My 20 Careers In SOCIAL WORK! SOCIAL WORK CAREERS IN 2024

[@ManickaThomas]

Remember that your Social Work Degree is versatile! Stay open minded and don't be so quick to second guess your degree until you have explored multiple options!

[@missy5585]

You speak very well. You are an inspiration.keep moving.

[@amorforever9769]

Thank you fr, im nervous but willing to keep going

[@vanessaventura7779]

Thank you for sharing! When did you attend grad school?

[@ManickaThomas]

2005. I did a 1 year program

[@jennzbennz]

Looking back at undergrad and grad school in social work, I hateee all the comments that professors made about salaries! We need to advocate for ourselves to be paid our worth, not just accept super low salaries!

[@matelinares7875]

Hello! I have a BA in psychology and have been looking into the Social Work MA. I appreciate the info and admire your transparency while sharing your story. Being laid off of a position is never easy but it can happened to anyone at any time in their career and there is nothing to be ashamed of. I am glad you were able to learn and grow from your experience. ❤

[@BoPeso336]

You are a hustler. Great job to you and your journey… Blessings!

[@coreinspirations6839]

I am a Social Worker as well & I absolutely love this! Love your transparency and showing that despite trials, you can still transition and triumph within the SW field! New Subbie!!! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@ManickaThomas]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@heatherouwinga8241]

This video is making me feel so much better a bout trying to find my niche in the social work realm. Thank you so much for sharing. I think there is a lot of shame held by society for changing careers and I have personally felt that.

[@ManickaThomas]

You are right...that is why I shared...and I do remember how much shame I had when people would ask me what do you do, after I had just lost my job. I'm glad you found this helpful!

[@95ashleii]

thanks for sharing your experience! I'm graduating with my msw in the June and girl I dont know what to do. Thanks for your guidance

[@ManickaThomas]

Congrats on graduating! Start with your passion and make sure you check out the download of 112 careers. That should hopefully give you some guidance!

[@jasmyne332]

I’m binge watching your videos at this point. You just shed light that I can combine my educational background with social work and I’m very excited...still researching

[@ManickaThomas]

Thank you!

[@BLAZE45]

Does anyone else feel like we need way more social workers to lighten the load? My big concern is the state trying to dump hundreds of people on me and expect me to adequately help all of them. As much as I would love to help them it would be impossible to for me form a connection with everyone.

[@julietcrowson3503]

Fewer managers And more front line social workers xx

[@patrillahouston6705]

Thank you for sharing your journey as a social worker. It was very helpful and inspiring as you discussed the many jobs you had and how you did not get discouraged after you were fired from positions. Thank you

[@ManickaThomas]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Boquneshia]

Wow! You are so well rounded and one day I hope to be the same. Thank you for this insight. It has me thinking and adding even more positions to my never ending list of career routes I want to venture into on my social work journey.

[@ManickaThomas]

thank you...yes there is so much you can do. Keep your option open and don't put yourself in a box...the possibilities are endless.

[@shirleyjean5976]

i promise your videos in social working is the most inspiring , your so authentic , i learn so much thank you so much for posting your journey and knowledge with us

[@KaylaHuggins88]

Hi I was watching your videos all lastnite lol. I’m goin back to school for social work in the fall. I have a criminal justice degree so it would take me 2 years and some months to complete my bachelors in social work. I wish I wouldn’t have listened to people growing up and just stuck with social work. I would like to become a clinical social worker maybe in the hospital or a private practice. I just turned 35 and I feel so old. I feel like my clock is running out and lol. Then I keep thinking about my older who is working on his masters now in social work and is older then me pushing 50 really. I think I just worry to much lol. I love your videos

[@keelyhancock7598]

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain all of your journey so far. I'm about to go back to school to get my BSW and your journey has helped me know this is the field for me.

[@julietcrowson3503]

Please make sure that you have training in how to defend yourself against the regulator. In the UK, the regulatory/ disciplinary lawyers who put social workers on trial - for ethical decisions - don't apply the law and the panellists are paid by the prosecution so there's no impartiality from judge/jury at fitness to practise trials/hearings. Panelists believe they're so brilliant that they're experts in all sorts of specialist skills such as reading evidence ,(they are not obliged to read evidence, so they don't bother), judging what decisions should be made by social workers and other health professionals, when most of the panellists are incompetent discriminatory, business- minded people. Narcissists everywhere in management especially but also in regulatory lawyers in London, UK

[@ManickaThomas]

yes the possibilities are endless!

