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From the
Mail Bag
Hi: I was
looking up how to get into social work
and i found you :) .... i am a nursing
assistant right now , going into the
nursing field , but feel that i should
be in social work and was wondering if
you had any tips for getting into social
work starting from the bottom ?
have a great day !
E.
Dear E:
First you need to explore why you feel
you should be in Social Work. Nursing is
also a helping profession. In fact, a
combination of a RN and MSW is a
fantastic professional background for
working in Case Management, for example.
I always
tell people that if they think they
might be interested in Social Work, they
should volunteer in a social service
agency that employs social workers.
Learn about the role of the social
worker and test your commitment to
helping others. See if you feel you may
make a difference. If so, the first step
is usually an introductory Bachelor's
level course... something like Social
Work 101!
Best, Liz
From the
Mail Bag
Hello Liz,
Great website. From the looks of it, you
seem to be a great social worker. I
wanted to ask you how I would get into
the social work field. When I think
about my personality and my value
system, social work seems like a natural
fit. I was always discouraged from
thinking of social work because of low
pay. Now at almost 30, I realize I'm the
type of person who cannot be simply
motivated by money and still be happy in
a profession. I received my master's in
sociology in 2005. I am reluctant
return to graduate school for a MSW so
soon and without actually having worked
in a social work environment to really
know if I want to pursue a MSW. What
advice do you have for me given my
education and interest in pursuing a
social work job. Can I find a social
work job with my MA in sociology just to
get my feet wet so to speak? Can you
tell me what it's been like for you to
be a social worker? And of course, can
a social worker make a good living?
Thanks so much for any input. ~ C
Dear C:
Since your questions are ones that
come up from time to time, I will
answer them here, on the blog. I,
too, went into social work as my
personal values fit with the
professional values of social work.
I was, in my opinion, a good social
worker and good social work
supervisor. I enjoyed social work as
long as I felt I could make a
difference. However, as I found a
disconnect between the values of my
healthcare organization and my
professional values and, I was
spread too thinly to do a good job,
I felt it was time to move on. I
have, in fact, retired from Social
Work. I now do
travel writing and have two
retail businesses,
Volks-Ware for Hikers and Walkers,
and
Outdoorsy Girl Jewelry and Gifts.
Of course the values still lead me
to "do good," and I donate a portion
of what I make in retailing to
worthy causes.
There may be some jobs, especially
in non-profits, that might accept
your degree in Sociology and a
strong background in volunteering
with their client-type or social
issue, in lieu of a degree in social
work. However, for most true social
work positions, and those that are
the most professional, you will need
a MSW. If you ever want to be
licensed in your profession, you
will need the MSW.
You can make a good living as a
social worker, either in private
practice or as an experienced
clinician or supervisor. In order to
do that you will need to do well in
your profession and, on top of that,
have some business skills/sense and
administrative ability.
I wish you much luck in your career!
I suggest you post this to our
listserv and see what others say.
The sign-up box is below.
Best, Liz
July 29,
2006 I received a note regarding the
site,
Good Endings, and the information
and products they have for sale. The
site and service is run by a Social
Worker and Thanatologist, so you might
want to have a look. The program is
especially aimed at serving the nursing
home population, a group often forgotten
when it comes to end of life services.
This reminded me that I need to put
together a good
End of Life page. My
Ethics page has some good resources,
but I need to do more.
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