r/SchoolSocialWork

As the title says, I’m seriously considering going back to grad school for an MSW with the goal of eventually becoming an LCSW. I’m currently in the research/decision-making stage and would really love to hear from people who have actually gone through the process.

For some background, I have a Bachelor in Fine Arts and have worked across arts, museums, galleries, and now a corporate office environment. I actually really enjoyed my time interning at museums and would still be open to working in that environment again, particularly because I love the educational and community-oriented aspects of the work. However, I’ve found that museum/arts opportunities can be fairly limited, both in terms of the number of positions available and the career paths they offer, which has made me think more seriously about what I want long-term. My current 9-5 corporate job has also made me realize that I don’t thrive in a traditional corporate environment. The day-to-day feels pretty unstimulating, and I’ve been missing a stronger sense of purpose in my work.

I’ve always been drawn to community-based work and helping people, and the more I’ve learned about social work, the more I can genuinely picture myself in the field. I’m particularly interested in the clinical/therapy route, but I also like that an MSW could leave room to explore different areas of social work.

I’ve done a lot of research on MSW programs and the LCSW path, but I’d really value hearing from people who have lived it rather than just reading program websites.

For current MSW students, recent grads, and LCSWs:
- What has your experience with the MSW actually been like?
- Did the reality of social work match what you expected going in?
- If you pursued the clinical/LCSW route, was it ultimately worth the time, cost, and supervision required?
- What do you wish you had known before starting your MSW?
- For anyone who came from a completely different undergraduate/career background, did you feel like you were at a disadvantage?
- And honestly, do you feel fulfilled by the work now? What do you like and dislike about the day-to-day?

I’m especially interested in hearing from people who made a career change into social work, rather than those who knew they wanted to be social workers from undergrad. I’m very open to hearing both positive and negative experiences. I’d much rather go into this with realistic expectations than just confirmation that it’s a good idea. Thanks!

Hi there! I am 25, looking to go back to school for a Masters in Social Work, as I’ve had my own therapist suggest as the best route for my circumstances to eventually becoming a talk therapist.

Before I decide to pay for more school, take on loans, etc, I am hoping to read a few books that might open my eyes to the reality of the career. I want to be at least 75% sure of this path before committing to it as I tend to get excited then bored of career paths quickly. This has been on my mind for a little over a year now which makes me hopeful that it could really be a viable career option for me.

Let me know your recommendations and thank you in advance!

I’m the social worker and MKV liaison at a k-8 school. What are some things your school spends MKV funding on? We buy tons of toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, brushes, toothbrushes, combs, deodorant, body wash ect.), we also buy uniform shirts, socks, coats, underwear, gloves, hats, ect. We aren’t sure what else we can spend it on?

Hi all! I am approaching my second year in school for my MSW, and eventually my license! My hope is to work in an educational setting, but given the plethora of breaks as well as summer’s off, I was curious what jobs people of this sub work (if any) during their time off, and how substantial of a difference it makes in your yearly salary?

Any other tips before I enter the field of social work are appreciated as well! I worked my internship in an educational setting my first year, but this year’s will be in a council on aging (senior center)!

