Is that really to be the essence of masters level social work?

Still, her accomplishment is inspiring and her objectives, noble.

Not to diminish the accomplishments of Ms. Nelson. But to put things in perspective: there are remarkable women making such notable accompolishments every year. I teach in a small BSW program: most of our graduates are “non-traditional students,” most have children, several have been homeless or vistims of domestic violence, some have served in the military, and uniquely, this years class was surprisingly 25% male. Indeed, ample opportunity for inspiration.

Just for example, Dawn graduated with her BSW last May. Two years ago in her junior year, she became a homeless single parent of five when the rental house where she lived with her two children and three “kin-care” foster / adopted children was forclosed upon and she was forced out by the bank. At the time she was a full time student, raising five kids alone, working part time in a shelter for pregnant teens. Through sheer tenacity and exercising strategies she learned pursuing her BSW, she found funding to actually buy a forclosed house in need of repair, convinced a male friend who was in the construction business to lend his guidance, got the house habitable, moved in, graduated from college on schedule, started graduate school, married the construction guy (custodial father with two kids of his own & volunteer little league coach) had another baby last month and graduated with her MSW yesterday.

It wears me out to even think about it!

i am msw student
May get inspired by the movements of society

First of all, it is antiquated in the use of county workers.

Second, a mail clerk messenger doesn’t even do “social work”.

And third, in the state of Alabama, (a) After November 24, 1978, no person may represent himself or herself as a social worker by using the title “social worker,” “licensed bachelor social worker,” “licensed graduate social worker,” or “licensed certified social worker,” or any other title that includes such words, or by adding the letters “SW,” “LBSW,” “LGSW,” or “LCSW,” unless licensed under this chapter or excluded according to its provisions. This is considered a misdemeanor.

I’m pretty sure that isn’t the case with journalists Mr. Diadium. However, I would definitely think a “journalist” would be more informed.

By the way, Ohio Code 4757.02 also states No person shall use the title “social worker,” “independent social worker,” “social work assistant,” or any other title or description incorporating the words “social worker” or any initials used to identify persons acting in those capacities unless the person is currently authorized by licensure or registration under this chapter to act in the capacity indicated by the title or initials.

So, no, it is not “easy to understand” why someone would refer to someone as a social worker if they are not one. It’s not about working hard to earn a degree, it’s about following the law that was designed to protect communities.

Rebecca Land, LCSW
Alabama

http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2013/04/23/worst_job_of_2013_newspaper_reporter_tops_lumberjack_soldier_in_careercast.html

This job is so hard, covering basic facts is just too hard.

What concerns me about the reporters style, is that there are citizens who will read the original article and upon whom the details of professional responsibility & identity are lost, who will use this apparent condemnation of social workers as a rallying point to further diminish essential services.

Gary Bachman MSSW, LSCSW
Kansas

I am glad people such as yourself will be in coversation about the lack of clarity of our roles. I’ve had many opportunities to explain what we social workers do. I even remember one time when my 90 year old father asked me what I did in my work. He was an 8th grade educated laborer all his life so I thought a minute to decide on a few concise words to explain my work. Before I could speak he said, “Oh, I know you are there in case something comes up!”

After I took a minute to digest his words, I smiled and complimented him on getting to the heart of what social workers often do. The fact is usually there are many “things coming up” in a day’s time, a week’s time and throughout our careers. Nowhere in my Dad’s and my exchange did I tell him about the struggles I had getting my degrees, the challenges I faced in those “things coming up” – and how much I value being an educated and experienced social worker to follow in the footsteps of many who have gone ahead of me. Truthfully, it is hard being mislabeled – wishing that I did not get labeled, having to explain after all these years, but “so it is”. And hopefully, “not will be” as more and more individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations seek the services of professional social workers during these complex and challenging times.

Again, thank you for your “straight talk” in relation to our title.

Sincerely, Dana C.

Ms. Dana N. Courtney, MSW, ACSW
d_courtney@bellsouth.net
Graham, NC 27253
Thanks for

I first began seriously job searching this past March and was astounded at the requirements these agencies wanted. Most wanted experience, a year or more, that particular field. How is that even possible? I came to SFASU in August 2009, graduated with my BSW in December 2011 and went straight into the Masters program, advanced standing, to now graduate in May 2013.

I am astounded and quite disgusted at the salaries being offered to our profession. I have had a job offer with a local agency and the pay would have been 13 dollars an hour. After doing the math, that was just over 27,000 a year. Now this job would have provided me with a paid internship but I declined the offer because I knew this agency was not where I wanted to be. I then began to look at other agencies and the pay was not much more than this offer. Even if I was licensed at the bachelors level I would not be paid more, even with a MSW or as a licensed master level social worker, I would not be paid more.

I have 40,000 dollars in loan debt and I it seems I am not even able to make that much or near that much a year. At 13 dollars an hour, I cannot live independently, but would need a roommate or to live with family.

I am certain my professors have told me throughout my BSW and MSW career that as a MSW I could START with at least 40,000 a year. I have yet to see an offer like that.

There is definitely a lack in pay for Social Workers, whether licensed or unlicensed. And definitely in our Rural areas, like Nacogdoches.

If I had known what I know now, I would have likely taken a year off after my BSW and got a job, then pursed my MSW. Or a Masters in a different degree. I am certainly disappointed and do hope that our future looks brighter!

LaKendra W.

Please email Tracy Whitaker, director of the NASW Center for Workforce Studies, to see if she has the information you seek. You can email her at twhitaker@naswdc.org.

Greg Wright
Senior Communications and Public Relations Specialist
NASW