Social Work HQ Podcast

What Palliative Care Social Workers Do (And Why It Matters)

In this episode of Social Work HQ, I sit down with a palliative care social worker to talk about one of the most misunderstood roles in healthcare. We break down what palliative care actually is, how it differs from hospice, and what it really looks like to support patients and families through serious illness and end-of-life decisions. We also talk about: * What palliative care social workers do day-to-day * The emotional challenges of working with death and dying * How to know if this field is right for you * Salary expectations in this specialty If you’ve ever been curious about medical social work—or want to understand how social workers support people during some of the hardest moments of their lives—this episode is for you. 🎙️ Subscribe for more real conversations about social work careers, pay, and what the job is actually like. For tools to help you get a social work job, click here: https://stan.store/Mandy-Wilcox-LCSW [https://stan.store/Mandy-Wilcox-LCSW]

She Specializes in Grief Therapy… Here’s What She Sees Every Day

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to be a therapist—or what goes on behind the scenes in private practice—this episode gives you a real, honest look. In this episode of Social Work HQ, I sit down with a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in grief therapy, including pet loss and complex grief. We talk about: * What a day in the life of a therapist actually looks like * The emotional reality of working with grief and loss * Why burnout happens in therapy roles * The importance of boundaries and self-care * How therapists build real connections with clients * The truth about income and flexibility in private practice We also dive into the human side of therapy—what actually helps clients, what doesn’t, and why connection matters more than any technique. If you’re considering becoming a therapist or want to better understand the field of social work, this episode will give you a much clearer picture of what to expect. 🎧 Subscribe for more real conversations about social work careers. If you would like some tools to help you in your search for social work jobs, find those at this link: https://stan.store/Mandy-Wilcox-LCSW [https://stan.store/Mandy-Wilcox-LCSW] #socialwork #therapy #mentalhealth

I Asked to Keep My Client in Jail… Here’s Why (Inside Look at Corrections SW)

If you’ve ever wondered what social workers actually do in the corrections system, this episode gives you a real, unfiltered look. In this episode of Social Work HQ, I sit down with a forensic social worker who works inside a jail setting, supporting individuals in custody through crisis, mental health challenges, and reentry planning. We talk about: * What it’s really like working in a jail as a social worker * The reality of working with individuals in custody * Why many people return to the system—and what’s missing * The emotional challenges of helping people who aren’t ready for change * Burnout, boundaries, and staying true to your role * The importance of seeing the human behind the charge We also dive into a powerful real-life situation where advocating for a client meant going against the system. If you’re considering social work or want to better understand the field beyond therapy, this episode will open your eyes to a side of social work most people never see. Social Work Job Tools Here: https://stan.store/Mandy-Wilcox-LCSW [https://stan.store/Mandy-Wilcox-LCSW] #socialwork #socialworker #careers

Inside a Trauma ER: The Reality of Social Work No One Sees

If you’ve ever wondered what ER social workers actually do—this is a behind-the-scenes look you won’t hear in school. In this episode of Social Work HQ, I sit down with a trauma hospital ER social worker to break down what the job really looks like in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. We talk about: * The difference between trauma cases and major medical emergencies * What happens when patients come in unidentified (John/Jane Doe) * How social workers support families during life-or-death situations * Working alongside police, medical teams, and community systems * How ER social workers prioritize multiple critical cases at once * The reality of burnout and what it takes to succeed in this role This is an honest, behind-the-scenes look at medical social work—especially in a trauma center setting. If you’re considering social work or exploring different career paths in the field, this episode will give you real insight into what to expect. Job tools here: https://stan.store/Mandy-Wilcox-LCSW [https://stan.store/Mandy-Wilcox-LCSW] #socialwork #ersocialworker #medicalsocialwork #careers

The Reality of Hospital Social Work (No One Talks About This)

If you’re considering social work—or already in the field—this is a conversation you need to hear. In this episode of Social Work HQ, I sit down with a hospital case manager to talk about what social work actually looks like beyond the classroom. We talk about: * The reality of hospital case management * Burnout and learning to set boundaries * Why you can’t “save everyone” in this field * The challenges of working within healthcare systems * What social work school doesn’t fully prepare you for This is an honest look at the field—the good, the hard, and everything in between. If you’re trying to figure out your path in social work, this episode will give you real insight into what to expect. #socialwork #socialworker #msw #careers