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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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