Testimonial

Career Story:Working in an Urban Elementary School; a testimonial from a worker in the field, gives great tips both good and bad. 

Best and Worst Parts of the Job: The best part is working with the kids and families. The kids are hilarious and very open and energetic. It is nice to be able to spend some fun, positive time with them. The parents are often struggling and are very responsive to support. The hardest part is the scarcity of resources for the things people need. Not enough tutors, not enough affordable after school activities, not enough subsidies for basic needs, housing and utilities. Also it is hard when a child is suffering and a parent is unwilling or unable to help and support them.

Job Tips:
1. Make sure you have personal boundaries with your clients. You will want to rescue them, especially the kids, but there are lots of limits to what you can do and how you can do it.

2. Make sure you have a plan to take care of yourself when you are witnessing hurt, disappointment, injustice and suffering. You need to know how you will take care of yourself and keep doing the work.

3. Make sure you have a good supervisor and good supervision and support. That will help you know you are doing what you can, and get you through the overwhelming parts.

Additional Thoughts: An MSW is a very flexible degree. You can do so many things with so many types of people and organizations. However, the pay is not great.