Hi everyone, I hope you’re taking care of yourselves. Last school year was my first year as a school social worker in a very small, underfunded, and understaffed area. I absolutely loved it and learned so much. For context, I have been an RCSWI for almost a year and worked really hard to earn hours for my LCSW license. Thankfully, I accrued 500 hours so far! The reason I left this job was because it is a 40 minute commute both ways from where I live and no mileage/reimbursements were offered for the community work I engaged in. There was no bad blood and I genuinely loved working there. I was at one school all day, had my own classroom, and had great relationships built with my colleagues and the kids. I have been working in the neighboring district as a “district school social worker”. I hate it, and it’s really hard for me to admit that. It’s the complete opposite from my last job, and that is kind of its downfall. Everything is super organized, there are resources everywhere, I won’t have to pay for a single thing, and the mileage is great. HOWEVER, I am visiting these schools and they already have social workers as staff. They have so many people employed for each little niche subject that I am used to handling all myself at my previous job. It’s almost like there is no room for me, and especially no space for me to do anything therapeutic. It almost feels like I am left with the scraps or the jobs the on-site social workers are too busy to handle. I honestly feel like a glorified intern. I haven’t spoken to a single child in a therapeutic setting since beginning two weeks ago. Here’s the issue, my biggest concern is getting those hours. In the interview I informed them that I was an RCSWI and getting hours is most important to me. I was told that wouldn’t be an issue. Now I am finding out that my job will mostly be running around the city delivering resources, attending meetings, holiday resources, and the occasional home visit. I was promised groups, but every school social worker/ guidance counselor that I’ve talked to about this is either taking care of it themselves or look at me like I’m insane for even asking. It’s almost like the district is overstaffed-if you believe in such a thing. I already spoke with the lead social workers about this and was told it’s about “building relationships” with all 4 schools I attend and finding where I fit in. They told me it would take a year to really “get it down”. One of my strong suits is rapport building, and that isn’t really the obstacle I’m facing. I also don’t want to have to convince someone or beg them to share responsibilities with me and to let me do my job. There’s always a position for me at my old district; thankfully, but I thought I was getting into a better fit. I also don’t feel like talking to someone higher up and being told it’ll take time, just stick it out, or that it’ll take a year before it gets better. This is not the position I was promised.

hi all im an LMSW in NJ. i currently work as an in home therapist with clients ages 3-21. my goal is to become a school social worker. i have done lots of interviews but haven't landed anything.

i know that it may be because i dont have any case management or IEP experience. so are there any jobs that i can do in the meantime where I can acquire the necessary skills for a SSW position?

(when i graduated i only needed my msw and paid for my SSW certification. i didnt need to take any classes to get the certification)

I start my MSW internship in two weeks and l will be splitting my time between two elementary schools. What are some must have items for my bag that you suggest??

I start my MSW internship in two weeks and l will be splitting my time between two elementary schools. What are some must have items for my bag that you suggest??

I just started as an associate clinician this school year and will be providing individual based counseling for kids. Sessions are typically 30 minutes a week and working on social-emotional goals in their IEPs. My site suggested doing push-in services if it aligns with their goals. I was wondering if anyone has experience doing this with elementary, middle, or high schoolers? I’m open to the idea but it honestly makes me feel awkward even thinking about it. I do well with 1 on 1 but don’t have experience pushing into classrooms, lunch, etc

Please help me with any advice or tips !!

I am currently obtaining my MSW in new jersey in may and i am now planning for move to california for personal reasons, so i am currently taking CE courses using ce4less, what exact courses do i need to take and what exams would i need to apply for?

hey everyone :) I’m 30 and applying to study social work bachelors as a mature student and I’d really appreciate some advice from anyone who’s already on the course or has recently gone through the interview process.

I actually went to university for a semester when I was 18 studying education studies but I realised pretty quickly that it wasn’t for me. Since then I’ve worked mainly in health and social care. I’m currently a care coordination.

Throughout my career I’ve worked alongside social workers quite a lot. One particular social worker really opened my eyes to what social work actually involves. I was genuinely amazed by how much of a difference she could make. I know it’s an incredibly challenging job but speaking to her about it made me realise that it’s something I could actually see myself doing. So I’ve taken the plunge and applied for social work through clearing!

I have a one-to-one interview and a group interview coming up. I’ve been trying to prepare but honestly there is so much info online that I’m getting a bit overwhelmed. I keep seeing things about the code of ethics, podcasts we’re apparently supposed to listen to, current social work issues etc. I’m struggling to work out what I actually need to focus on.

If anyone has recently gone through a social work interview especially a group interview I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience. What should I expect? What kind of things were you asked? Is there anything you wish you’d prepared beforehand?

I’m absolutely terrible at interviews 😭 My anxiety just takes over and my mind goes completely blank even when I know the answer 😭

I’d also love to hear from mature students about what university is actually like. Is the workload manageable alongside working? I’d ideally like to continue working part time while studying but I’m wondering whether the course and placements make that unrealistic.

