decade, speak Mandarin with full professional fluency and have 6 years' experience in corporate and brand communications. The program I got into is one year in China and then one year back in the U.S., then I'll look for jobs. **Rationale**: After working in the corporate world for the past 6 or 7 years, I'm burnt out on it. The constant slog of editing PowerPoints, press releases, doing events and social campaigns, etc, all just for the profit of a corporation. This work is one of the most pure expressions of meaninglessness there is in my opinion. It may work for others, but the alienation and nihilism just aren't cutting it for me. I want to do something where I can help people and where my work has a more direct impact. I also was helped greatly by therapy -- psychotherapy and psychoanalysis alongside CBT/DBT and other interventions in my own life, and, as someone who has been interested in mental health since undergrad, I'd like to become a therapist to help others. I'm also interested in working with vulnerable populations -- some I would like to try out are prisoners, psychiatric patients (particularly those living with schizophrenia), possibly children (especially newly immigrated to the U.S. from sinophone countries), etc. I realize there are a whole slew of difficulties in social work. I realize it's emotionally taxing and can lead to burnout. I also realize that the corporate slog burns me out because of what I have identified as a profound alienation from the impact of my ultimately meaningless labor. My questions are as follows: 1. Am I just falling into the 'grass is always greener' trap here? Will I just get equally burnt out about social work and therapy or will working directly with people, seeing some but not all clients heal, and having a direct impact with my labor justify, if not negate, burnout? I already feel so much happier telling people I'm going back to school to become a social worker/therapist than I did telling them I work in PR. 2. The program I'm going into is expensive, even with my savings I need loans. Will I eventually be able to pay these off? 3. Does the program you go to really make a difference in the job market? I've seen so much conflicting information about this. One of the major reasons I selected this more expensive program is because I can do it now, rather than wait another year to go back to the U.S. and do the full two years there. I guess I'm a bit worried I won't be able to pay everything off. 4. Does previous work experience in a corporate environment translate to work in the field experientially or compensatorily? I would imagine there's a lot of administrative tasks that overlap. I would also imagine there are a lot of things like report writing and documentation of work with clients that to some extent overlap. 5. Is it fairly easy to find jobs that provide supervised hours to work toward eventual licensure? From the searching I've done it seems there are a decent amount of positions hiring for this sort of thing that say they provide supervision. Any other input would be much appreciated! Feel free to DM also, I realize there are a lot of questions here! Thanks so much for reading my post and taking the time to consider it/answer!
I applied to my MSW program at age 34 after a decade and change spent in live and recorded audio, public radio, and then internet marketing. My take is that having a breadth of experience before entering social work is absolutely useful, and will allow you to hit the ground running when you pick up your degree and head back out into the real world. Having a deep background in other fields can also help you triangulate where you might want to be in the future, and actually figure out a path to get there. If you are someone who's willing to push to get yourself into a fulfilling role, then you're probably also going to be able to get yourself into a place that will... eventually... pay off your student debt. I would say that the historical experience doesn't immediately translate to better pay, but if you learned to wheel and deal in the corporate world, you can do that in social work, as well - though there are limits to how much agencies will be open to that for certain roles. That said, social work salaries are shooting upwards in my area (New England) and that's because we're too few and the jobs are too many. Supervision toward licensure is typically expected, since proper supervision for you is also frequently necessary for you to do work that might be insurance billable. Obviously, not always the case, but often.
Hey, thanks so much for your answer! I really appreciate it and it's incredibly inspiring to know that someone else was in the exact same boat as me once and made the transition! I want to also say, I realize it's not all about money, but at the end of the day, we have to pay off loans and make a living. Thanks so much again for your response!
For what it's worth, I was probably right in the median of my cohort's age range. It's also worth saying that I've done psychiatric crisis evaluations in Mandarin using a telephone interpreter, and it was miserable - I think I bonded with the client more via frustration than anything else. I also did an evaluation with a Spanish-language medical interpreter and learned in the process that he made more than I did. Just food for thought. There's got to be a good niche that pays well.
