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Old 02-26-2011, 06:46 PM
 
18 posts, read 36,005 times
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My goal for the past several years has been to relocate to Alaska. My goal is to be in rural Alaska. I will have my Masters in Social Work in May so I have begun to apply for positions in Alaska.

I have found it difficult to find much information about social work in AK. Obviously I know what I will be working with as I have researched that, but very little about what people do in particular.

I have thought of the transition to teaching program in Alaska as well, however the next cohort I could get into would not be for over a year and I do not want to wait that long.

Also, I will be relocating with children who are 8, 10 and 15. Any advice on relocating with them? Any suggested areas to either stay away from or to look closer at?

Thank you in advance,
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Old 02-26-2011, 06:57 PM
 
Location: Anchorage
4,061 posts, read 9,883,535 times
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Rural as in living in a small town on the road system or the kind of place that you can only fly or ferry into?
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Old 02-26-2011, 07:43 PM
 
18 posts, read 36,005 times
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I am fine either way. My original thought was to teach in the bush. I haven't seen any form of social work in teh bush. I would be more then open to whatever . . . I do not wish to be in a large town at all though. I am not a city girl by any stretch of the imagination
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Old 02-26-2011, 08:00 PM
 
Location: Barrow, Alaska
3,539 posts, read 7,651,940 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Icamp2 View Post
I am fine either way. My original thought was to teach in the bush. I haven't seen any form of social work in teh bush. I would be more then open to whatever . . . I do not wish to be in a large town at all though. I am not a city girl by any stretch of the imagination
There is a modest demand for social workers in the bush hub locations, such as Barrow, Bethel, Dillingham, Nome, Kotzebue and others. There won't be anything for actually living in a village. Note that "rural" applys to the hub locations too, as they are all very small towns (3000 to 6000 people) and are all without road connections to anywhere. Check with the various regional health care organizations such as YKHC in Bethel and ASNA here in Barrow. On the North Slope the Borough operates the village clinics, so the NSB also hires social workers (all based in Barrow).

Teaching has the benefit that you can move virtually to anywhere you like.

Your children are not necessarily a handicap. The older one at 15 might have a hard time adapting if previous experience is grossly different (city living, for example), but if your children are also very rural oriented it won't be as bad as moving to a city would be. The younger ones (any child from 12 down) will adapt easily and permanently too. That means if you bring a child at 9 years old to a village and stay for 5 years they will always be a bush brat. Same if you take them to a city, they'll never be comfortable elsewhere. A 12 or 13 year old gets the best of both worlds and usually remains at ease in both environments, while a 14 or 15 year old is already molded.

Assuming the kids adapt easily, they will provide a faster and greater connection for you to whatever community you move to!
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Old 02-26-2011, 08:22 PM
 
18 posts, read 36,005 times
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Thanks for that information! I have begun applying a little bit here and there. I can't relocate until June though so I think its a bit early for an area that wants to employ a social worker immediately.

I will definately look into the agencies you mentioned. I appreciate that.

Teaching would be my first choice, but I do not have a teaching certificate. It's a bit frustrating as my experience has primarily been with children.

All of the kids are used to living fairly rural. I do understand rural Oregon is nothing like Rural Alaska though They spend the bulk of the summer out fishing, camping, hiking etc. They have been reading about living in Alaska for a long time so I think they have a good idea what to expect. My 15 year old actually is the one really pushing to go!

Im getting more excited!
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Old 02-26-2011, 08:23 PM
 
Location: Bethel, Alaska
21,368 posts, read 38,123,667 times
Reputation: 13901
Come to Bethel!
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Old 02-26-2011, 08:28 PM
 
Location: Bethel, Alaska
21,368 posts, read 38,123,667 times
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The local hospital has an opening for a Social Worker.

Careers with YKHC
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Old 02-26-2011, 08:31 PM
 
Location: on top of a mountain
6,994 posts, read 12,734,672 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by warptman View Post
The local hospital has an opening for a Social Worker.

Careers with YKHC
JoeJoe....Bethel should pay your for being a job recruiter!!! glad you love your hometown so much! it is refreshing!
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Old 02-26-2011, 08:31 PM
 
18 posts, read 36,005 times
Reputation: 21
I see that and I am completely qualified! Will fill out the application tonight . . . whether they want to wait until May 25th or not is the question. I am just graduating with my MSW but i have extensive experience within social work . . . .so I think I am a good candidate!

Thank you for the tip!
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Old 02-26-2011, 08:42 PM
 
Location: The end of the road Alaska
860 posts, read 2,055,924 times
Reputation: 1768
Come to Wrangell! Contact Montey Buness principal of the schools or the Alaska Island Community Health Center (AICS).
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