Social Work Question?

Question

I'm seriously considering entering the Social work carreer field. The Idea of being able to help people in a more hands on manner than a therapist/pchycatrist, intruiges me. I have the desire to Improve peoples lives, and money/earnings are not a factor in my decision making process for what I want to do with my life.
If everything works out, I would like to specialize in Mental health and substance abuse, or Medical and public health. All of that being said, I've a lonnnnnng way to go I just began my core curriculum at a community college.
My question is......what are some jobs I can get to prepare me for the career field?

some background info
former military....heavy equipment operator(big carreer change, yes I know)
27 years old (you think this may be to old? considering I will eventually have to go for a masters?)
Again, just beginning my college career (late start! yes I know)

So, anyone in the field, or anyone aspiring to be like me,
give me a little advice

Just realized I spelled "psychiatrist" incorrectly.........oops

Answer 1

Actually I will be graduating this December with my Bachelor's in Social Work. It really is a great field, and it is great that you are not focused on income because it definitely is not there--although you can make enough to support yourself. I actually had two practicum experiences, one inpatient mental health and the other outpatient mental health. Inpatient was in a state hospital working in acute care, which is great, it is generally a team setting and you are working with people in a time of great crisis. Watching them come in the ward doors and exiting is perhaps one of the most rewarding experiences because it is a complete change. The outpatient experience was at a behavioral health facility that took referrals from many places, the hospital being one of them. I actually found a lot of closure and success stories for some of the clients I advocated for inside the hospital. I've found that a majority of the patients also had substance abuse issues, what we call a dual-diagnosis, so you can educated the client on substances, and upon discharge they often go to rehab if you feel that it is a necessary part of their treatment. It is important for the client to stay sober because they cannot properly regulate their medicine if they're not.

I also have been volunteering at a hospice for nearly four years and have been with the social workers, it is a different outlook on the traditional medical social worker, but in the end it comes down to advocating for what your client wants--the autonomy of the individual, and every person deserves the right to choose their lifestyle.

Ultimately, there are so many things you can do with a social work degree because it is one education that is truly considered professional. I go for my Master's in January, and there are at least two women in their 50's one closer to 60 years old, and she will also be pursuing her Master's degree. It's important to know that age, along with nearly anything, can keep you from obtaining a degree. It's obvious that you've put a little bit of thought into the entire process, and you are trying to prepare yourself for an academic decision, but it honestly will change your life. You've picked two fields that continue to expand with various helping professions. Also, it's good that you do have certain areas in mind, but definitely keep your eyes open, there are so many possibilities in the field of social work.

Near the end of your Bachelor's education you'll have an idea of whether you want to go for that Master's or not, and pardon me for getting off the subject, but I figured a little bit of advice never hurt.

By the way, there are plenty of jobs you could take to prepare. Being in those environments is always a starter. Working as an aide in a nursing home, mental health facility (whether residential or institutionalized setting), hospital, or even volunteering. I know it's free work but you can learn about the organization, plus, volunteering often leads to paid work and connects you with various resources and individuals in the field which will help when you do graduation.

My only other advice is to opt for the practicum experience over any kind of thesis...you work, generally for 2-5 months free...which is not the greatest, but you gain real work experience, you see what a social worker does in the agency, and you know if it's right for you or not.

I kind of skipped over the little advice part, but I hoped this information helped.

Answer 2

As a vet you have a lot of options and potential support.

1) If your school has a Veterans Upward Bound Program they can be a great support and you might be able to volunteer with them to help out other vets.

2) There are many veterans service programs that could use volunteers to help out in many ways. As you know vets enjoy working with other vets.

3) As you probably know vets are over represented in the homeless population. Therefore any program to work with homeless would be another good place to volunteer and get experience.

I've worked with lots of older vets who have come back to school later in life. So you may find you are not alone.

Your interest in mental health and substance abuse coupled with being a vet is something that you will find very valuable in getting a job. Especially in getting a job working with vets - and there will be lots of needs for services for the men and women coming back from IRAQ II.

DA

Answer 3

I'm a social worker for 18 years now. I love what I do. There is never a dull moment.You're right $$ is not a motivating factor in this work. With a masters in social work you can do a lot. Mental health tech is what I did in grad school, with a bachelors case management.
No never to old to go to school as long as you have the desire.
Good Luck!

Answer 4

I have a friend that is now a social worker and she started college at age 32, so your not to old, the problem is there are a large number that will retire fairly soon so you will be needed