Any social workers in the crowd?

[driphoney]

And a sadly thin crowd it is these days.

Anyway, in the next eon or so, creeping through the system as I am rolleyes, I need to finally declare a major. One field I'm interested in is social work with the elderly (gerontology.) I would like to explore this more, but am unsure how to go about it.

Feel free to talk on the thread or send me a PM. It's not a sexy topic, I know.

 

[MagicaPractica]

I've known a couple great social workers but I can't say I know much about the topic. However, I do know a little something about getting information. I would suggest trying to shadow a social worker in that field. They may not be able to do that due to confidentiality issues but it doesn't hurt to ask. As for contacting one, you could try finding one by contacting a local nursing home, hospital or social services. Good luck.

PS If you want more basic information about the job, check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook online at www.bls.gov/OCO

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

Social workers make no money these days. Things are so bad you likely wont get a job, either. Forget anything in human services. An RN degree takes less time to get and pays a lot more money.

 

[Pure]

I think becoming a social worker [MSW, accredited, registered--that is, about two years work, post BA or BSW] with a specialty in gerontology might be an excellent choice, given the make up on the population by age.

One thing James overlooks in the negative assessment is that an MSW need not do direct work with clients; they may be supervisory or managerial. They may also be a part of a research team in social or health sciences. Further, where this is work with clients, e.g. in private practice, being a registered social worker is often helpful in receiving insurance converage [from the client's policiy] for the services.

 

[SeaCat]

Social workers make no money these days. Things are so bad you likely wont get a job, either. Forget anything in human services. An RN degree takes less time to get and pays a lot more money.

Hmmmmmmm,

R.N.'s get paid a lot of money? Where? Especially for what they deal with on a daily basis.

You are right about an R.N. degree taking less time. You can get one in two years if you go to school full time, and can get into a Nursing School. (Slots are limited.)

Cat

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

Hmmmmmmm,

R.N.'s get paid a lot of money? Where? Especially for what they deal with on a daily basis.

You are right about an R.N. degree taking less time. You can get one in two years if you go to school full time, and can get into a Nursing School. (Slots are limited.)

Cat

The last LCSW position I saw in the paper paid 32K. They used to start at 45K. A BSW is going for 24K-28K. There is no human services money. RNs make a lot more dough.

 

[vrosej10]

Hmmmmmmm,

R.N.'s get paid a lot of money? Where? Especially for what they deal with on a daily basis.

You are right about an R.N. degree taking less time. You can get one in two years if you go to school full time, and can get into a Nursing School. (Slots are limited.)

Cat

I agree. I know a few RN's and it's a pretty shitty lot in spite of the money. I also know quite a few aged care workers and this can be a very emotionally trying area to work in. For women, it can be sexually traumatic too. I don't know one that has not been sexually assaulted in some way or another by their male patients...

 

[driphoney]

Well. Thank you everyone for your comments.

I'm not sure that the skill-set or interests of both a nurse and social worker are parallel. The only thing in common appears to me that they, in some way, care for those who need help. I could be wrong. Nurses do make do make much more money here in the States than social workers. Because of the low turn out from nursing programs, the demand is high. If I were looking for a similar care field to nursing, I would investigate the various therapist occupations, or even other allied health professions such as sonographer (which is also surprisingly competitive around here.)

But separating the two again, as I can't imagine myself as a nurse (me and other's bodily functions aren't really compatible,) I'm back to my original question on social work.

Thank you MP for the web suggestions. I, too, have thought of asking to shadow a SW, but had the same concerns as you. But, really, all they can do is say 'no', right? I also think I might visit the gerontology department and talk with some of the profs at the local university that has it. There are also a couple of intro courses required. I plan on taking them, however, textbooks are often far from reality.

Pure, thanks for the encouragement. I have the same thoughts. At some point the wave of elderly are going to overwhelm the system, and whether they like it or not, the pressure will force more positions. Not pay.