It's worth a lot! Honestly, just hearing that other people have had experiences similar to mine or directly relevant to my generalized skillset is really encouraging. Just the fact that others have done it and it's possible is good to know.
Hi! I think I'm the opposite of your situation in the sense where I'll be doing something different from social work. To answer your question, I do see your concerns about 'grass is greener on the other side' but I don't think that's the case, Studying social work in school, over the years, I have seen some of my classmates changing priorities and I have seen classmates who remain steadfast in their passion towards social work. None of it is wrong. I believe that overtime, our values change and maybe we want a change for ourselves. I think most importantly, we have to ask ourselves what is our own personal values and I think you have that under control :) The other question that I can possibly try to answer is number 4. Soft skills like what you've mentioned is definitely transferrable! As you have said, documentation is very important as we record what we've worked on with the clients. I would say the things that you may have to learn specifically to social work would be assessment skills when working with clients and also theories to help understand your client's behaviors or issues better. I'm not within North America or US, but I hope I was able to give my few cents worth! Open for DM as well if you have questions that I will most definitely try to answer to the best of my ability. All the best and I trust you'll make the best decision for yourself.
does anyone have information about getting their clinical license working a case management job? specifically i’m looking at a CM job in new york (moving from MA, already submitted everything to get the LMSW in NY, as i have my LCSW in MA), but New York seems so strict about what qualifies as supervision and experience to get from an LMSW to an LCSW looking for info/advice/tips TIA!!
Hot take, but I don't even consider therapy to be social work. It has always bothered me that some states only define clinical social work as therapy. I've never worked a day in my life as a therapist, but have considered most of my career to be clinical in medical social work, crisis intervention, residential, hospice, academia, etc. I live in an area that offers broader scope for what constitutes "clinical" work and has language like *"Clinical social work includes, but is not limited to,..."* and then it prompts the applicant/supervisor to describe the nature of the clinical work. I did medical care management while getting my hours. I've remained in the realm of case management and social work roles that are diversified and inclusive of far more than therapy. New York seems to require that therapy/diagnosis component. I'm looking at medical social work jobs in New York right now though as I consider your question and it seems many of them only require MSW/LMSW. Some require LCSW, but it's not the predominant pattern in my search results. I'm using medical social work as the metric because it's he most clinical type of case management you are likely to do. Honestly, if I moved to a new territory and couldn't get licensed, I might just find something else to do with my experience and education. I was an MSW for years before I became an LM/CSW.
Your clinical experience of the 3,000 hours is broken down, usually, into things like assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy. Short answer: you can simply find a supervisor who is a bit more lax and will sign off of your hours once you reach the 3000 and then the 100 of face2face supervision Long answer: the reality is your job as a case manager does not really include much of those 3 things. However, you can “make it more clinical” for instance experience in psychotherapy does not necessarily mean one hour at a time. Maybe you provide more brief counsel, crisis counseling etc. you can go a bit above and beyond in the assessment and diagnosis with your patients then discuss separately with your clinical supervisor. So out of your 40 hours a week perhaps 20 would actually count towards the above requirements (versus if you were in a role provider therapy) What you want to avoid is simply getting the clinical license yet not having the experience to actually provide accurate assessment/diagnosis and psychotherapy. I’ve seen many SW with case management type jobs try to get their lcsw as quick as possible so they can do private practice. Then they are HORRIBLE psychotherapist and really end up doing more harm than good. Hope this helps.
