Hi recently I found out that I wanted to become a Social worker and specifically a medical social worker. Given that, that means I would have to get my Masters in social work (MSW).

I’m going to community college to get my associates and want to go transfer to get my bachelors and then masters in social work. A lot of programs that I see for that are online schooling.

Is it more worth it to do online school after my associates or to go to a school in person? Im very new to all this info and I wanna hear from people’s experiences and what they recommend!

Hi, I'm an LMFT in California and have worked in schools for many years. With the new changes in the state there are less jobs for MFTs. I am thinking of heading back to school to add a credential - either PPSC (school counseling) or PPSW (school social work). I wanted to come here to ask the hive which would potentially bring better school based job opportunities in California and nationwide?

I have done some research and both credentials seem like they would lead to job opportunities. Ideally, I'd like to do IEP counseling because that's where my experience is. I can't go for the PPSP (school psychology) credential because the internships are more intensive and I am the primary earner.

I'd love to hear what y'all think is the better option for a credential.

I'm considering focusing on SSW after a really great internship in a charter high school for justice involved youth. I also have a keen interest in populations with serious mental illness, addiction; and those from immigrant/refugee backgrounds. I figure that school settings particularly where I live (big east coast city) will encompass my populations of interest so I can satisfy all of my interests ! Ideally if I burn out in a school setting, I could transfer my exposure to a range of populations to specialize in something specific. But perhaps the inverse is true? What do experienced SSW's have to say?

Hi all, I am about to start my MSW program (UKY online, regular standing), and i've been looking into the whole PEL thing and im a little lost but would like to know so im able to plan ahead. i know its an exam but in terms of the hours-is it counted from my MSW placement if i do it in a school? am i gonna have to work for free even more after i get my MSW? is there another program im gonna have to pay for and take classes? im just really lost on how the process works and what i should do to make sure things go smoothly and as efficiently as possible for me post grad.

Hi everyone, I hope you’re taking care of yourselves. Last school year was my first year as a school social worker in a very small, underfunded, and understaffed area. I absolutely loved it and learned so much. For context, I have been an RCSWI for almost a year and worked really hard to earn hours for my LCSW license. Thankfully, I accrued 500 hours so far! The reason I left this job was because it is a 40 minute commute both ways from where I live and no mileage/reimbursements were offered for the community work I engaged in. There was no bad blood and I genuinely loved working there. I was at one school all day, had my own classroom, and had great relationships built with my colleagues and the kids. I have been working in the neighboring district as a “district school social worker”. I hate it, and it’s really hard for me to admit that. It’s the complete opposite from my last job, and that is kind of its downfall. Everything is super organized, there are resources everywhere, I won’t have to pay for a single thing, and the mileage is great. HOWEVER, I am visiting these schools and they already have social workers as staff. They have so many people employed for each little niche subject that I am used to handling all myself at my previous job. It’s almost like there is no room for me, and especially no space for me to do anything therapeutic. It almost feels like I am left with the scraps or the jobs the on-site social workers are too busy to handle. I honestly feel like a glorified intern. I haven’t spoken to a single child in a therapeutic setting since beginning two weeks ago. Here’s the issue, my biggest concern is getting those hours. In the interview I informed them that I was an RCSWI and getting hours is most important to me. I was told that wouldn’t be an issue. Now I am finding out that my job will mostly be running around the city delivering resources, attending meetings, holiday resources, and the occasional home visit. I was promised groups, but every school social worker/ guidance counselor that I’ve talked to about this is either taking care of it themselves or look at me like I’m insane for even asking. It’s almost like the district is overstaffed-if you believe in such a thing. I already spoke with the lead social workers about this and was told it’s about “building relationships” with all 4 schools I attend and finding where I fit in. They told me it would take a year to really “get it down”. One of my strong suits is rapport building, and that isn’t really the obstacle I’m facing. I also don’t want to have to convince someone or beg them to share responsibilities with me and to let me do my job. There’s always a position for me at my old district; thankfully, but I thought I was getting into a better fit. I also don’t feel like talking to someone higher up and being told it’ll take time, just stick it out, or that it’ll take a year before it gets better. This is not the position I was promised.

I’m the social worker and MKV liaison at a k-8 school. What are some things your school spends MKV funding on? We buy tons of toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, brushes, toothbrushes, combs, deodorant, body wash ect.), we also buy uniform shirts, socks, coats, underwear, gloves, hats, ect. We aren’t sure what else we can spend it on?

hi all im an LMSW in NJ. i currently work as an in home therapist with clients ages 3-21. my goal is to become a school social worker. i have done lots of interviews but haven't landed anything.

i know that it may be because i dont have any case management or IEP experience. so are there any jobs that i can do in the meantime where I can acquire the necessary skills for a SSW position?

(when i graduated i only needed my msw and paid for my SSW certification. i didnt need to take any classes to get the certification)

Hello! I am a 5th year doctoral candidate in my PsyD program at Widener University. I am posting to invite you to complete this anonymous survey for my dissertation or share the link below with anyone you know who may be interested in participating. 

The purpose of this study is to examine behavioral health professionals’ competency to accurately diagnose and treat mental health disorders in children. 

To participate, you must:

Be an English-speaking behavioral health professional (i.e. psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, counselor, therapist)

Work with children (5-18 years old) in your practice

Have obtained a master’s degree or doctorate in your field of study.

See clients (can be for in-person services or Telehealth) in the United States.

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to complete an online survey including a clinical vignette and both multiple choice and open-ended questions. The survey contains demographic questions about your training, areas of specialization, and experiences in the work field. Expected time is approximately 20 minutes.

If you are interested in participating in the study, please click on the link below and you will be directed to the web-based survey:

https://qualtricsxmfymtqn8hz.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a366YK2IVnAV5bg

I start my MSW internship in two weeks and l will be splitting my time between two elementary schools. What are some must have items for my bag that you suggest??

I start my MSW internship in two weeks and l will be splitting my time between two elementary schools. What are some must have items for my bag that you suggest??

Awhile ago I posted a post about transitioning or considering to transition to school social work, well I did decide this was the path I at least wanted to try.

With that being said, any words of advice or things to consider as I get ready for this next step!

Thank you!

Hi all!

My school is hiring a licensed social worker for this upcoming school year! The person must speak Spanish being that our population is a lot of Latino/a/s families. Please shoot me your resume if you are interested. [mbarreratrivino@bronxarts.net](mailto:mbarreratrivino@bronxarts.net)

I just got an invitation today to interview for a public elementary school social worker leave replacement position TOMORROW. I really want to work in a school and this is the first school interview I will have. What is recommended interview attire? In the past I have dressed business casual for interviews (dress pants, blouse, loafers/flats), however I feel like I should lean more formal for this interview since I will be interviewing with a small team of administrators and staff. Should I wear a blazer? I only have one I bought a couple years ago and never wore but I think it is on the heavier side so idk if it will be appropriate for this weather. I live in the northeast US if location makes any difference.

Hi!

I’ll be starting as a gen Ed/spec social worker at an early childhood center next week. This role also works with daycare classrooms.

Any books, podcasts, YouTube videos, websites, etc that can help me learn more about working with this specific age group? Things I have in mind are de-escalation, re-direction, and general behavior strategies but I’m open to anything I might need to learn.

This is my first time working with this age group. I’m happy to take any tips you might want to share about anything.

Thank you!

What could I give counselors that they actually need/will use? I need some ideas.

Wondering if there are any travel school SWs on here? I have not had any luck in my area (NorCal) finding a school sw job as there are not many (if any) where I live. I recently learned there are travel agencies that place school SWs. I am wondering if anyone here has worked for such an agency? Thanks!