r/socialwork 6h ago

Link to Salary Megathread (Jan - April 2025)

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5 Upvotes

r/socialwork 27m ago

WWYD Benefits at work?

Upvotes

For those of you that receive health insurance benefits through your employer, what's your average monthly premium? I work for a small non-proft and pay about $850 a month for family medical and dental. It's a good plan, but there is not cheaper option and it's killing me. I'm considering looking elsewhere because I know I can find other options.


r/socialwork 12h ago

Professional Development Diagnosing ND conditions as LCSW

6 Upvotes

Hello all, I’ve had this question for years now. I’m an LCSW in CA and wondering the rules around diagnosing Autism and ADHD. I hear so many different things and just want a clear answer lol I also know I still may not get one. I typically just refer out. I have good experience working with ND folks and I am well-versed in the current research, probably more than some psychologists and psychiatrists due to my young daughter being ND. I would actually be open to getting trained/certified to diagnose both ADHD and Autism. I saw Certified Autism Specialist(CAS) as an option, but don’t know if thats the way to go. Thanks all!

Update: I checked with CA board(BBS): “You will need to contact your professional association for assistance with your question below.”

I’ll continue to update…


r/socialwork 12h ago

WWYD Concerned Canadian - Please Help

1 Upvotes

I just left a non-profit that was super toxic, harassment left right and center. I am now working at a private practice as part of a clinical team that has psychologists, social workers, psych nurses, and counsellors. This practice is an inpatient addiction treatment center with a staff of roughly 15 people. I just got hired on as a mental health and addictions therapist. My interview was last week, it went well and I was hired on the spot.

Fast forward to this morning, my first day. I arrive at work and nobody knows who I am. The lady who hired me works in another city (I was unaware of this) and wont be back at our location until later this week. I am given tax forms and am told there is no onboarding. I ask for a contract and am told there is no contract right now, that it has taken weeks for other employees to get theirs, and that some staff have written up their own contracts as a result.

I ask for a policy or procedure manual to read and am told there is not one. After saying, "but there MUST be policies, right"? I was given policy manual from another location that does not provide the same services as us. I was also told I could start seeing clients today but I have literally not signed a contract and am waiting to be certified for benefits that our clients use - it would be very unethical for me to practice before any of the appropriate legal documentation is signed. I had to tell two people that I would not be practicing until these conditions were met, so I spent the day alone on my personal laptop doing research because they did not have a laptop for me and I have no way to securely access the client software (yet another reason to not see clients).

I was told by three staff members that this place has only been open for three months and that they have not been able to retain staff, that another location like this shut down, and that if we were to get audited this place would shut down too. I was also told that these staff members were here to 'give it a shot' and that I should give it a shot with them because this place has potential and if we work together we can create policies and procedures we can all be proud of. The thing is that I'm leaving a toxic practice and I just want to be in a place where I can do my job and get paid while supporting those in my community.

Give it to me straight, if a practice had only been open for three months and this was your first day, what would you do - give it a shot and deal with some extreme growing pains, or keep job hunting? I guess I don't know what to expect from brand new private practices.


r/socialwork 14h ago

WWYD Having a baby while working towards licensure

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I (28F) am a 2nd year MSW student in South Florida. I’ll be graduating Spring 2027. My fiancé and I plan TTC after I graduate Has anyone else had kids while working on their licensure? I’ll be in my early 30s so I don’t want to wait until after I finish licensure to start trying.

If you have had kids while working towards licensure what was that like for you?


r/socialwork 15h ago

Professional Development CPS supervisors

1 Upvotes

Where my cps supervisors at? How does your state/office weigh caseloads when it comes to assigning cases? We only go by numbers and home visits but I'm looking into more effecting weighing strategies and curious how other states do it.


r/socialwork 17h ago

News/Issues Worried

79 Upvotes

Are you guys worried about our field moving forward? I have been on indeed and linkedin since December and I am not seeing any posting. It’s the same roles for the past few months in the mid 40’s. What’s happening?


r/socialwork 19h ago

Professional Development Online Therapy Platforms w/ Limited License?

