Not really out of the coronavirus pandemic, now we’re drowning in the doom and gloom of an impending recession. We are bombarded with what to do and how to prepare this time around from those who survived 2007-2008.
I’ve asked myself if social work is recession-proof.
Many social workers believe that it is – especially after the “social workers are essential” mantra during the height of the covid-19 pandemic. Our collective health and mental health are suffering which seemingly keeps therapists booked and busy. But that comes with a health and mental health cost to the therapist. Financially will social worker therapists be fine if people their clients lose their jobs and lose their health insurance or employee assistance benefits? Financially will social worker therapists be fine if their clients lose their jobs and can’t afford to pay out of pocket?
Will more children be removed from their homes and placed with child protective services or land in juvenile detention because their parents are taking various odd jobs or are emotionally detached because of the stress and strain of a lay-off? Will more kids resort to illegal activities to help support their families?
But I keep saying that social work is more than therapy and child welfare, right?
RELATED: Social Work Is In High Demand
Will we see an increase in funding for social service programs and budgets?
Will we see an increase in certified financial social workers and school social workers?
Will we see an increase in veterinary social workers as people seek comfort and support from pets?
Will we see an increase in social workers employed by labor unions and public health agencies?
Will we continue to see growth in travel and hospital social work?
Will we welcome more social workers into entrepreneurship?
Do you think that social work is recession-proof?
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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