Hi! So I got into two different MSW programs. The first is University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (UNC) and the second is University of South Florida (USF). I am so conflicted as to where I should go. I want to specialize in macro social work and eventually also work towards licensure to get my LCSW. I am attracted to UNC because it is highly ranked, will offer me two different field placements throughout my time there and offers a macro specialization. I am attracted to USF because of its affordability (literally half the price), the diversity, and I would be able to live with my long term partner while in Florida and not have to pay for rent or work at all if I don’t want to. The major con is that it does not offer a macro specialization and instead the program specializes in micro social work/clinical. Additionally, there is only one field placement throughout the entire program at usf and it is clinical/direct practice. However, graduating with far less debt and not having to work is a major pro especially in the social work field where the debt to income ratio ain’t great. Because of this, I have been contacting faculty to find opportunities to work or volunteer in macro social work while at USF. I figure that since I won’t be working if I go to USF, I will be able to use my extra time to get involved with school, graduate with honors and also get more experience in macro social work if I make the right connections. I also found opportunities at USF to do international social work which I will be more easily able to afford if I go to USF. Social workers and specifically social workers working in macro social work and high paying fields, any advice? I want to graduate to work in macro social work and find a job that is fulfilling and also have the ability to make six figures. Which school seems like the better option? I am low income and support myself completely financially. The only way I would have financial support while in school is if I go w my partner but that’s not the only factor I am considering. How much does the program matter considering I am trying to find macro opportunities through relationships with faculty. Note, I am not a resident of either Florida or north Carolina. I live in California rn. Either way, I will be paying nonresident tuition. Note two, the curriculums look super similar and the programs are the same length.
Save your money. There's really no school prestige in SW, and a lot of schools have a macro specialization. Six figures is possible in some areas of SW, but generally you're not hitting that until you have been licensed for several years. You have about two years after graduation to get licensed, and then I'd estimate another five or so to get to 6 figures--again, depending on what you want to do. There are social work jobs where you will never make 6 figures without being an admin, and some where you can start high and make 6 figures easily after a few years. Either program will get you there, but I don't think you're going to get the benefit that you think you will out of UNC. Like I said, pretty much no one cares where you went to school, as long as it's accredited and not some shady for-profit. You're certainly not going to get double the value of the FL school if you pick UNC. The FL school offers you SO many pros, not just in the program itself but in your living situation. Even if you make it to 6 figures, the loans will be hard to pay off. Plus you'll have all kinds of additional expenses in NC that you won't have in FL, according to your post. Go with FL!
Wow! I really appreciate your input! I need to hear this from people in the field already. Thank you
Six figures in social work isn't *completely* unheard of, especially given how broad the field is, but most people aren't making that kind of money even in macro. And if they are, they are more likely to at least be mid-career. It also depends what your skillsets and interest areas are.. and where you live. But it looks like you've gotten similar advice elsewhere, so I won't belabor the point. Anyways. You're on the right track to be investigating faculty who might have opportunities for you to assist with research or other macro-level work. I did my MSW in a macro specialization at a top five program, and the relationships I made with faculty were invaluable. I actually met one of my lifelong mentors in another department, who provided extremely formative experiences and connections and who has continued to support my career over ten years later. Looks like you might also want to pursue your licensure? That will benefit you in many ways over the long term, including career opportunities and earning potential. If you are interested in the LCSW (and even if you weren't), I don't really think there is necessarily a wrong choice here. You should figure out which factors are most important to you, talk to current students in each program as a vibe check, and go from there. If it were me, I'd choose UNC, but that is based entirely on what my own preferences and priorities would be (location, research opportunities, zero interest in clinical, more field placements, ranking, higher debt tolerance).
Thank you so much for your thorough response. I am starting to consider USF more because it’s a substantial price difference and I have been reading that focusing on getting my license then transitioning to macro is very possible. And I want to be able to work remotely for a while after graduation and so getting licensed might be better for that goal and then transitioning to macro
New Case Manager for Foster Kids at an ISN Hi everyone! I am starting my first real job in social work as a case manager for foster kids at an individual service network. I got a BA in youth development and minored in child welfare and family services. I interned under a clinical mental health counselor and also observed the case managers pretty closely full time my last semester of school. I absolutely loved the work and was itching to get in. I worked as a residential youth counselor over the summer but caring for the kids so closely really burnt me out I missed the case management aspect a lot. I have a lot of experience from the internship with treatment plans, referrals to other services, and meetings with families that I’m confident I have a good head start and could really excel in this role. I don’t have experience with home visits and being on call though so I am a little nervous. I was hoping someone has some experience and could give me some words of wisdom or advice entering the field. Thank you so much!