[@summerscoming123]

Thank you for sharing your story, I think most people really sugar coat their career lives and really leave out the challenges which made them. Not all medals and trophies. Update: I’ve thought about this video often since I’ve seen it. The bit about email culture is so true! Thank you for your honesty

[@ManickaThomas]

You are so welcome!

[@AngelFlores-li7rh]

I was recently fired from my first job outside of college. I feel behind on my files, but I’m happy I’m no longer part of the agency. My values and ethics didn’t match up with the agency and the way they handled parent and staff concerns. I’m pursuing an administrative route myself and looking forward to it. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@khamiyasmith9812]

Have you been successful with finding something else

[@ManickaThomas]

you are welcome!

[@julietcrowson3503]

Please see my responses 🙏✝️🕉️

[@That1artsychic]

Not only is it great to see a black female social worker, but seeing one from the same town as me is super exciting!

[@MzChocol8star]

Looking forward to part 2!! This was very informative I never knew you had that many positions

[@ManickaThomas]

Girl yes, and it’s probably about 3 others I didn’t mention. But those were part time or summer jobs.

[@GeminiPeach81]

I worked 9 social work jobs in a span of 15 years and hated each job. I was fired 3 times for unethical reasons. I never ever would recommend this field to anyone because the salary is too low and the case load is too high. Not worth being broke and mentally exhausted.

[@julietcrowson3503]

Your service users/ patients will appreciate your efforts xxx

[@lachele7099]

It is definitely not a glamorous job. However, it is rewarding empowering people.

[@reganstandlick7520]

This is really helpful. I graduated December 2019 and had such a hard time finding a job then covid it and even once phase 3 started in my state a lot of jobs didn't like that I couldn't drive, didn't have as much experience, or that I didn't have a master's. I am just working at a daycare with kids right now. while I figure out what to do

[@ManickaThomas]

thank you, just keep putting yourself out there and really think about the impact that you want to make and for which population. There is so much you can do with a social work degree. If you have not downloaded my 112 careers in Social Work list you can here. www.manickathomas.com/careers

[@39nutterbutter]

Can you talk more about social worker designee long-term care

[@yaboy7120]

thank you for making this video 🙏. I recently decided that I want to go back to school for social work. I had to leave school about 5 years ago and although I know I want to go back I am still feeling a little lost. I got a little emotional when you mentioned the Nina Turner thing. Hello Somebody!!!

[@bertee8328]

I’ve been working in CPS since a graduated with my Master’s 10 years ago. I am burnt out and have come to hate my job. Looking for a way out but I can’t afford a massive pay cut from what other jobs are offering. I feel so stuck.

[@thecrowsnest6963]

Get out of CPS. It’s a soul sucking job, there so many other options that can feel more uplifting. Good luck!

[@edricabuckmire5558]

Thank you for sharing. It takes alot of confidence and courage to discuss your journey thus far.

[@terrywilliams2209]

❤️ Sis you did it!!! Thank you for sharing!

[@ManickaThomas]

You are so welcome

[@angelawilcox1903]

This was very encouraging to keep moving forward.

[@LuceroRobles-pu8ds]

I'm just starting my journey as a Bilingual Social Worker. Any advice you can give me on how to report cases in court or books that support with that? Thank you for being so informative.

[@michaelmartin8653]

Awsome, thank you for sharing your story.

[@ManickaThomas]

Thanks for listening

[@annetteel-tohami5953]

I love your channel. I was curious about the time spent in each position.

[@elizabethjennings231]

"You should make your age"? Holy moly

[@nieceyb3068]

Hi!! Can you please please do a video about how to be a consultant with a social work degree. Or how to get contracts

[@ManickaThomas]

yes I can!

[@Sanii3845]

You are amazing!!!!!!! It was great to hear your story, thank you for sharing it!

[@ManickaThomas]

Thank you!

[@954Onebite]

Thanks for your honesty!!

[@ekow3797]

Thanks for sharing this I really appreciate the work you are doing.

[@ekow3797]

This is in session right now u could possible join in

[@ManickaThomas]

My pleasure!

[@smilez230]

Your very inspiration! Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@ManickaThomas]

You are so welcome!

[@iclenelegrand4223]

Great job

[@mistymorgan8068]

So glad I found your channel!

[@ManickaThomas]

I'm so glad too! thank you for your support!