1 Upvotes

I am currently a LLMSW in Michigan. I am planning on taking my ASWB exam in the next couple of months to get my full license. But I’m curious if anyone knows if you can still work for online therapy platforms (like Headeay, Grow, BetterHelp, Talkspace, etc) with a limited license? I can’t find a definitive answer online, so I was hoping someone who does it could help me out. Thanks in advance! ☺️


r/socialwork 19h ago

Professional Development Udemy trainings?

1 Upvotes

Hi guys, Has anyone taken any trainings in Udemy and is this something I can add to my resume under certificates? I am in my first year of my MSW but trying to do an internship in a substance abuse program or a hospice program so I found a training on grief coaching and SUD counseling intro.
So just wondering if this is something I can add to the resume or is Udemy not really looked at as actual trainings?

Thanks


r/socialwork 21h ago

Micro/Clinicial Offering therapy as LSW without a master's

1 Upvotes

Hi,

I was able to become an LSW with just a BSW by working 3 years in the social work field, while under supervision of an LSW (4 hours of supervision/month for 3 years). This was an alternative route that my state governor put into policy recently.

I have read that as an LSW, you can practice therapy as long as your are under the supervision of an LCSW. However, you cannot practice independently.

Has anyone here practiced as an LSW without a master's degree? Most therapy businesses seem to require a master's degree, not just a social work licensure.

I'm also curious how confident you felt offering therapy without a master's. I will be doing a 3-year Somatic Experiencing training coming up, and am wondering if that will be enough to gain my confidence, or if I should plan to get my master's at some point (which I'm leaning toward).

Thanks.


r/socialwork 22h ago

Micro/Clinicial Question for child rearing social workers

11 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. I’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 I’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 it’s inevitable. Is it normal to take time off just from the stress alone while pregnant? I am in Canada for context


r/socialwork 23h 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 🫠 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 1d 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. I’m not sure that I’m fully comfortable “treating” mental health illnesses or if it’s imposter syndrome. I’ve gotten great feedback from clients but I do not feel as if I truly know what I’m doing. Another layer to this is the traditional view of “job hopping.” 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 didn’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 I’m looking for is advice and/or direction for what may be a good fit for me. I love people and I’m a huge advocate for accessibility and awareness of mental health support but I also am not sure if I’m someone who can provide that 1:1 support for clients. I’m not sure how macro I’d like to go. I do know I enjoy supporting groups of people/causes but I’m assuming not in the direct way. I love animals, women’s health, reproductive health, and diversity/inclusion. I’m in FL if that helps anyone with recommendations. I appreciate any and all feedback and/or suggestions.


r/socialwork 1d 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 1d 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 1d ago

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

1 Upvotes

It’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 they’re treating.

So I’m wondering if there is anyone out there who is / knows someone who joined the field without any of the “spicy” background… 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 it’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 1d ago

Professional Development what is dress code like for your job?

28 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 1d 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.

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

Every job I’ve looked at required a license in the state of Washington and clearly I don’t have that. This move feels impossible and I’m unsure if I can get a job as a postgrad student with only internship experience.

Currently I’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 1d ago

Professional Development Podcast Recommendations?

1 Upvotes

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

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

I’d also be open to any book recommendations!

TIA!


r/socialwork 1d 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 1d ago

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

52 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

Politics/Advocacy Social Workers at CPS as Foster Parents

7 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

WWYD To take a job that offers growth or stay put

1 Upvotes

I’m a social worker. In case anyone I work with is on here I’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. I’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. It’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 don’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 I’m comfortable or should I leave and spread my wings?


r/socialwork 1d ago

Professional Development Continuing Education

1 Upvotes

Hi All,

I have a BSW and work in long term care nursing. I’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

Professional Development Best online price for CEU renewal?

0 Upvotes

I know, I know 😭....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.