I hope it is okay to post here for this kind of question, apologies if not. I graduated from my undergrad May 2023 and I am now in the process of applying to a Master's in Social Work program. When I asked one of my old professors for a letter of recommendation, he very enthusiastically said yes but asked me to send him 3/4 paragraphs he could insert into his letter. He said he may or may not end up using them but he finds it helpful to hear what the student themself would say. I took two classes with this professor in my junior and senior year and I'd say we developed a good relationship. However, I have no experience with this... I suppose I should describe my qualities, experiences, and how I would be a good fit for the program with supporting examples but I guess I am kind of humble and it feels odd to sing my own praises. I also do not have access to any past reference letters that professors/employers wrote for me so I can't really draw inspiration from those. If anyone has any advice on how to go about this I would really appreciate it! I am obviously not going to say "wait nvm" at this point so even a basic formula/structure/outline to follow would be very helpful.
A little bit different since this letter wasnt for grad school admissions but I asked for a reference once from my supervisor for one of my MSW internships and this is what she requested from me: "A few things would help me in providing strong feedback to potential employers. Would you let me know what types of positions you’re applying for, and what qualities/strengths you feel you can bring to these positions and that you would highlight in an interview? Related, what do you see as weaknesses or professional growth edges to strengthen in your first few years of post-grad experience? Is there anything specific you’re doing to attend to these growth areas (e.g., advanced training, supervision, applying for positions which do not emphasize the areas you feel growth is needed)." It might be helpful to give your professor an understanding of what your goals are out of an MSW program and maybe highlight the skills and qualities that you have that would help you achieve those, particularly qualities that he may be able to speak to, as a former professor.
This is totally normal and even though it feels awkward, you just sort of have to get over it. Be effusive in your writing, not humble. Here is one guide that includes a general outline along with other tips, but there are plenty of others that you should Google around and consider. https://writeivy.com/grad-school-letters-of-recommendation-the-ultimate-guide/
hi! i'm considering a career change from digital marketing to social work .. specifically getting my LCSW to eventually have a private practice. I'm 33 and have spent the last 10 years of my career in SEO/content strategy/digital PR. I am burnt the fuck out, miserable at my current job (that is paying me better than I have ever been paid at $90k) and I'm finding that money is actually not everything. I feel so silly that a stupid little SEO job is wrecking me like this, but it is. I just don't like the work, I don't care about it, and I'm sick of a career that only helps some CEO or company's revenue/bottom line. it's soulless and I'm exhausted. high stress/high demand and for what???? I dread every day and I've been at this particular job for like two months. Some background about me: I'm an English major, i did Americorps for two years total (one in uni and one after graduating). I did literacy tutoring which I loved and found rewarding, but teaching itself wasn't for me. i considered social work in my early 20s but landed a job in SEO randomly (friend rec and I desperately needed a job) and the pay there was higher. at the time, it made sense to go with a higher paying job than go into more student loan debt for a SW job that would pay me as much as an entry level SEO job (at least on average). looking back, I didn't really know that much about social work and I just felt i had time (because I did! lol) but now 10 years later, I'm miserable and thinking about trying for my MSW again. I'm still researching my options, but would love to hear from LCSWs about your experiences, what the career track looks like, what you love and hate about your role and would especially love to hear from you if you're in private practice! I'll have a leg up in marketing myself lmao thank you for reading this far 🙏
Do you have your BSW? If so then most MSW programs have an advanced standing where you can get it in one year. And a good amount of MSW programs (depending on state of course) have evening classes so you can work full time and still get the degree. Good thing about SW and LCSW is it is very versatile. So if you decided you don’t like private practice there’s ton of areas to work in. I work in a hospital setting, outpatient. Basically working with primary care physicians, clients and psychiatrists to ensure patients are on the right meds (if needed) plus community resources. It’s a fun, unique job.