[@rjohnson2643]

Very inspirational!

[@ManickaThomas]

Thank you!

[@NyAsiaMathis-kk1wb]

THANK YOU

[@KayBee21]

Thanks a bunch!! I’m a LMSW and I love the way you talk so openly and honestly about the work and possibilities. I have a question. How do you become specialized in certain areas, like trauma??

[@ManickaThomas]

I looked into certifications and courses. You can check with your agency, supervisor or with the NASW or NABSW. They will oftentimes have information on trainings and courses to increase your area of expertise.

[@ashaeducation3402]

My specialty is in addiction counselling. You can get certified in any area.

[@Mrsbeyonce1]

Wow you are a inspiration. Thank you for this video.

[@ManickaThomas]

You are so welcome!

[@ashaeducation3402]

What are your thoughts on transitioning from teaching to Swk? I love teaching, but I do not like being in a classroom for hours. I love help people solve their problems, freedom and flexibility with my time. Do you think its wise to shift gears into Swk? I would love my own counselling agency some day.

[@mamazombieee5418]

You can get your master’s in anything, even if it’s unrelated to your undergrad. Having that teaching background would give you a leg up in my opinion! I work intensively with families in family preservation and a lot of it is education-based

[@ManickaThomas]

If you would like your own counseling agency, you can switch from teaching to Social Work or Counseling. You just want to make sure that you have the level of expertise that you need to, in order to best serve your target population with a high level of expertise.

[@rach1820]

Thank you for this video!

[@ManickaThomas]

You are so welcome!

[@temekahunter8464]

I have a MSW in Clinical. I can't bring myself to go get the additional 1500 extra hours of therapy/counseling to take the state board. How can I get the will power to go forward.

[@ManickaThomas]

Your "WHY" has to be stronger than your current point of comfortability. If you have a larger goal that you want to reach or a target population where you want to have an impact you have to let your long term goal be your driving force and everything you do now until that point is working to that goal. you may also want to do some internal work around why it may be hard for you to stay motivated. The book Atomic Habits may be helpful for you

[@julietcrowson3503]

Sounds like you need a rest, to recoup your energy, then take it at your own pace. Remember you are more important than any job and God is always there if you need him/her 🙏🕉️✝️

[@glamorousjamie8502]

Thank you

[@SesayOsmanj]

Tell me diversity of social work

[@cask3215]

What was your transition from social work to therapist like? Did you need to go back to school? Also thank you for your sharing this!

[@ManickaThomas]

I started as an independent contractor. This is how I made the transition. I worked at a hospital and a nonprofit who was looking for contract therapists.

[@MCdelight89]

Thank you for this. I have struggled with what I want to do within this field. It’s so vast. I definitely need to seek more opportunities. Ideally I want more leadership roles, coordinator or administrator. But I’ve alway been nervous to apply because I dont have any formal experience in those. I’ve primarily done clinical work with children and adolescents. Right now I am considering school social work due to the flexibility and pay is higher where I live. Any tips for obtaining more leadership experience?

[@ManickaThomas]

I would suggest volunteering for committees at your job, doing more community based volunteer work or assisting a nonprofit organization with an event or fundraiser. Look into causes that you are passionate about and seek out opportunities for leadership there.

[@lisah8438]

College Residential supervisor? I did not even know you need a degree for that.

[@dbzfan655]

Yes. You usually have to be a post-undergraduate to post-graduate student, to be a viable candidate for that position.

[@ManickaThomas]

yes and a Social Work degree can often be used to secure these types of positions

[@954Onebite]

Around how long were you at the jobs?

[@amairani9641]

can you talk about your education? like did you go back to school in between/during the jobs or was the prior experience/ connections what really helped

[@ManickaThomas]

I did one straight shot. I went to undergrad and then straight into graduate school. I stayed at home with my mom and didn't work until after I graduated. I know everyone's situation is different though.

[@gtbabes88]

I just graduated from with a BSW I'm so scared to enter into the work field, because I feel like I'm not prepared. Can you be my virtual career coach? 🥺

[@whitneyallman8365]

You will do great! You’ve got the education & tools! Best of luck 💙

[@ManickaThomas]

It is normal to feel scared when you first graduate with your degree and it will take time to feel prepared. You have to be patient with yourself and give yourself time to learn and grow into the profession. You will make mistakes so expect that but always consult with trusted professionals until you build your confidence

[@julietcrowson3503]

Please read my responses xx