Basically any advice about the interview process preparing for social work or being a mature student on the course would be massively appreciated ☺️❤️

I just got an invitation today to interview for a public elementary school social worker leave replacement position TOMORROW. I really want to work in a school and this is the first school interview I will have. What is recommended interview attire? In the past I have dressed business casual for interviews (dress pants, blouse, loafers/flats), however I feel like I should lean more formal for this interview since I will be interviewing with a small team of administrators and staff. Should I wear a blazer? I only have one I bought a couple years ago and never wore but I think it is on the heavier side so idk if it will be appropriate for this weather. I live in the northeast US if location makes any difference.

studying for the aswb exam is so overwhelming, and it feels like everyone reaches that "I'm ready" point at different times

for those who've already passed, was there a specific point where your confidence changed? like was it after hitting a certain score on practice exams, finishing a review course, or just getting more comfortable with the question style?

curious to hear what anyone has to say !

Need some advice from fellow social work students. Currently doing my MSW online through Capella. I have a full time job which allows me to work remote 2 days a week. My work is extremely slow, like I barely have any tasks to do. It’s really taking a toll on my mental health because I have zero tasks assigned to me but I’m expected to work 40 hours a week. I’ve already talked to my boss about having more work but she just says to keep myself busy. I also just received my counseling license to do drug and alcohol counseling as a clinical intern. Clinical interns in my state get paid and there are full time positions available currently. I’m also going to begin my 20 hour a week practicum next summer.
My question is, would you give up a low stress job while you are finishing your masters and about to begin your practicum hours or do you feel the need to feel fulfilled and would you pursue a different career, specifically utilizing your clinical certification if that’s the path you wanted to go down after graduation?
Would love to hear pros and cons of both, because I’m currently feeling stuck.
Sincerely,
Stuck social work student

I was looking for and was offered a .05 position 30 minutes from home I’ve been mulling this over since the interview and attempted to broach it with HR. HR shut down the conversation
Director of Spec Ed mentioned in the interview they’d like me to work 4 days a week. In my mind that’s a No.
Not really PT if I’m there 4 days. It’s a HS. Start early Will I actually be able to leave on time?
I would think not.
I’m going to try and approach it again but if those are the work hours I think I will pass!
Would you take it or pass?

Looking for some internship advice. I’m pursuing my MSW and school social work certificate and I am in my final year. My first internship was at a middle/highschool. I now have two options for my final internship.

Option 1: A private practice therapy office, close to home, would be paid a little bit per session as I take on clients.

Option 2: a youth services agency where I would provide counseling services to youth from school counselor referrals and connect youth to the community. They provide a lot of counseling training and you have an intern cohort.

Would one look better for my resume and ultimate goal of being a school social worker? Thanks!

Location: Acharya Narendra Dev Inter College, Lahasari (Government School)

We're looking for an energetic and passionate person who can help our students improve beyond academics.

Skills we're looking for:

- Fluent English Speaking

- Personality Development

- Public Speaking & Communication

- Confidence Building

- Etiquette (how to sit, stand, greet, and interact professionally)

- Dance, Sports & Fun Student Activities

- Leadership & Team-building Activities

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to make a real impact in students' lives while gaining teaching and leadership experience.

What you'll receive:

✅ Certificate of Appreciation / Completion

✅ Practical teaching & leadership experience

✅ Opportunity to contribute to students' overall development

If you're interested or know someone who would be a good fit, please comment below or send me a DM.

School: Acharya Narendra Dev Inter College, Lahasari

What could I give counselors that they actually need/will use? I need some ideas.

Wondering if there are any travel school SWs on here? I have not had any luck in my area (NorCal) finding a school sw job as there are not many (if any) where I live. I recently learned there are travel agencies that place school SWs. I am wondering if anyone here has worked for such an agency? Thanks!

This is my 9th year as a school counselor where I work at. They’ve decided to hire a school social worker with little experience over a seasoned social worker. This is frustrating for me because we are having this position being set up for the first time in almost 20 years. Any tips on working with a new social worker would be greatly appreciated!