Master's in Clinical Social Work(Social Worker)
Social Worker who Needs a LUCKY BREAK I graduated in 2015 with a Master's in clinical Social work and I am 60 years young. I also have 2 undergraduate degrees in Business and in Psychology. After a long successful career in Real Estate I decided to pursue my passion career. I currently work part-time with the school system as a General Education Teacher for adults and receive no benefits. I have been caring for a mother with Alzheimer's for the past 5 years while I was in school and worked. At this point I am struggling to pay bills. I have 3 years of experience in the Social Work field ( one year as a Mental Health Support staff with a local city and 2 years in my Internship where I worked at a local Community Service Board with the Homeless, also with a State program with the Homeless and, a Non-profit Church program with Ex-cons and as a GED teacher. It seems that the employer's do not think that I have enough experience in this field. I just need a break but am finding that the 20 and 30 somethings are being hired and many of them already have 5 or more years of work history in the field. My original intention was to get my clinical license (LCSW) but my friends say just focus on the job and find the clinical Supervision at the job versus paying extra for this Supervision. It is easy to say this as the jobs are few and far between and I have a student loan to pay off. I need to have 30 hours in order to qualify for a 10 year Loan Forgiveness program. Even the second shift jobs from 2-10 pm or 3-11 pm are a challenge to find. Fortunately, I can have 2 part-time jobs in order to qualify for the program. Do you have any suggestions? I am going to renew my Real Estate license and put it some place that takes part-time agents. To go back to Real Estate means that I will not qualify for the 10 year Loan Forgiveness. All of my hard work and to end up back in my old career is not my intention. Katherine
Hi Katherine! I'm an LCSW and it took me YEARS to get my supervision. I wondered if your field placement had any opportunities? What about Social Work PRN? Any professional associations you can join and network with people there? What type of SW are you wanting to practice?
Jen
Wed., 9-28 -- Dear Eunice, I suggest applying at your local home health agencies as case manager. I worked for one here in OK City for 11 years and was hired at age 58! I have M.Ed. They would welcome your higher level of education, especially in social work! ... and I started at $35K with social work experience at a mental health clinic for 6 years (also as case mgr). I had NO experience or relevant education when I started at the mental health clinic; I got hired as 'combination of education and experience' and.....warm body! in the OK panhandle! You assist clients with acquiring inhome services like bath-help, hskpng, delvd meals, pullups, walkers, etc and you are 'counseling' them regarding daily personal issues. ...... Also, with your MCSW apply at every private counseling agency in your city, And apply for state social work-type positions: Child Support Spec., Child Welfare, etc. Go for case mgr for easy-hire good money until you find counseling job. Not good luck, but Great Success! - bob
Hello Eunice, Congratulations on pursuing your passion! I understand exactly what you are saying. I am not that many years behind you and also have those student loans coming up very soon, I would not go back to the Real Estate. It keeps you in that area that is now your past. You have so much to offer to an organization. Not only do you have the education and qualifications to do what you love, you also have lived a life full of experiences that are so precious. Those experiences will get you in the door and the degrees will get you the career that you deserve. Networking and talking to everyone that you did internships with and worked with can be the key to success. Don't be afraid to ask everyone that you talk to for a job. You deserve to share your passion and the populations need you. You are amazing! Best Wishes!
Hi Eunice: If social work is what you want to do, then stick to it. Going to get your Real Estate license seems like your going to start over and not worth it. If you willing to relocate Washington, D.C. have social worker opportunities, especially around this season. If not apply to mental heath programs, community centers, or Jewish Family Services http://jfshamptonroads.org/careers-with-jfs/
Best wishes to you! Can u share with us the details of the loan forgiveness program? Thanks.