And that leaves me with the pay question. If I were concerned about the pay, I would definitely be looking in a different direction.

Lastly, I must comment on those randy Aussie gents! Wow! That's really a problem for those who work with them? What are you puttin' in their water? When I can, I deliver food with Meals-on-Wheels. For one thing, sadly, there are very few men I deliver to, and those I do are the nicest gentlemen. I often have to go into their homes, I have never felt threatened in any way. I've also spent some time in a nursing home or two, and, likewise, never seen it. But, of course, I wasn't working in the environment day after day.

Again, thanks everyone!

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

DRIPHONEY.

In a labor market with no human services money to spend, government and agencies are hiring Licensed Clinical Social Workers and RN Case Managers only. LCSW and RN are your choices. LCSW are paid shit, RNs make a lot more. Master's level therapist positions are paying 20K to 28K. Twenty years ago masters level therapists made 20k-28k.

You are out of your fucking mind to consider human services now. You heard it here first.

If you gotta be rigid and cocksure get an education degree, specializing in Special Education. The pay sucks at first, but there are plenty of jobs and a secure career.

 

[The_Fool]

Another area to consider is Occupational Therapy. Around here that is a Master's Level cert and makes mid $70k. Work loads can vary and a lot of work can be with older clients with post op care.

 

[john-the-author]

Another area to consider is Occupational Therapy. Around here that is a Master's Level cert and makes mid $70k. Work loads can vary and a lot of work can be with older clients with post op care.

The Fool has a great suggestion. OT can take many forms and can even be semi-private or consulting and can be good for a decent income.

Let me endorse what several others have said: Social work is certainly a worthy profession, but your motivations for doing this must be based on helping people and the world, and not on making a pile of money. Money is by NO means the be-all and end-all, but it's important to know your own motivations before you choose something so you get what you're after and can make a fully informed decision that's likeliest to make you happy.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that an MSW can establish a private practice, at least here in California. No supervising MD or PhD, just the MSW. Given how many middle-aged folks have responsibility for caring for their aged parents, an MSW in Marriage and Family Counseling could be really good ticket, especially when dealing with caregivers. I know. Mom is 87. Fortunately, she's perking right along, fairly independently, and my sister helps a lot, too.

 

[penandpaper]

Another area to consider is Occupational Therapy. Around here that is a Master's Level cert and makes mid $70k. Work loads can vary and a lot of work can be with older clients with post op care.

I agree with this. One postive thing OT's and PT's have going for them is they traverse all age groups. So, if you feel you're stagnating with the elderly, switch to little kids. Also, they are often privately contracted, therefore dealing with less red tape. I know our school system privately contracts all therapists out - even speech. They are all nice and fun to be around and seem to do their job well.

This compared to the social workers that I deal with; they're all overworked, paid less, often get bogged down by paperword and therefore, unable to do their job. Ashame really, since they all seem to want to advocate for the kids in a positive way.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

One other thing to remember, in my experience with the elderly, unless they're in really poor health, the best thing for their morale is to feel useful. OT's are much more likely to be involved in that than Social Workers. Even in this day, too many of them are trained to keep their clients in a dependent position. Pity, that.

 

[vrosej10]

Well. Thank you everyone for your comments.

I'm not sure that the skill-set or interests of both a nurse and social worker are parallel. The only thing in common appears to me that they, in some way, care for those who need help. I could be wrong. Nurses do make do make much more money here in the States than social workers. Because of the low turn out from nursing programs, the demand is high. If I were looking for a similar care field to nursing, I would investigate the various therapist occupations, or even other allied health professions such as sonographer (which is also surprisingly competitive around here.)

But separating the two again, as I can't imagine myself as a nurse (me and other's bodily functions aren't really compatible,) I'm back to my original question on social work.

