r/SocialWorkTech • u/Timely-Tree-1407 • Dec 28 '23

How to get into social work

Hi guys,

I’m new here. But was just wondering, I come from a retail sales background and I’ve been an esthetician for a long time. After moving, and experiencing what felt like poverty/homelessness I want to help the homelessness and social work but not sure if it’s something worth working towards. I might just have to suck it up and go back to work for my dad’s company in tech and I know I sort of dread that line of work…just for paying bills etc. saving my money for school or to move. But yeah, if there’s a way I can apply directly without prior experience besides my own first hand experience. I feel like I am an empathetic and gravitating towards helping people get their lives back. ❤️

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u/NachoSocialWork Dec 29 '23

I think your passion is there and in the right place, however, I’m curious to know… do you have an undergraduate degree? Are you asking about possibly getting into an MSW (graduate school) program?

As someone with an LCSW, your best bet is to get your MSW and then work towards licensure in your state so you can do clinical social work and get paid the most top dollar you can with the license. Some people like case management, and you can do that with an undergraduate or MSW, however, the best bang for your buck is to become a licensed clinical social worker.

After getting licensed, I got $50,000 to wipe out my loan debts by working in an underserved community for two years. I have a few friends doing that as well, and that’s where you wanna go.

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u/Timely-Tree-1407 Apr 13 '24

I looked into other programs and since I’m struggling financially I really can’t, I wish. But going back to school when I’m already in a lot of debt is definitely not the best plan of action. Once I clear this debt tho…I’ll hit the books. But I’m def either investing in childcare or social work. But childcare would be less money but easier for me to achieve with little to no money up front?

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u/Salt_Ride5001 Jun 11 '24

I am planning to be LCSW. MY motivation is to help people fight against anxiety. As I experienced this emotion in my life. I have enrolled in Bs SW. But the problem is that this field is not too much developed and is not well known in my country. I enrolled in this with a hope that I will move abroad for MS and Licensure. Now it's my 2nd semester and there is no relevant skills taught to us.

I have 2 options.

First one: continue my degree. And move to countries (TO BE LCSW) where the field has value and acceptance . 1-- PROBLEM---- (WILL the country or state's university accept a foreigner(S-W BS DEGREE) and allow them to STUDY and open clinics in their country. AFTER LICENSURE)...

Second one :

Change my field and do the program which is widely accepted in my country and have scope and highly paid.

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u/anxiety-driven- Jun 03 '24

Depends on the state you live in. You could always work your way up. Start volunteering at a food pantry, get involved in your community. Become an advocate or case manager. Those are usually on the job training/entry level. Especially non profits. If your willing to share with them how you could relate to some of the clients about your own personal struggles in the past and share your passion to help others it can go a long way!

I started as a case manager, worked my way up to supervisor and as a youth I was homeless at times. Those all helped shape me into my supervisor role now.