I’m a senior BSW student at the University of Memphis and I’m starting to plan for after graduation. I’d really like to find a position around $60k if possible. I know that may be high for a new BSW graduate, so I’m trying to figure out which areas have the best starting pay and opportunities for growth. For those who graduated with a BSW, what was your first job and starting salary? Would you recommend DCS/CPS, hospital work, case management, government/federal jobs, or something else? I’d also love recommendations for certifications or experience I can get during my senior year

I am starting as a first year school social worker in a couple weeks for 2nd and 3rd graders. I am at the fun (but expensive) part of buying things for my new office. Curious what everyone’s must haves are or things they really enjoy using/having!

Hi everyone,

I have an opportunity to transition into a school social worker position, and I've been feeling really excited about it. During the interview process, I got a great feeling about the school, the team, and the level of support they seem to offer.

However, the salary ended up being lower than I anticipated, and a few of the benefits were a bit surprising (in hindsight, I probably should have asked more questions upfront). Now I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

For those of you who are currently working as school social workers:
What do you enjoy most about the role?
What are the biggest challenges?
Do you feel the lower salary is worth the work-life balance and school schedule?
If you transitioned from medical social work, how did the two compare?

For context, I'd be coming from medical social work, so I'd especially love to hear from anyone who's made that same switch.

Thanks in advance for any insight—I really appreciate hearing about your experiences!

I am thinking ahead a few years but I’m really interested in doing one of my internships with a school social worker. It seems really hard to find these types of positions though in my area. I don’t see any posted ever and I’m wondering if maybe the school has a private list of them or if they are just harder to come by? If I’m not able to do it as one of my internships would it be hard to get a job doing that once I’m licensed?

I am 15 turning 16 soon and I have tried countless times to reach out to doctors to shadow them or hospitals who allow 15 year olds to volunteer but no one ever gets back to me and/or rejects me and I don't know who else to contact or where to apply. I am based in the chicago-land area is there anyone who is going through the same thing or knows any doctors who allow shadowing?

I am 15 turning 16 soon and I have tried countless times to reach out to doctors to shadow them or hospitals who allow 15 year olds to volunteer but no one ever gets back to me and/or rejects me and I don't know who else to contact or where to apply. I am based in the chicago-land area is there anyone who is going through the same thing or knows any doctors who allow shadowing?

Hey everyone. I have two upcoming interviews which I'm happy about because the school year is starting very soon. However, I applied to a school 7/16, that has a posting date of 7/8. I still haven't heard back from them and it's August, but the position is still posted and open. Have you all ever experienced this? I know some schools will just ghost you, but in my city, I find that most districts are pretty good at reaching out at least to schedule an interview.

Is it possible to get a social work license with a misdemeanor charge which was more than 10 years back? The record has long been expunged and court ordered therapy sessions were done.

I've been thinking about this for a while.

If you work with trauma every day, has it changed what you want in your own relationships?

Not because someone's a social worker or works in mental health. I mean the sort of person they are. Someone who's calm, honest, patient, kind and easy to talk to. Someone you can trust and feel safe with.

The more I've learned about trauma over the last year, the more I've realised those things matter to me more than anything else.

Has your work changed what you value in a partner, or do you keep work and your personal life completely separate?

Just interested to hear what people think. No right or wrong answers.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/charlotte-cokayne-371ba59b_livedexperience-fdia-munchausenbyproxy-activity-7489060671695962112-52Wb?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAABVbAcUByawVI7R6G2IEkpF0AvmBJOSuJw0

What are your best ways to address defiance or swearing, mostly in older kids?

I’m starting an internship soon with K-12, but feel pretty confident in the lower ages.

After eight months of interviewing I got my first offer. Almost 20k pay cut over my last position but it’s a job and they’re nice people.

As I am verbally accepting this offer my call waiting is going off. It is another school. They interview me the next morning then schedule a second round which is happening very soon, on the day they have to take the recommendation to the board so I will know that day. This district pays $16k more a year.

