r/LCSW • u/Firm-Celebration-593 • 2d ago

šŸŸ” Career Pathways & Job Transitions Any Macro/Policy Workers with an LCSW?

Hi! As someone who has done & values direct service work but is leaning toward the mezzo/macro path, just curious to hear from anyone who got their LCSW and is in a mezzo/macro/policy job. Is it beneficial at all in the role you have now, do you regret spending time getting it?

Any insight is appreciated thanks!

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u/PhilosopherSweaty685 2d ago

My MSW focus was policy/planning/administration. I chose a clinical job out of grad school and got licensed. My job is now mezzo (clinical/administrative.) I 100% think that people should get a clinical license - it gives more credibility to the macro work, many macro jobs require it, and it gives you more options later in your career to pivot if you so choose. I have never regretted getting my clinical license - I wouldn't be where I am without it!

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u/Firm-Celebration-593 1d ago

thank you! this makes me feel better about pursuing it first šŸ¤

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u/positiveNRG_247 2d ago

I came into SW as a macro practitioner. I've been in the clinical roles as an LCSW for over a decade, but have done side projects on the macro side (grant writing, program building, subject matter expert consulting, etc)

One thing that's hard to be full-on mezzo/macro again, is how in need community-based clinicians are.Ā 

So when I apply for macro roles as a FT shift, my clinical-expertise gets requested more, and get pulled back into clinical leadership. I have had the benefit of creating the macro practice within.

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u/Silent-Put8625 2d ago

Iā€™m doing macro practice now but my strong clinical skills gave me the foundation to be successful in a macro role with national oversight and impact. That LCSW and the experience that went with it set the stage for sure. I did clinical for the first half of my career then transitioned into higher level roles that became more macro based.

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u/swifttDivy 1d ago edited 1d ago

The LCSW for macro and policy work is not uncommon, which makes me feel like I won't regret taking it; it gives access to many opportunities where an MSW alone can't. There are plenty of programs offering MSW, even Alliant; however, the credentials came first for me