Interview with a Licensed Social Work Professional

How long did it take for you to attain your master's degree and earn your license?

I earned my master's in two years. I was eligible for the advanced MSW program since I earned my BASW. I intentionally chose the 2-year program to gain more experience with practicum and academics. I became licensed years later, after meeting supervision requirements and taking the LICSW exam.

How is an Independent Clinical Social Worker different from other social work specialties?

It's more clinical than the LASW, which is basically the same exam without the "clinical" piece. I figured if I'm going to do it, I should go for the gold. Some people are called social workers based on their job description, not on their degree. They have no formal social work training. Some state social workers in the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) have a variety of educational backgrounds. Here at Associated Counsel for the Accused (ACA), we have two social workers who are not MSWs. One has her MA in Criminal Justice and prefers to call herself a Mitigation Specialist, and another has a BA in English. He has been in the social work field for 30 years and is a wonderful social worker. There is much controversy in our field, as some people believe if you're called a social worker you should at least have your BASW.

What traits best aid an individual desiring to enter the profession of social work?

Compassion, open-mindedness and an eye for the bigger picture. He or she should have an eye open to social injustices, be a hard worker, and be thorough and diligent as well as creative. Being a hard-driven problem solver, an excellent communicator and one who is dedicated to life-long learning are essential. Patience and perseverance, too.

How did you come to be involved in correctional work with juveniles?

I got lucky, really. A dear friend from undergraduate school worked here at ACA, and when they were hiring a Juvenile Unit Social Worker she thought I would be perfect. My experience working with offenders in group homes made me a strong candidate. I am self-driven and created the position. It's tough to find a good social work position and I appreciated the opportunity that came my way.

Do you ever fear for your safety while performing your job duties?

No. My Mom always taught me to look for the exit signs, and this has helped me out a few times. I once had to jump a fence to get away from an addict who became aggressive, and many of my clients are criminally involved along with their families. Because I am the defense social worker, they more often are protective of me when I come to their homes. I have been walked to my car numerous times, and when I was pregnant and needed to use a bathroom, my teenage client stood guard. So no, but I don't take my safety for granted—and I always look for the exit signs.

What is the biggest misperception new students have about social work?

That's a tough question. Change is not as easy as they make it out to be in the books. Case examples we learn in school are easy, but real life is messy and we have to be persistent in making social change. We have to respect our client's choices if they chose not to change. If you are working harder than the client, something is wrong.

How do you maintain your enthusiasm for a career that doesn't always offer a happy ending? How do you avoid burnout?

Great question. It is difficult sometimes. I work to live, not live to work. Having interns really keeps me fresh because I have to be positive for them, and this helps me from becoming burned out. Sometimes there are not good outcomes, and I feel like a crash test dummy beating my head against the wall. I need to keep my sense of humor. Having my private practice keeps me balanced, as well. And, exercise!

What has been one of your biggest successes?

A youth who was looking at significant prison time and was not doing well at home or school. I laid out his abuse history for the court, and suspected he had budding mental health issues. The court granted our sentencing alternative and let us get this kid into treatment. After a couple of failures, we discovered he was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Bipolar Disorder. We set up the proper treatment, and with his family's support, the child did well. He avoided commitment, is currently finishing his high school diploma, and is active in his treatment.

My private practice offers all kinds of success stories; there are couples on the brink of divorce who again find bliss in their partners, and that's great. I cherish moments couples have in my office. It may be a small "aha" moment, or maybe a moment of returning closeness and compassion that was lost many years ago.

What single tip would you give a new social work professional on his or her first day of work?

Take a deep breath and know it will be overwhelming at first. Allow yourself to learn all you can and let it flow.

How do you balance your family and such a demanding career?

It can certainly be a challenge. I am fortunate because with two part-time jobs I have some flexibility. I try to go to my boys' school functions and field trips. I get up at five a.m. to work out on most days, and get home in time to make them breakfast before they wake up. Some of it is marital compromise, and it can make my husband unhappy if I work three nights in a row while the boys have sports events.

It really is about balance. I have to do things for myself that I enjoy—snowboarding, a hike with the dog, running and spending time with friends. Many working mothers sacrifice individual joys for family and resent it down the road. I teach—and believe—that attitude is choice, and I choose to be happy and have a positive outlook, though it isn't always easy.