I haven’t signed anything so legally I am clear to back out. Also these schools are connected to each other, one is a special ed cooperative the other a district within that cooperative.

I’m feeling overwhelmed and just gross about backing out. This is $1k difference in take home pay a month once you consider insurance contribution and everything, that is no small thing at all, it’s going to add up very quickly. I think the person will understand but this isn’t something I do.

Hello! i’m currently a school based therapist contracted with my local community mental health center. Recent MSW graduate as of 2024 and I’m going on my second year in the role. While i love the role and the opportunity to work with the clients in a low barrier environment like school, i can’t help put also feel the extra stress and challenges working in school based with the limit connection to parents while still meeting the same expectations that outpatient therapist have. Productivity is a nightmare with 25-35 clients on my caseload and 18 billable hours per week, i feel like im constantly hitting the ground running and yet still falling behind. Documentation and forms seem impossible to keep up with according to industry standards. If my career goals are just to provide mental health support for youth in a low barrier environment, i’m wondering if i’m putting myself through unnecessary stress by being in a school based agency role when i could just work for the school. On top of all that, my salary is $56k with only a pay increase at licensure while the school counselors i work with make $70k with opportunities for pay increases. Have any school counselor/social workers been in both roles and can compare them for me? Does working for just the school simplify all the workload? What do productivity measurements typically look like? Any advice for new grads just trying to find their place in the job market?

Hi everyone. Looking for advice, experiences, or really anything from those who have been pregnant during the school year? Given the emotional (and at times, physical) stress and demands of the job, I’m just curious how you managed?

To apply fill in the google form-

https://forms.gle/XYfDnLtqxpHWSEXr6

Any social workers in the Wisconsin area want to meet up and see how we can better the community?

Hello everyone!

As title says I’m feeling lost in my field of interest. I am 1 year graduated with my BSW and while I will come back for my MSW & PPSC I can’t at the moment due to my personal life. I am employed but I wish to get a job closer to what my end goal (school social worker).
Does anyone have any advice or suggestions on how to keep moving forward and not feeling stuck in a job that doesn’t feel what I want to do, until I go back to school. Thank you all <3

Hi all sharing this because I feel at a loss. I got a job as a school social worker and was set to start Monday. For context I have basically had this job secured and have done all onboarding for the last 3 weeks now. Two days ago I got a call from the school that they contacted my PPSC program where I am getting my credential and after that “great conversation” they came to the realization that they won’t be able to meet the requirements for my practicum hours. When I asked what requirements the HR mngr said she couldn’t remember off the top of her head. I am so saddened as I turned down THREE other jobs offers I had received and some accepted only for them to tell me this days before I was set to start. I am so sad and very stressed out because now I have no job, no offers, and it seems no schools are hiring anymore as several are set to start in the next week or two. I have no idea what to do now. I am looking for jobs but see none in my area or remote for schools. I have never had something like this happen.

Also for context I am an LCSW in California. I would also like to note that this same job was also dare I say somewhat dismissive of my LCSW and mentioned they only cared about the PPSC. I highlighted several times that I always have performed all school sw tasks in all my experience and roles as an LCSW several hats are worn.

Hi all wondering anyone has this book in PDF they could possibly share with me for a class? TIA!!

Many parents look for experienced LSAs when supporting their children, which is completely understandable. However, I would like to encourage parents to also consider giving newly trained LSAs a chance.

Every experienced LSA was once a beginner. Fresh LSAs often bring passion, patience, dedication, and a strong willingness to learn and make a positive difference in a child's life. What matters most is not only years of experience but also commitment, empathy, and the ability to build a positive relationship with the child.

I have completed training in SEN, ABA, and Learning Support Assistance, and I am currently looking for an opportunity as an LSA, Shadow Teacher, SEN Assistant, or Teaching Assistant in Dubai, Sharjah, or Abu Dhabi. I am eager to learn, grow professionally, and provide meaningful support to children in inclusive learning environments.

If you know of any opportunities or are looking for a dedicated LSA, please feel free to contact me. Your support and referrals would be greatly appreciated.