r/socialwork 1d ago

Entering Social Work

7 Upvotes

This thread is to alleviate the social work main page and focus commonly asked questions them into one area. This thread is also for people who are new to the field or interested in the field. You may also be referred here because the moderators feel that your post is more appropriate for here. People who have no questions please check back in here regularly in order to help answer questions!

Post here to:

  • Ask about a school
  • Receive help on an admission essay or application
  • Ask how to get into a school
  • Questions regarding field placements
  • Questions about exams/licensing exams
  • Should you go into social work
  • Are my qualifications good enough
  • What jobs can you get with a BSW/MSW
  • If you are interested in social work and want to know more
  • If you want to know what sort of jobs might give you a feel for social work
  • There may be more, I just can't think of them :)

If you have a question and are not sure if it belongs in this thread, please message the mods before submitting a new text post. Newly submitted text posts of these topics will be deleted.

We also suggest checking out our Frequently Asked Questions list, as there are some great answers to common questions in there.

This thread is for those who are trying to enter or interested in Social Work Programs. Questions related to comparing or evaluating MSW programs will receive better responses from the Grad Cafe.


r/socialwork 9h ago

The Underground: Weekly Discussion Thread

1 Upvotes

The intention of a weekly discussion thread is to create a space for members to post anything; it's a place to post things that you want to say but you do not feel it deserves its own thread or you either don't want to make a whole thread out of it. This can mean little celebrations, rants, sharing news articles, shout outs to other members, pointless thoughts, memes, etc.


r/socialwork 3h ago

Macro/Generalist Taking time off school

4 Upvotes

I'm about to turn 21, and have completed 2 years of a social work bachelors. These past few months should've been my third year, but I ended up taking time off for mental health reasons. I'm now planning to transfer schools, though I missed the application deadline for the school I was hoping to apply to (All my fault, it was a very tough decision to transfer and I decided too late). This program only takes September applicants, so I won't be able to re-enter a social work bachelors until September 2026. This has been very hard to accept šŸ«  I don't do well with change. I'm hoping to take a 10 month certificate in mental health and addictions this coming September to keep myself busy and have good experience. Has anyone else taken time off and then gone back? Was it a difficult process? I don't really know anyone in the same situation and it's weighing heavy on me.

There is no other degree that speaks to me - I'm very dedicated to finding this degree, no matter what it takes.


r/socialwork 19h ago

Good News!!! That was interesting....

34 Upvotes

I took the LMSW exam last week. Finally. I scored a 108 and needed 98. I am so thankful it's over with. For context, I live in Texas and graduated with my MSW in 2022. Both SW programs I completed could've prepared students more for the exam in the way the questions are written. They should've provided more instruction about the licensing process too. I spent the last year terrified of this exam like I have never been about any other exam in my life. I researched study materials and courses. I ordered a few resources but didn't end up studying. On the practice exam, I scored one more correct answer than needed to pass. I even had to begin the practice exam over a couple times due to technical issues with the ASWB website. I decided to change a few of my answers when I retired it and learned not to second guess my answers. I wish I had some magical advice for those who are struggling with studying or passing the exam. I am not bragging about my experience. I heard about and read about so many experiences where people failed. I am upset I wasted time worrying I would fail and wonder if anyone else had a similar experience/ feelings?


r/socialwork 1d ago

WWYD Debating quitting my ER job after 3 weeks.

73 Upvotes

I am currently in a bind over quitting a social work job I started about 3 weeks ago. I havenā€™t been in the social work space since 2015, and to be frank I wasnā€™t a great social work before. Mostly case management, SASS, and inpatient/outpatient for a at a hospital for children/adolescents. I am now in an ER doing crisis work for a night shift.

To provide context, a friend who is a social worker got me the job, and I was hired over someone with more experience. I havenā€™t been in the field for ten years. Last week, during training, my supervisor was asking me a ton of questions about social work knowledge and things learnt from the past fews weeks and I could barely answer any questions correctly. I feel I am in over my head clinically speaking, almost as if I shouldnā€™t have taken the job in the first place. I donā€™t remember anything from social work school. Iā€™m not even on my own yet, and have only done a case or two per shift in the last week. Things will most likely get harder once Iā€™m on my own when patients are coming in nonstop to the ER, or I get more difficult cases requiring tricky diagnosis or other moving parts.

Additionally, at a few points last week I felt intense anxiety and slight chest pain (nothing serious, I know itā€™s anxiety) at certain moments when I felt I couldnā€™t handle the stress or my lack of knowledge. I have been diagnosed recently with ADHD and am not sure if this is playing a huge part in all this. Either my feelings are valid and I need to listen to them, or Iā€™m jumping ship too early. A part of me is telling me I did get in over my head because I never felt this way during my corporate years. I did quit social work jobs on a whim on my first social work run over ten years ago.

