Advice for New Social Work Graduates Starting a Career in 2026

Social Work Is No Longer a "Professional Degree": How This Impacts You

Social Work is no longer considered a "professional degree" by the Department of Education. In this episode, Catherine Moore, LCSW will break down what these changes mean for current and future social workers, including the potential impact on affordability, workforce shortages, and access to social work education. We discuss: * The new federal student loan limits for social work students * Why BSW and MSW education are not equivalent when it comes to licensure and independent practice * How these changes may disproportionately affect low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students * The potential effects on workforce shortages, caseloads, and access to services * Whether these changes could increase demand and pay for social workers—or lead to the hiring of less-qualified professionals * NASW's response and current advocacy efforts As the demand for mental health and social services continues to grow, these policy changes could have long-term consequences for the profession and the communities we serve. If you're a social work student, associate, licensed social worker, educator, or supervisor, this is an important conversation you won't want to miss. Review and sign the petition here. [https://www.socialworkers.org/Advocacy/Legislative-Alerts?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f137176%2fRespond%3fvvsn%3dBAAAAAnABCYfhAbHPqh7FAA] ____________________________________⁠ [https://www.socialworkersrise.com/newsletter-opt-in] Tap Here to Subscribe⁠ [https://www.socialworkersrise.com/newsletter-opt-in] to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource List⁠ [https://www.socialworkersrise.com/courses] Tap Here⁠ [https://www.socialworkersrise.com/courses] to shop career courses for Social Workers. ____________________________________ Thank you to our SPONSORS HPSO [http://hpso.com/SWRise] Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providers RISE Directory [http://www.risedirectory.com] for Clinical Supervision

Advice for New Social Work Graduates Starting a Career in 2026

Graduating with your social work degree is a huge accomplishment but it can also feel overwhelming. Between job applications, uncertainty about the future, and the emotional highs and lows of launching your career, many new graduates feel excited, exhausted, hopeful, and discouraged all at the same time. In this episode, we discuss why your first social work job doesn't have to be your forever job, how each role helps build your skills and experience, and why it's important to focus on one goal at a time rather than trying to do everything at once. You'll also learn how to clarify your career goals, leverage your professional network, and create a sustainable career by prioritizing self-care and building a strong support system. In This Episode: * Why your first social work job is just the beginning * How to identify the right job opportunities for your goals * The power of networking and sharing your career aspirations * Strategies for preventing burnout early in your career * Why supportive colleagues are essential for long-term success * Encouragement for navigating the uncertainty of post-graduation life Whether you're preparing to graduate, recently earned your degree, or are searching for your first social work position, this episode will help you move forward with confidence and clarity. ____________________________________⁠ [https://www.socialworkersrise.com/newsletter-opt-in] Tap Here to Subscribe⁠ [https://www.socialworkersrise.com/newsletter-opt-in] to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource List⁠ [https://www.socialworkersrise.com/courses] Tap Here⁠ [https://www.socialworkersrise.com/courses] to shop career courses for Social Workers ____________________________________ Thank you to our SPONSORS HPSO [http://hpso.com/SWRise] Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providers RISE Directory [http://www.risedirectory.com] for Clinical Supervision

A Day in the Life of a Social Worker in Assisted Living

What does a typical day look like for a Social Worker working in assisted living? This episode walks you through the daily duties, responsibilities, challenges, and perks of the role. Whether you’re a social work student, associate therapist, LCSW, or simply exploring different career paths outside of private practice, this episode offers an honest, practical look at life in assisted living mental health care. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What a typical workday looks like for a therapist in assisted living The types of clients commonly served in assisted living communities How therapy sessions differ from outpatient or private practice settings Common mental health concerns in assisted living (depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment, cognitive decline) How therapists collaborate with medical staff, caregivers, and administrators Documentation expectations and time management tips Emotional challenges of the work—and how clinicians prevent burnout. You’ll walk away with: Clarity on what makes your degree unique (so you stop comparing yourself to other clinicians) Confidence in how to talk about your skills in interviews and supervision A deeper understanding of your full scope beyond therapy The language to advocate for yourself, your clients, and your profession ____________________________________⁠ [https://www.socialworkersrise.com/newsletter-opt-in] Tap Here to Subscribe⁠ [https://www.socialworkersrise.com/newsletter-opt-in] to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource List ⁠Tap Here⁠ [https://www.socialworkersrise.com/courses] to shop career courses for Social Workers. ____________________________________ Thank you to our SPONSORS HPSO [http://hpso.com/SWRise] Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providers RISE Directory [http://www.risedirectory.com] for Clinical Supervision resources

Post-COVID Mental Health: Impact on Youth

In this episode, we explore what clinicians are seeing across age groups in the aftermath of COVID-19 and how prolonged disruption has reshaped mental health, especially for youth. From developmental delays to increased anxiety and social challenges, we unpack the real-world clinical patterns emerging in practice. We also dive into practical, actionable strategies social workers can use to support reintegration, strengthen resilience, and meet clients where they are today. Finally, we highlight key themes from an upcoming professional conference, From Disruption to Integration and why these conversations are critical for the future of the field. Conference Information Click Here. [https://events.zoom.us/ev/Aoj6UgJth_7MEILxPSUnE7wu7x6PTyCg8mJPkyVYtWJfA2-Xo19s~Arr4DH-7dTo5kbMqXdfjbkSkzNW9UqGvJ-JeBeNwJ4IJt2-8Ib2l-NiFhA] (Use discount code SWR10 at checkout) ____________________________________ ⁠Tap Here to Subscribe⁠ [https://www.socialworkersrise.com/newsletter-opt-in] to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource List ⁠Tap Here⁠ [https://www.socialworkersrise.com/courses] to shop career courses for Social Workers. ____________________________________ Thank you to our SPONSORS HPSO [http://hpso.com/SWRise] Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providers RISE Directory [http://www.risedirectory.com] for Clinical Supervision

Social Work vs. Therapy-Focused Degrees: The Identity Crisis No One Is Talking About

If you’ve ever wondered, “What actually makes social work different from other therapy degrees?”—this episode is for you. Somewhere along the way, social work started getting reduced to “just therapy.” And while social workers can provide therapy, that’s only a fraction of what we’re trained to do. In this episode, we’re breaking down the real differences between a Social Work degree (MSW) and therapy-focused degrees, and why this confusion is contributing to a growing professional identity crisis within the field. More importantly, we’re talking about what’s at stake if social workers don’t start clearly defining—and owning—their unique role. NASW Code of ethics- 5.1 Social Workers' Ethical Responsibilities to the Social Work Profession- Integrity to the profession Here. [⁠https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English/Social-Workers-Ethical-Responsibilities-to-the-Social-Work-Profession⁠] Advocacy Letter Against Social Work Here [https://www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/agen_notice/2023/20230504_05_item_33b.pdf]. ⁠Tap Here to Subscribe⁠ [https://www.socialworkersrise.com/newsletter-opt-in] to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource List ⁠Tap Here⁠ [https://www.socialworkersrise.com/courses] to shop career courses for Social Workers. ____________________________________ Thank you to our SPONSORS HPSO [http://hpso.com/SWRise] Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providers RISE Directory [http://www.risedirectory.com] for Clinical Supervision