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Social Work Careers
THE NEW SOCIAL WORKERŽ ONLINE Discussion Forum: Social Work Careers
This is the Social Work Careers Message Board. Use this board to discuss career decisions, job search, and other career-related issues.
   By William J. Grove on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 03:17 pm: Edit Post

Hello Wenwen. Have you attempted to begin a discussion here? We do have such discussions. I will admit being a bit peckish when something is presented as possibly being a homework assignment where a student is supposed to go and meet a professional or do some research in the library and such. If you are looking for debate, do a keyword search with keywords like debate, discussion forum, internet, poverty, housing, homelessness, etc. Be creative in what you will combine and you are likely to find quite a bit. You may not find just social work sites. There are many, many sites run by non-profits, for profits, private individuals, etc.
Best regards

   By ahw (Unregistered Guest) on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 03:30 pm: Edit Post

To be fair, Wenwen didn't say the discussions weren't good - he actually didn't say anything about the content. He made the observation that the site did not appear to be well designed. I have to agree with him. Originally this site was easy to use but it seems like changes were made a while back that made things much more difficult. When I click on a message that I would like to view, it takes me to the beginning of the thread which can be several hundred messages long. you then have to scroll and try to find the message you want. There are other issues that I have had and they are problems on all the computers I use, not just one.
However, Wenwen, don't judge a site on based on design alone. This is a fabulous site, with a wealth of information

   By Kate (Unregistered Guest) on Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 09:49 pm: Edit Post

Hello,

I have learned a lot from reading all of your varied postings. I am an individual who has earned a BA in Psychology. For the past year, I have been working as a behavior therapist/1:1 instructor for autistic children. I am ready to continue furthering my education and have set my sights on a MSW. I am only interested in programs that have been accreditted by the CSWE, but a reasonable tuition is also a concern. What makes a good program? Is being accreditted by the CSWE enough? I am interested in the clinical side of social work (LCSW), possibly working in a hospital setting. Any feedback in this area? I am currently living in New Jersey, what are the requirements for working/practicing outside of the state you are educated in? Lastly, what is the dispute between psychologists and social workers? Is one really better than the other?

Thank you to all for any feedback...

   By L Morris on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 02:13 am: Edit Post

Kate,

There are different rules for different states. Reciprocity between states vary--CA accepts NO other license. Usually there's a way to transfer your license but I recommend you take the test in the state where you're fairly certain you'll practice.

Re: Psychology vs. SW. At it's most basic:
*Psychology is the study of the individual and places everything else at a distance
*SW is the study and practice of the interaction of the individual and society/family

Neither is better! I'd like to think that those with the interest and skills to delve into the individual practice psychology, and those with the interest and skills to work with the system practice SW.

just some thoughts...

   By Choc Brown on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 05:34 pm: Edit Post

I am intersted in social work positions in Canada. BSW experience with refugees, social security and disability.

   By Audra on Saturday, March 04, 2006 - 08:39 am: Edit Post

Hi,
I have been on a break since graduating from an MSW program. I cannot say how wonderful my break has been and I have come back to this site from time to time, but not the discussion section. Anyway, I did not take a break when I graduated with my B.A., so I felt I needed one after doing a master's program.

Anyway, now that my break (sabatical) is coming to an end, I am out preparing to apply for work (have a resume due next week...EeEeEek!). I am just wondering if I should explain
(on my resume in the text of the resume)the time gap between graduating and now...my break which was supposed to be a few months got extended due to other things that came up with family, an unexpected need to move, etc. (things that were more important)...however, now I'm ready to go back to work, so...I guess what I'm saying is I'm a VERY good, ethical social worker who works VERY hard at whatever I do [I've got references to back me up =) ]. I just don't wanna be judged unfairly for choosing to take a break...Am I worrying too much? Anyone else (successful well-adjusted working social workers) dealt with this successfully or know of someone who has?

   By William J. Grove on Saturday, March 04, 2006 - 10:05 am: Edit Post

I would not put it on the resume. Your resume is for your credentials, experience, and contact info. If interviewed, they will likely inquire. Be short and clear with your explanation. Do not go into a great amount of detail.
"I took a sabatical after my BA and MSW program in order to prepare for my career." If they ask why it was so long, then explain BRIEFLY about the reasons for the extension.
The information may go on an application if one is required. If you can creatively wind this into a cover letter, then that may be fine, also.
Taking time off is not a crime. I consider it a good in that it shows self-care. Make certain your references are in order. If one mentions your commitment to the field, then that is a real plus.

   By Audra on Sunday, March 05, 2006 - 01:37 am: Edit Post

Well, I will take a risk here rather than in the midst of an anxiety-provoking job interview...The following is how I have thought about answering the question, "why did your break after finishing your M.S.W. take so long?"

The course of my break gave me time to reflect on the best Los Angeles communities for me personally and professionally. My work at my second year internship was in West Los Angeles and I became very attached to West L.A. and its surrounding areas. As such, I Choose to move to that area and that lengthened my sabatical.

Feedback on that would be helpful.

   By Pandora on Monday, March 06, 2006 - 02:56 pm: Edit Post

Audra, you are worrying too much. A completely reasonable answer was that it was that after college and grad school this was a logical point in your life to take some time off, now I'm ready and raring to go! (Believe it or not most of us would KILL for a long sabbatical. The trick is to be calm and not sound defensive. Lots of folks take breaks at various points in their lives...this is a normal time for one to happen.)

I've hired lots of folks with a "sabbaticaL" gap in their resume. It just isn't an issue, unless you make it one! (Less explanation is actually better, the more you explain the more it appears that you have something to hide. If anything further seems indicated answer briefly about all the wonderful things you did, moved, caught up with family, traveled etc.)

Pandora

   By charmaine boose (Unregistered Guest) on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 05:28 pm: Edit Post

Can anyone give advise on how or what avenue to get job as a social worker in Trinidad? I will be graduating at the end of the year with my BA and I will like to relocate too Trinidad.I will like to know the starting salary for a generalist practioner. I hope to attend uwi for my master degree but I am not sure if it will be in the generalist or clinical field. Anyone that is already in the field that knows or live in Trinidad that can give me some insight I will appreciate it.

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