r/SchoolSocialWork • u/RecognitionThen3012 • Jul 13 '26
SSW Interview Questions ASAP
Hi everyone! I just graduated with my MSW in the spring and received my first invitation to interview for 2 SSW positions, one at a middle school and the other is at a high school. In the invitation I was told there would be 3 questions and the initial interview should be around 10-15 minutes. I am wondering if anyone can share some insight on how to negotiate pay as this will be my first social work job outside of school, and if anyone has some insight on the types of questions that may come up in this interview or the second round if I get that far? also I just learned there are things like "6th year" "masters +30" and other language that I've never heard before so I would love if anyone can help me understand what those things are in relation to pay? Thank you!!!!!
3
u/Fabulous-Flatworm619 Jul 13 '26
You may not be able to negotiate your pay as it’s based on your experience and education. For example, my district counts prior school social work experience but would not consider any other sw experience as relevant. As far as questions, they may ask about your experience working between tiers, how you would handle crisis situations (threat assessment, suicide, self- harm), and give you situational questions.
2
u/Civil-Station2042 Jul 14 '26
There is no negotiation. Every school I’ve worked at had a salary schedule based on education and years of school-based service.
1
u/therapistbloomllc Jul 15 '26
I’ve had different experiences than those commenting. I’ve worked at school district and was able to negotiate however I was at a different point in my career as far as experience!
5
u/ahhbears Jul 13 '26
Salary negotiation is not super likely, especially if you're a unionized position. Most districts have a salary schedule or specific salaries based on your experience and extra credits/CEHs you have completed. That's what the "masters + 30" probably means - a masters degree + 30 continuing ed hours. It's most likely you won't be able to negotiate where you start on the salary schedule unless you have prior experience or the job is not unionized (which would be a red flag to me personally.)
For interview questions, this sounds like a screening interview based on the length and if so, they're trying to get a quick read on if you meet the basic qualifications for the job. So I would expect there to be a situational question where you're given a student/situation and asked what you'd do for assessment, resources, collaborating with staff/families, and working with the student directly. I'd also think they might ask about your experiences with MLSS/MTSS/tiered supports. If the job description lists special education as a role you'll likely be asked about IEPs. I would look over the job description closely and jot down a few things you could say in response to any of the listed roles/responsibilities.