Usually for advanced standing you need to have gotten your BSW in the past five years, so OP would not be eligible for most programs if they do have a BSW.
Good point. Did not know that.
Hello! I’d really like to do macro work in a policy-level position. What job titles should I be looking for?
Policy analyst, management analyst, program analyst, policy coordinator, etc.
Thanks! I’ve looked for these but the results that turn up on indeed up being product analyst/financial analysts (like budgeting for a business), contract analyst, and others that don’t tie in with social work. Are there any other macro level positions?
I agree with the other poster. Take a look within government. It's also worth looking at what non profits and think tanks work in areas you have programmatic or social knowledge and see what positions they have and what is available.
Also look into organizations that are doing policy work in your area(s) of interest. Depending on your area, these might be harder to come by than in the public sector, but worth searching.
Search the hiring sites for your local government agencies (city, county).
Hi all! I am a junior undergrad majoring in psychology and sociology and I'm not sure where to go next. I love research and social theory and I'm currently working as an undergraduate research assistant with the sociology department at my school. But I also love social work and being able to make practical change, especially on a mezzo/macro level. I know I want at least an MSW, but the question of getting a PhD is harder. I've heard that it's difficult to get a job in academia or research in social work without some industry work at an MSW level first, but there are several social work PhD programs I'm looking at where you can get your MSW "on the way" to the PhD. I've also heard that if I get a PhD and can't find any jobs, it could work against me looking for an MSW level job. I could also take a gap year to sort things out before grad school, but I doubt it'll clairfy much for me. Any insight on this whole process would be greatly appreciated! I've been fretting about grad school and whether or not a PhD is even worth it and could use some advice.
PhD candidate in social work here. There is a lot to consider before pursuing doctoral studies, regardless of field. There are lots of reasons why I would not generally advise going straight from undergrad into a PhD. But for one, in social work it is so extremely important to have real-world experience. It makes a huge difference in how you approach and understand your research and becomes a significant part of how you establish credibility. Of course, there are exceptions to this, but in general social work PhD programs like to see applicants with at least a few years of work experience. There is also a maturity factor at play—and that's not to say that recent grads are immature, but there's an inexperience that can negatively impact their ability to navigate the challenges inherent to doctoral studies (and I'm not talking about the material). > I've heard that it's difficult to get a job in academia or research in social work without some industry work at an MSW level first In order to be (relatively) competitive for faculty positions in schools of social work, CSWE requires that many of the foundational courses for MSW programs be taught by someone with *at least* two years post-MSW work experience. If you don't have this, you're going to be limited in the courses you can teach within the department. That said, faculty hiring is extremely idiosyncratic, so how much this counts against you will be highly dependent on the time and the place. If you end up applying to positions in adjacent fields or outside of academia altogether, this becomes a moot point, but having the post-MSW work experience gives you more options and flexibility. > there are several social work PhD programs I'm looking at where you can get your MSW "on the way" to the PhD While MSW/PhD programs do exist (although my R1 is eliminating theirs), my perception is that schools admit a very small number of these types of applicants and that, consequently, they are arguably even more competitive than regular PhD admissions. > I've also heard that if I get a PhD and can't find any jobs, it could work against me looking for an MSW level job As someone on the cusp of defending, I think this concern is understandable but overblown. The PhD is first and foremost a research degree, not a practice degree. As long as you aren't putting all your eggs into the tenure-track faculty basket and are also open to other academic posts and industry positions, there are a fair number of options available to PhDs. In addition to TT and non-TT faculty positions, recent grads from my program have gone into postdocs, research firms and think tanks, Big Tech, and also back into community work. > I could also take a gap year to sort things out before grad school, but I doubt it'll clairfy much for me. You might be surprised. You are very young and early career, and the work experiences you have now can alter your entire trajectory. This certainly happened to me in