r/SchoolSocialWork

I would be looking to get an additional masters in education administration. Im wondering if any social workers or even school social workers made the shift over to being an school administrator? If you haven’t what issues do you see in making that transition from school socal worker to principal? Any assets you think a social worker may bring to that role? Or any that may need some work. Im not really burnt out being a social worker per se, but i am starting to feel fatigue. Crisis intervention does not bother me or communicating to families. I think i am most passionate about being a voice for people that need help and making sure they have access to it. I really like being in school systems and working with kids. I just feels like sometimes i should be doing more or trying to impact them differently. Im tired of the direct case management component. I really dont want to do case management anymore. I also have no interest being school based therapist. I currently work as a school social worker. I do want a change im just looking into what that may be. I have been a social worker almost a decade , a school social worker for almost 5 years. Worked in shelters , child protective agencies, aba therapy , and as a behavioral consultant. I also considered a special education director, so i would accept advice on that as well.

Hi! I’m an upcoming grade 12 student taking ABM (from the Philippines btw), but I’ve been feeling pulled towards a totally different career path lately. Even though I get really good grades (Even in the top 5 of my batch) in all my business subjects, I just know deep down I don’t want to work in that field long-term. I’ve realized the business world just isn’t really for me.

Lately I’ve been looking at three courses that seem to line up with what I like: BSSPL, BSOT, and BSSW. But I can’t decide which one is the best fit for me

I’m looking for a course that checks all these boxes:

1. Lets me help other people (my top prio!!! i love being able to help others🙆‍♀️🙆‍♀️)
2. Is in demand, and has good chances of letting me work abroad after I graduate
3. Isn’t just all reading and studying textbooks (I want actual field work, real-world experience, hands-on stuff, etc)
4. Has reasonable work hours and pays decently
5. Doesn’t involve too much science or math… ik this sounds so silly but I’m just not a STEM girlie 😭

I know I might struggle with these courses at first (maybe not in SW since I heard it’s more on HUMSS subjects (?) and I’m okay with that), since I’m from ABM and we barely cover science-related subjects. Like I mentioned earlier, I’m not a STEM girlie 😭😭 I did get good grades in subjects like math and science back in junior high, but that was just from memorizing and cramming for tests. I actually don’t enjoy learning them at all.

However, if I end up picking a course I actually love, I’m totally down to put in the work and learn everything I need to, even if it’s not my favorite thing 🙆‍♀️!!!!

To anyone who can help out—whether you’re a Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker, or just have experience with these courses/careers—I have a few questions I really need answers to:

1. What was your overall college experience like? Were most subjects science or theory-based, or did you get lots of field work and hands-on activities?
2. How’s your career going right now? Do you work for the government, abroad, in a hospital, or somewhere else?
3. Since I’m currently in ABM and not STEM or HUMSS, will I need to take bridging courses? Do you think I’ll have a hard time keeping up because of my academic background?
4. Out of these three courses, which one do you think fits me best? Or should I just stick to a business-related course instead? I’m doing pretty well in those right now, and maybe I’ll end up liking it more later on?

Please please please I need your help 😭😭😭 Thank you so much!!! 💗💗

hey guys!

so i’m a graduating senior from high school and will be majoring in social work next fall in college. My dream is to become a social worker in a prison or jail as a counselor or group therapy counselor. I’m really passionate abt teaching psycho education and lowering recidivism rates.

when i get to college, im wanting to maybe minor in criminology to work towards this goal.
something im kind of worried about in the long run is my size. I know that sounds really weird but i’m a female who’s 5’5 and 105lbs.

I feel like if I had to protect myself or stop a physical altercation in a prison or jail type setting, i’d be unable to. I’m genuinely asking those who work as a social worker (specifically those in prisons or jails) - is this something that would put me at risk in the workplace?

again this might be a really stupid worry. Ofc I know that physical altercations are prob not too common but i also know that it’s something that could happen. I also still want to be a social worker regardless of whether it’s for the criminal justice system or not- but i’m really passionate about recidivism and i would ideally choose that.

thanks for the support :)

Hi all, I am bilingual LCSW in CA. I got notice I am being laid off from the office of ed I work for. I am honestly very shocked at this as there is a very high need for services. I have known for several months now so I have been looking for work and contemplating getting my PPSC to be able to stay in schools but no one is hiring in my town or within an hour or so away.

Wondering if anyone knows of any openings preferably in schools or any other LCSW in CA that have their PPSC?

Hello all. I am an LCSW in CA thinking of pursuing PPSC credential. I was wondering if anyone has completed the UCLA PPSC program or any other PPSC program you all recommend?

Incoming college student and I'm taking Bs Social Worker.

I just wanna know how much does social workers really make here in the Philippines

There are basically no rules or anything for the SSWs in my district. I have a lot of freedom in my role. How often do you see kids for therapy sessions? And about how long do the sessions last?

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for guidance on appropriate school protocol when a student discloses possible physical abuse at home.

In my role as a school social worker, I was recently notified after the fact of a situation that raised some concerns about process and scope of practice.
A teacher initially received a report from a student regarding possible physical abuse at home and passed that information to a non-licensed staff member (no mental health background or degree in social work/counseling). Instead of immediately referring the situation to a me, the non-licensed staff spoke directly with the student who disclosed, then independently spoke with the student’s sibling, later contacted a middle school counselor (due to the older sibling’s enrollment there) and also spoke with the teacher and counselor involved.

After these conversations, the staff member emailed me stating they had “spoken with both students” and that “currently there is no concern at this time.”

I was not notified during the process and only became aware afterward through the email documenting their actions and conclusion.

I’m trying to understand best practice here:
Is it appropriate for non-licensed staff to conduct follow-up questioning or informal interviews in suspected abuse situations?

How should situations be handled when staff independently conclude “no concern” after gathering information?

What does appropriate escalation/communication look like in your buildings when a disclosure is made?

I’m trying to separate policy best practice from what sometimes happens in real-world school settings and ensure student safety and proper reporting procedures are followed.

Thanks in advance for any insight.