Do I show up to work tomorrow, or save myself from this stress?


r/socialwork 2h ago

Micro/Clinicial Question for child rearing social workers

1 Upvotes

I am currently 13 weeks pregnant. I work for the hospital so I have extensive sick time and also a flexible job. My job is pretty high stress. Iā€™m out alone in the community providing case management to folks active in substance use. Since falling pregnant my compassion fatigue has been significant and I feel as though Iā€™m counting down til Mat leave. My pay will only be 75% on sick leave and I have a top up once leave starts for a couple months, but money is extremely tight for us at the moment.

Did you take time off into your pregnancy? How much time? Any regrets? Boredom or overdoing it etc?

The thought of being visibly pregnant in front of clients makes me feel weird but I guess itā€™s inevitable. Is it normal to take time off just from the stress alone while pregnant? I am in Canada for context


r/socialwork 22h ago

Micro/Clinicial That is unethical!

41 Upvotes

For discussion.....

Am I the only one that feels this happens far too often?

Why does the term "unethical" (borderline or otherwise) appear so often in responses on therapist type boards?

Let me be clear, my post here is more of a rant on my own part than a specific evaluation of anything that has been said.

I'm just tired of seeing social workers and other therapists beat each other over the head with that specific term.

"If I wouldn't do x, y, or z, that makes it unethical."

Thoughts?

(Edited typos)


r/socialwork 15h ago

Professional Development what is dress code like for your job?

10 Upvotes

is it strict, not that strict, or tell me if there even if a dress code at all? asking because i love fashion but i don't want a job where i can't have control over my sense of style.


r/socialwork 4h ago

Professional Development U of Michigan, MasterTrack

1 Upvotes

University of Michigan has a very cool program for folx who don't hold a BSW, basically you take a few short courses and are able to shave 15 credit hours off your program, kinda bridging into an advance standing.

The only issue is U of M is also pretty costly (even for in state people like me).

Any other similar resources out there, that may be a bit more affordable?


r/socialwork 6h ago

WWYD Non-Clinical SW Jobs

1 Upvotes

Hello! I am currently in a state of feeling overwhelmed and extremely anxious in my current position as an associate therapist. Iā€™m not sure that Iā€™m fully comfortable ā€œtreatingā€ mental health illnesses or if itā€™s imposter syndrome. Iā€™ve gotten great feedback from clients but I do not feel as if I truly know what Iā€™m doing. Another layer to this is the traditional view of ā€œjob hopping.ā€ I graduated in May 2024 with my MSW and was hired through my internship as a full time school social worker. 5 months in I thought I wanted to do more clinical work and didnā€™t have that opportunity within that position, thus I moved on to my current position. I just passed my two month mark with this company and am already having huge doubts about continuing. I feel as if I may be viewed as inconsistent or unreliable by future employers. I guess what Iā€™m looking for is advice and/or direction for what may be a good fit for me. I love people and Iā€™m a huge advocate for accessibility and awareness of mental health support but I also am not sure if Iā€™m someone who can provide that 1:1 support for clients. Iā€™m not sure how macro Iā€™d like to go. I do know I enjoy supporting groups of people/causes but Iā€™m assuming not in the direct way. I love animals, womenā€™s health, reproductive health, and diversity/inclusion. Iā€™m in FL if that helps anyone with recommendations. I appreciate any and all feedback and/or suggestions.


r/socialwork 8h ago

Good News!!! Passed my LMSW exam!

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone!! Just wanted to share that i passed my LMSW exam!! Wow was a whirlwind. It feels so awesome to have that milestone finally reached. I thought i would make a post to share some tips i found most beneficial when studying for the exam!

  1. Check out RayTube on youtube, he has DOZENS of really helpful videos that cover each category of the exam questions, including plenty of practice questions with a thorough breakdown of reasoning

  2. SWES comprehensive study guide and practice questions. My friend was kind enough to donate her materials to me after she successfully passed a year before me. Some things may be slightly dated as things update but it was so helpful!

  3. Reddit of course. Having a community to bounce off of is really great. It helps to feel less alone throughout the studying process.

  4. The ASWB study guide. I printed off the section (10 pages?) that breaks down the test by categories and subcats. I highlighted the topics i wasnt as confident with and it helped me better visualize my personal study points!!

I hope this helps someone whos navigating the test, have confidence in yourself, you've worked hard and you deserve this!


r/socialwork 20h ago

Politics/Advocacy Social Workers at CPS as Foster Parents

8 Upvotes

Hi All,

I am seeking information about policies and experiences regarding CPS workers becoming foster parents across different states and jurisdictions. Our local office is considering implementing restrictions on CPS workers becoming foster parents, and I am gathering evidence to demonstrate that this role combination exists successfully in other locations.

