- your Masters degree helps but is not a must, unless you have the spare $$ try to get a job that has tuition reimbursement and get your Masters that way
- best paying / most stable job are with state and federal agencies
- be able to work in all fields (children, adults, mental health, domestic violence, income support etc) the more diverse your portfolio the better it is
-it's a thankless but very rewarding job at the same time
most important advice and I can't stress this enough
- learn to separate work life from home life or you will get burnt out quick
I've been working in the social work field for over 10 years now, have my B.A in social work
All of this.
I'd also add:
Everything that goes wrong will be your fault.
Everything that goes right is hard work of the client and the organization/state.
Racism exists in the field, so becareful, especially when trying to get housing or medical for your clients.
If you are a man in the field, the quickest way to fukk your career is to give any of your female clients too much attention. You don't even have to do anything together, when it's her word verses yours, you will always lose.
If you have a short temper, this aint the field for you.
Coworkers are miserable people often with just as many problems as some of your clients (some may be former clients) so becareful to avoid drama.
Love what you do, or don't do it at all. There are other ways to make money and this ain't one of them unless you are a owner or know how to finesse government contracts.
ALWAYS REPORT, don't go to jail over dumbshyte.
I never had a job that required more than the standard 8 hrs a day, there are a lot of jobs that are "on call" but it's something they tell you upfront