Thank you MP for the web suggestions. I, too, have thought of asking to shadow a SW, but had the same concerns as you. But, really, all they can do is say 'no', right? I also think I might visit the gerontology department and talk with some of the profs at the local university that has it. There are also a couple of intro courses required. I plan on taking them, however, textbooks are often far from reality.

Pure, thanks for the encouragement. I have the same thoughts. At some point the wave of elderly are going to overwhelm the system, and whether they like it or not, the pressure will force more positions. Not pay.

And that leaves me with the pay question. If I were concerned about the pay, I would definitely be looking in a different direction.

Lastly, I must comment on those randy Aussie gents! Wow! That's really a problem for those who work with them? What are you puttin' in their water? When I can, I deliver food with Meals-on-Wheels. For one thing, sadly, there are very few men I deliver to, and those I do are the nicest gentlemen. I often have to go into their homes, I have never felt threatened in any way. I've also spent some time in a nursing home or two, and, likewise, never seen it. But, of course, I wasn't working in the environment day after day.

Again, thanks everyone!

It's such a common problem. They even insist the staff dress in bras with no jingle in order to to inflame them further. It's scary. My sister is not a big woman and she had a real problem. I think it's down to not respecting sexuality in the elderly. It's not like you turn 60 and your sex drive quits. The men have no outlets in these places and Alzheimers apparently can be a sexual disinhibitor.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

Someone needs to check out the pay and the money to pay for social worker positions before we send DRIPHONEY off to school with her Strawberry Shortcake lunchbox and thermos. It doesnt exist. Human Services are the first to go when the well runs dry.

YOULL BE SORRY!

 

[Verdad]

Well, I feel Honey on the 'bodily functions' problem. My mom is an MD, and I'd have never had to worry about job if I'd just followed in her footsteps. As it happens, I kinda turn green when 'bodily functions' are in question, and so it was a no go. It can be well paid, it can be a profession in which you know you're doing something worthwhile, but if you're not cut out for it, you're not.

Honey, I unfortunately have no advice, so just a of encouragement.

 

[driphoney]

I've really appreciated all the feedback I've gotten on this thread.

Occupational therapy is a good suggestion. My study partner last summer in stats was going off to OT school and should be going into her second year now. Due to all the heavy 'nursey' type courses, and the difficulty in getting accepted, it was something I put in the mental waste can. As for physical therapy, they no longer even offer a masters here, just the PhD. Also, it's extremely competitive. I had a couple PT wannabees in my stats class as well. If I did go that route, it would be a long, hard slug through pre-PT or pre-OT courses, with no guarantee in the end other than I'd have a degree and the ability to flip burgers. I don't really know how you turn a pre-anything degree around if it goes belly up in the end.

Of course, I might just be in the same boat with a history or lit degree.

My biggest concern with a gerontology degree is this:

One other thing to remember, in my experience with the elderly, unless they're in really poor health, the best thing for their morale is to feel useful. OT's are much more likely to be involved in that than Social Workers. Even in this day, too many of them are trained to keep their clients in a dependent position. Pity, that.

and this:

....... Also, they are often privately contracted, therefore dealing with less red tape. ....... This compared to the social workers that I deal with; they're all overworked, paid less, often get bogged down by paperword and therefore, unable to do their job. Ashame really, since they all seem to want to advocate for the kids in a positive way.

One person who knows me says this is probably the biggest problem I would have with the job and swears I'd probably end up killing a few knuckle-headed bureaucrats with my bare hands before they carted me off! The frustration with the broken system and my ability to rise above it to do the best I could with my clients is my greatest concern. I'm even okay with the fact that there's a good chance I will burn out and need to move on. I could never work with youth because I would last about three weeks on the job. My heart couldn't take the constant breaking.

I'm an oddball. I grew up in a tiny, aging town and I greatly enjoyed spending time with the elderly. I enjoyed their stories, their different outlook on life. I think we owe our elderly. I think families are responsible for their elders, however, our culture and the system actively encourage abdication of this responsibility. Consequently, those who are willing to accept this tug on their soul to do the right thing are left with a very thankless job.