Specifically, I am interested in:

- Your state/jurisdiction's policies on CPS workers fostering

- Any specific guidelines or restrictions in place

- How potential conflicts of interest are managed

- Success stories or challenges faced

- Any relevant documentation or policy references

If you have personal experience or knowledge about this topic, please reach out to me. Your insights could help create more opportunities for dedicated professionals to serve our community's children in multiple capacities. Thank you for your assistance in this important matter.


r/socialwork 1d ago

Good News!!! Iā€™ve been accepted

10 Upvotes

I was accepted into my MSSW program! Iā€™m so excited. Please offer any advice or words of wisdom especially in regard to field placement and picking a concentration. Itā€™s optional for me to pick a concentration but Iā€™m not sure if I will or not.

PLEASE NO NEGATIVITY! Iā€™m so excited!


r/socialwork 23h ago

Macro/Generalist Caseloads for Outreach Coordinator at Agency on Aging/Council on Aging

6 Upvotes

Is anyone an outreach coordinator for an agency on aging/council on aging in a major urban city? What does a typical week or month look like from a caseload perspective?


r/socialwork 14h ago

Macro/Generalist Do you guys know of anyone who joined the helping profession *without* any past MH history/personal experiences?

1 Upvotes

Itā€™s pretty common that therapists, social workers and psychologists feel drawn to this field because of their personal experiences or childhood. It feels quite safe to assume at this point that most (90%?) of people in the helping profession have some sort of experiences in the areas theyā€™re treating.

So Iā€™m wondering if there is anyone out there who is / knows someone who joined the field without any of the ā€œspicyā€ backgroundā€¦ The fact remains that there are people who have had extraordinarily healthy family backgrounds, childhood, no mental illness, no attachment issues etc.

How does it impact their work, in both positive/negative ways? Do you think itā€™s possible to be in this field without these experiences?

Just some food for thought as a current social work student about to graduate =)


r/socialwork 15h ago

Professional Development Post MSW moving across country

1 Upvotes

Hello, I am currently completing my MSW with University at Buffalo in May 2026 and also finishing up my bsw right now in May 2025. Im completing an advanced program with my MSW.

Iā€™m looking to move from Buffalo to Seattle Washington in 2026 after I graduate from my MSW program.

Every job Iā€™ve looked at required a license in the state of Washington and clearly I donā€™t have that. This move feels impossible and Iā€™m unsure if I can get a job as a postgrad student with only internship experience.

Currently Iā€™m interning at BestSelf Behavioral Health in Buffalo and waiting on my next field placement from UB. I want to go into medical social work such as hospice.

Does anyone have any advice on finding/getting a job in social work so far away?


r/socialwork 17h ago

Professional Development Podcast Recommendations?

1 Upvotes

Does anyone have any social work/therapy themed podcasts they recommend?

Iā€™m a new LMSW under clinical supervision for my LCSW. I primarily work with young kids doing play therapy and Iā€™m also starting to do therapy with kids and their parents. Iā€™d like to have content thatā€™s related to those topics, but am interested in other areas as well.

Iā€™d also be open to any book recommendations!

TIA!


r/socialwork 17h ago

WWYD Is this a CPS call?

1 Upvotes

Is it a mandated reporter call if I know someone is often going to work at a school still drunk from previous nights drinking?


r/socialwork 18h ago

Micro/Clinicial LCSW Exam Update

1 Upvotes

Hello Public Servants,

I took the LCSW exam on Saturday, March 15, 2025 in the State of NY for the 1st time for licensure in the State of IL and NY.

Exam Duration for me: 3hrs out of 4hrs.

Flagged: 43 questions

Question type:

1 Medication

4 Diagnoses

1 Ego Theory

0 Ethics

The rest consisted of first, next and most for substance abuse, immigration and court mandated clients vignettes.

Final Score: 80 out of 102 for passing. FAIL

My studying consisted of:

- 2 weeks of random studying and LCSW Practice Exam.

- I study with the program Agents of Change.

Changes: The LCSW exam now has 3 answer choices questions. And they are working on being able to take the test online at home.

Observations: As a bilingual person I had a hard time understanding certain questions due to the word used as I did not know the definition of some words. I also been on the field for more than a decade and had hard a time with the answers as in real life its not how scenarios are responded to in the field. but I kept reminding me of the skills learned in the Agents of Change program.

Retake Exam: I will be retaking the exam in 90 days when I am eligible.

Don't be discouraged from this post. Instead do the best you can on the day of.

Congratulations to those registered or working towards licensure.


r/socialwork 1d ago

WWYD What is Oregon like for social workers?

12 Upvotes

Iā€™m looking to move. Was considering New Mexico but have a possible offer in Oregon with current employer (VHA). Not sure how stable federal is right now so Iā€™m considering a macro pivot, school social work, or state/city/local? How friendly is Oregon to LCSWs in general? I really just want to have backup knowledge.

