What I know for sure is that social work students and new social workers are not the only professionals who are confused or feel stuck or unprepared in advancing their social work degrees.
It can be easy for seasoned social workers to fall into the trap of doing the same old job search things in the same old ways, so they need a refresh. Burnout and compassion may also cause seasoned social workers to make a shift in how, where, and with whom they social work.
The federal government is one area/employment possibility that I want to address today.
Guess what?
The Veteran’s Administration (VA) is not the only government agency that hires social workers in ‘social work positions’.
Your education and experience are valuable to many federal agencies. You have highly transferable skills. Your social work skills are high-income skills.
Do you have an interest in policy, advocacy, data, research, program development and management, and health/public health?
Explore employment with these 3 agencies as a starting point:
- Health & Human Services (HHS)
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Do you have an interest in education, housing, health, immigration, mental health, or community development?
Explore employment with these 3 agencies as a starting point:
- Department of Education
- 2: Housing and Urban Development
- Customs and Border Protection
Do you have an interest in food security, agriculture, finance, politics, climate change, employee assistance programs, travel, workforce development, or research?
Explore employment with these 3 agencies as a starting point:
- Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Department of Commerce
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
NOTE: This is just a starting point for your job search research. This NOT an exhaustive list of macro or mezzo areas of social or federal agencies that hire social workers. Job titles and qualifications may differ based on agency, location, and other criteria.
What is the next step you plan to take to elevate your social work career?
Sometimes we recognize that we have taken ourselves as far as we can go alone. If you are ready to elevate your career and desire assistance from a Social Work Career Coach, schedule a Career Activation Strategy Session today.
Nicki Sanders, MSW, ushers high-performing women of color in mid-level social work and human services leadership through promotion to senior leadership. As Founder and CEO of Nicki Sanders Leadership Consulting, her mission is simple – to eliminate toxic workplaces by developing skilled, empathetic, and goal-oriented leaders who have the vision, support, and resources to create a culture where business prospers, and employees thrive individually and collectively. Nicki has an extensive background in nonprofit management leading high-functioning, multi-disciplinary teams. She is an accomplished professor, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has combined her gift for authentic relationships, Master of Social Work degree, and over 20 years of diverse work experience to create a life and career aligned with her values and purpose. Nicki is a lover of cupcakes, travel, and 80’s hip hop and R&B music.
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