I have a high sense of right and wrong; I don't have any trouble laying it on the line for what is right. I have a good deal of common sense. I couldn't be a kiss-up if I tried and protecting my position or chance for promotion could never outweigh my own integrity.

Recently I've needed to help a friend a great deal and it's been interesting to see how the system works her over. She's dealt with three social workers from different agencies and insurance. One (Adult Protective Services) has been an absolute teeth-grinding, hair-pulling loser, the second (private from hosp. and insurance) was not too bad, could have known more, been more informed, but did give it a go, and the third (Dept. of Aging), so far, seems to really have his act together and is doing all that is in his power and her willingness to co-operate to make the system work as it should and do what is right by this friend. I have never seen this end of things. Everything I've ever done has been at the one-on-one layman, foodbank, Meals-on-Wheels, charitable Christmas program level.

Let me endorse what several others have said: Social work is certainly a worthy profession, but your motivations for doing this must be based on helping people and the world, and not on making a pile of money. Money is by NO means the be-all and end-all, but it's important to know your own motivations before you choose something so you get what you're after and can make a fully informed decision that's likeliest to make you happy.

Absolutely.

Let me not blow off everyone's concern about income, though. At the end of the day, the ability to provide for oneself is important. Not everybody is cut out, nor should they be, to live like Mother Theresa. I've known a few, but for most, it's a grind.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

DRIPHONEY

It is a grind, especially when the system beats the crap out of you everyday, all day long. And at the end of the day you cant afford STARBUCKS cuz you make shit and they try and screw you over for mileage and compensatory time.

Many social workers I know work for agencies that pay them a flat-rate fee for each client. This is the new thing in human services. If it isnt billable you dont get paid. If your client isnt available when you arrive YOU DONT GET PAID. If you assist a colleague YOU DONT GET PAID.

If you want a vow of poverty sign up for social work.

 

[driphoney]

JBJ,

And learning all this is why I posted this thread and am just investigating it. Being beaten up by the system worse than the real victims who need help might be more than I can handle, but I don't know that until I check it out.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

DRIPHONEY

Yeah, I know. The bottomline, though, its your life and you wont know till the shit oozes between your toes and you cry. Have a good cry.

 

[Elianna]

I have a few friends in social work. One worked for the state for CPS and another is a social worker for a High School.

Emotionally battering? Yes. No money? Yes. Do they hate it? Sometimes. Have they both had jobs cut? Close.

Conclusion? Doing good things doesn't make money. Doing good things is just that: good. It seems that the world can't afford much good these days, doesn't it?

I would WISH you'd become a social worker and make a difference, but then I wouldn't WISH poverty on you either. I think social work is kinda like becoming a priest (without any hinkey stuff): vow of poverty, doing good works. It's not for everyone and you have to accept your abysmal paycheck.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

In reality social workers are report writers, they dont really do much hands-on work. The people who get involved with patients are case managers, but most case managers these days are RNs. When case management got started back in the 80s an associates degree was the only requirement, but medication management replaced much of the insight therapy, and RNs know a lot about medication.

 

[Elianna]

In reality social workers are report writers, they dont really do much hands-on work. The people who get involved with patients are case managers, but most case managers these days are RNs. When case management got started back in the 80s an associates degree was the only requirement, but medication management replaced much of the insight therapy, and RNs know a lot about medication.

I agree. I'm lucky to work with a social worker who really DOES get to do social work, but the paperwork kills her. There are some places you could do real social work. A friend of mine worked on a crisis team. She had some interesting stories. RN's end up seeing the aftermath of situations gone bad, but a hospital will have a social worker to help place battered women, children, elderly, etc.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

ELIANNA

I have 100s of interesting stories I gleaned from work; many I use in my fiction writing. But I wouldnt have them had I done social work. It's changing, now that there's no human services money, and agencies can force social workers to take less money and work with patients.