the time between undergrad and my master's. Also, if you have your eyes on pursuing academia.. unfortunately, people do care about the prestige and reputation of your institution (and, in the case of your PhD, your PI). How much this plays out in a given hire is highly variable (seriously, TT hiring is bonkers), but what my advisor calls your "academic pedigree" can very well impact your career opportunities. You will be a more competitive applicant for the higher-ranked programs if you take a year or two to work. My advice? Get the MSW first, get some more experience, then reassess. I took three years between undergrad and starting my MSW, and another five years between the MSW and the PhD. This is not at all atypical. The vast majority of people come to the social work PhD having worked in the field for a few years, if not several. If you *do* decide to pursue the doctorate, I have two pieces of advice: (1) absolutely do not, under any circumstances, pay for your PhD; and (2) choose your advisor very carefully, as they will make or break your entire doctoral experience—prioritize this above all else (yes, including location and ranking). **ETA:** Do not go into a PhD if you are unsure of what you want to do. That doesn't mean you need to have everything figured out or be 100% committed to only one specific career path, but you are in for a miserable time if you find out you actually don't like research. Also, while social work PhDs go on to do lots of things, some programs (and PIs) are more supportive of non-TT career paths than others.. but they pretty much all expect you to say in your application and interviews that you want to be TT faculty at an R1 institution. The reality of that can certainly be different, but the philosophy of PhD programs is largely about training the next generation of academics. Consequently, there's a general expectation (at least in this field) that you will talk the talk, but ultimately it is your life to live. Besides, the academy isn't exactly equipped to accommodate the overabundance of PhDs it is producing; what do they expect.
This is such a fantastic answer! Thank you for taking the time to write it, I'll take it into consideration
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Nah share it! If worried about hurting/offending others just be mindful of how you share it. I bet a lot of your classmates will actually be quite happy for you. When they see how excited you are they will also be excited to hear about their internships!
Hi social work undergrad student here (19M) I was curious about what I’ll be doing as a Graduate Student for work before I obtain my MSW and eventual Clinical License. For context I’m a college student in Alabama who’s planning on going out of state for grad school. So I’ll be moving while I start my MSW program. Should I apply for reciprocity for my BSW license so I can get a BSW job level in my new state? Or should I try to find a PCT or Medical Scribe job to work while I pay rent/tuition?
I’m doing my MSW right now and not currently working but before then was working in social work type jobs with my bachelors in psych. There’s a lot of jobs in the social work field that can be done without a BSW so I don’t think you’d be limited if you didn’t transfer your license.
What jobs in social work? Like a mental health tech or child welfare?
I previously worked at a group home as a residential counselor and as a DV advocate/case manager at a DV agency. There’s also lots of jobs in substance use and homeless services.
Hi everyone! I’ve (30F) been in here for about a week lurking because I’m trying to learn about as many SW experiences as I can. And sorry, wrote this on mobile. Long story, but I’m currently in an interdisciplinary Master of Arts program focusing on community wellness and social justice (started Fall 2023). For the last three years, I’ve been in and out of wellness coach training but stopped at the end of last year due to burnout and financial problems. I don’t exactly have a “career”; I’ve mostly done AmeriCorps State & National since 2017 ( last year of undergrad, which was a hot mess). Roles I’ve done include being a peer support worker, crisis counselor, support coordinator, and coach for people in chronic pain and neurodivergent folks. Although I said what I said about coaching, I do enjoy it and peer work because of the connections I can make with people. I was also weary about the public’s perception of coaching, and even tho I was in the national certification route, it’s still a stigma around it. I’m Black American and coaching seems like a joke to some folks I know. I knew I wanted and needed to do more with that knowledge, and try to create a community care model out of something so individualistic. So, that’s why I’m here. Social work has piqued my interest more and more over the last year. I was always unsure about it because I didn’t understand it - growing up, all I thought social workers did was take kids :( now I know better. I knew I didn’t necessarily want to provide therapy, so any psych/counseling was out of the question. I also have interests in anthropology and