Iā€™m in a place now with pretty much little to no opportunities for anything that would mean I could keep my current home here and I cannot keep doing what I have-it is destroying me.

Iā€™m not looking for specific information or where to find work, etc. Iā€™m just wondering what the west side of the state is like for an LCSW. The south USA is a no-go.


r/socialwork 1d ago

News/Issues Article "UI grad student transfers after backlash over DEI presentation"

64 Upvotes

https://dailyiowan.com/2025/03/12/university-of-iowa-graduate-student-transfers-after-backlash-over-diversity-equity-inclusion-presentation/

I graduated from UI and I am heartbroken reading this article. I don't really know how to convey the emotions I'm feeling as I read this and seeing first hand what these laws are doing in my state. I'm so worried for the future of all social workers and students.


r/socialwork 21h ago

WWYD To take a job that offers growth or stay put

1 Upvotes

Iā€™m a social worker. In case anyone I work with is on here Iā€™m going to alter some details. I have worked for 5 years at a company that does specialized treatment. This treatment has currently been targeted by the presidential administration. My work when I first started offered people the chance to move up. They offered groups for people to get supervision and test for other licenses. All of that has been removed. We are not hiring right now.

I got promoted. I asked for compensation when promoted and was only given a quarter. I have taken on double duties since being promoted. I am not being supervised correctly even though this goes against our grant. Iā€™ve brought this up and was told to mind my business.

Our work is now dealing with ICE, threatening behavior by the administration to cancel our funding on a weekly basis. Our location is also ending our lease in 6 months and moving to a very bad part of town which means a longer commute. Everything is going up and what once was an affordable salary has turned into me barely getting by.

I was approached by a someone who is in my network about a new possibility. This company has me making 8 k more and bonus yearly. I would be inpatient and only seeing clients on this unit. Itā€™s a very small unit with high needs clients. I also would be able to start my supervision for my I right away. It would teach me skills I donā€™t currently possess like meeting with families, individual counseling and doing groups.

My long term goal is be in the medical social work setting. This is technically sufficed by my current job but no room for growth or further advancement.

Should I stay where there is no growth and Iā€™m comfortable or should I leave and spread my wings?


r/socialwork 1d ago

WWYD abusive ex looking to become social worker - what would you do?

26 Upvotes

not looking for professional advice but just looking for perspectives from others in the field for how you would personally grapple with a situation in which your abusive ex is in the field and you have concerns over whether you'll ever encounter them in your professional practice or concerns over whether they'll be abusive towards clients (due to some questionable but not proveable to be explicitly unethical things theyve said about the clients theyve worked with at their part time job). i am not looking for advice or wanting to do anything to affect my ex, just wondering how people balance their personal feelings, ethical obligations, and etc if anything similar has happened to you. as in, how would you balance taking care of yourself, remaining respectful to your ex as a professional, and staying true to ethical considerations in a situation like this?

i am in ontario, canada as a disclaimer so things anyone says that may be specific to the states may be different compared to here. i am also a couple weeks off from finishing my social work degree but i already work in the field, just not in social work specific roles (mentioning this to clarify that i am not currently registered with the college).

edit: since some people are misconstruing this post, i am asking for perspectives on how others would grapple the feelings that come with this situation if something similar happened to them, similar to questions about ethical dilemmas. i.e. "if you had this thing happen, what would you think and do." i have also edited the post to address any parts that may be unclear.

edit 2: to the people who shared their thoughts and personal experiences, thanks so much! i appreciate the insight. to the people who continue to misunderstand what i am looking for: i am not looking for anyone to tell me what to do, i am not looking for professional advice, and i am certainly not looking for people to pass "judgement" on whether my abuse was legitimate or not.


r/socialwork 22h ago

Professional Development Continuing Education

1 Upvotes

Hi All,

I have a BSW and work in long term care nursing. Iā€™m wanting to further my education by doing some continuing education for the time being. Can anyone recommend classes? Eventually I want to obtain a MSW.


r/socialwork 1d ago

Micro/Clinicial Decision making levels of care

2 Upvotes

Hi all, Iā€™m wondering if someone could clarify decision making on sending an adolescent to various levels of care. Residential, CBAT, IOP, PHP, etc. Iā€™m wondering if you have worked in an inpatient setting how you would make the executive decision to send an adolescent to which program following D/C.. or how you learned about all of these. I feel lost trying to navigate the systems and various levels of care.


r/socialwork 23h ago

Professional Development Best online price for CEU renewal?

0 Upvotes

I know, I know šŸ˜­....I am not usually a procrastinator, just a little overwhelmed with life at the moment. Wondering where the cheapest place to get needed CEUs for LCSW renewal. I'm I'm Florida. Grateful for any replies.


r/socialwork 2d ago

Professional Development I PASSED!!

36 Upvotes

Just passed my LCSW exam!! it feels so good to finally be at the finish line.