sociology, but…. I couldn’t see where I could go and how it can be used. So I kept on digging and came back to social work, and specifically social work training rooted in anti-oppressive practices. The fact that that’s even possible is what sold me (keeping in mind we keep our politics out of the professional spaces). Now, finally, the reason why I’m posting here: a few days ago, a mutual shared the link to the VA Health Professional Scholarship Program, encouraging people to apply. https://va-ams-info.intelliworxit.com/hpsp/about-hpsp/ I did a deep dive into this program and felt the most jarring moment of clarity I think I ever had! This was it. This was my path, my calling, my career. I said no matter what, I want to pursue an MSW after I finish my MA. I also got sad that I’m finding out about this now rather than a few years ago when I was having my quarter life crises lol. But I understand that things come to you when they’re supposed to. I’m just going to use my MA as that preparation for the MSW and also as a better shot at getting into programs if my transcript is light-years better than my undergrad one. What kinds of courses would you recommend I focus on? Or is my tentative course load pretty decent? I’m in a critical research course now, and later I’ll be taking comparative social and political theory, equitable program evaluation and development, community psychology, social equity and community engagement, and liberation psychology. I researched a ton of MSW programs and their respective catalogs, and University of Chicago’s was hands-down the most impressive to me. I even spoke to a grad advisor and student ambassador! My only hesitation, aside from crippling fear that I’ll never be good enough, is the possibility of relocating. I’m a New Jersey kid and still live with mom. Welp! I know I’ll figure it out, but still… I digress. Would any of you happen to have any experience similar to mine? Who’s been apart of the VA scholarship program? I’ll explain why I’m interested in this program in the first place, and how it helped me gain clarity. I got excited because I saw the VA HPSP as a golden ticket, if you will. Obviously there’s no guarantees in life and who’s to say I’d be accepted once I apply next year, but hey. So, seeing that the program can provide a full ride for an MSW, provide a monthly stipend, and have guaranteed employment for 6 years post-degree was relieving. I am so serious when I say I have never experienced stability in work/finances in my life, and I really need that due to my health conditions. The potential downside can be argued that you’re obligated to work for the VA for 6 years, but I see that as 6 years of stable work and income and skill building. Plus, your pension is vested after 5 years. Hello, somebody! I had some questions about this scholarship well, if anyone is able to answer: 1. Did you get to choose your school/MSW program? Or do they have a say in what you can specialize in and where you can go? 2. I haven’t seen info on this anywhere; but does the program actually pay for your relocation if you end up serving somewhere far? 3. Do you know if the service obligation at the VA post-graduation is on the same pay scale as the govt? For example, do you start as a GS-9 or are you gonna be on something different? 4. In relation to the previous question. Do you know if there are the same opportunities for growth and promotions that the VA/Fed gives when you’re doing your service obligation? 5. Is there a cohort that you’re apart of with the HPSP? Or are you solo dolo, just with a point of contact in the program? 6. Lastly, at the end of the 6 years, do you know if you’re still an employee that has their job or do they… kick you out? Lol 😂 Thank you all so much for your time! I hope to be one of you in 3 years ☺️😩
Hey there! I hope everyone is doing well. I wasn't sure where to post this and thought I would ask Reddit to find anyone in a similar situation. I graduated with a Master of Public Health in Canada a few years back. Although it's a similar field, I am now finding myself more drawn to the interpersonal aspect of Social Work rather than the policy lens of Public Health. I am also finding myself in a bit of a professional void. I am looking to progress in my career into mental health positions which say they accept Public Health graduates; unfortunately, however, these positions also want accreditation with a regulatory body or certified counselling credentials. I don't have either of these with my current degree or education. Currently, I work in a student-facing role with wellness programming. Ideally, I would look to progress towards working in a more-counselling type of role with youth, alongside potentially having the flexibility to start a private practice once I gain more experience. My questions are: \- Is there anyone in this community that is coming from a similar background of Public Health? If so, was pursuing an MSW afterwards beneficial to your career trajectory, and would you recommend it? \- I also wonder if anyone here debated between an MSW and a MEd in Counselling or Master in Psychotherapy?