Social Work jobs in Arizona (Tucson, Scottsdale: fingerprints, transfer, school) - City-Data Forum

Riitta · 03-19-2007, 12:11 AM

Hi,

we are planning to move to Arizona this year (from Finland!) and I was wondering if anyone could tell me something about Social Work jobs in southern Arizona. I am an experienced social worker from Finland (not yet licenced in Arizona) and I am just wondering how different social work might be there.... I realize that there is propably much more social problems, drugs, crime, even poverty etc. than by us. But I would appreciate if somebody has something to say about it. Thanks!

grisandole · 03-19-2007, 02:29 AM

There is a huge need for social workers in our state. Of course, the pay isn't great, but there is plenty of work

IMO, Catholic Charities is a great organization that is usually in need of workers....despite the name you don't need to be Catholic, they are very diverse.

The state is usually hiring as well.

Good luck!

dizzycassy · 03-19-2007, 09:49 AM

There a plenty of social work jobs. There are also twice as many if you can speak spanish. If you have you masters degree you can get many therapist positions. Bachlors also has a good range to. But whatever is your speciality there is a job for you. Let me know what your specialty is and I can point you in the right direction.

Riitta · 03-21-2007, 12:11 AM

I have Masters degree in Social Work and I have specilized to substant abuse and child protection. But I have understood that there is some special degree for chemical dependency councelors, is it so?
But thanks a lot guys for your replies. It is difficult to get this kind of information from any place else.

grisandole · 03-23-2007, 01:23 AM

I do believe there is a certificate, but I'm not sure. I've seen job postings that want experience/education in that field, but not necessarily a degree. There are plenty of jobs for you here

Good luck!

dizzycassy · 03-25-2007, 10:11 AM

The certificate is for people who want to counsel substance abuse who have no degree at all. I guess there is a huge demand and they are allowing people to cancel substance abuse just with the certificate. Most of those position are non-profit groups. There are several hospital settings and clinical that require masters. There are several positions in child protection

thinkingpositive · 04-05-2007, 06:12 PM

Hey there,

I'm also scouring the web sites for social work jobs. I'm 50 with lots of experience but NOT spanish speaking even though I grew up in Tucson 30 years ago and have a Peruvian boyfriend! I plan to learn someday! anyway, any leads would be appreciated. I have an MSW and downloaded the reciprocity forms to get my license - but I don't have the clinical supervision so can't be a therapist on my own but have done lots of family and individual psychotherapy with agencies.... returned this year from 2 years in London - now that's a social work story! I'm targeting TMC cause the pay seems better then the social service/non profit route. Would love a school job but I hear the districts are letting social workers go. I love parent education, training, group work etc. Any suggestions would be appreciated! The Peruvian and I are moving from the NY suburbs to Tucson in June - eeek!

Lorraine

j4usgirls · 01-21-2010, 07:35 AM

I am an LMSW in the state of Mi and I am looking at moving out there to be closer to family. I have three little girls. I have practice school social work since 1997. I am worried that my license will not transfer. Do you know if all social work jobs require a license of that state?

morrisog · 03-06-2010, 10:51 PM

I have been a school social worker for the past 22 years in Illinois and may move, job pending, to Tucson. I make almost $100,000 per year and am afraid that my salary may be cut in half if I move. I was wondering if you can give me some information about that transition including average salary, licensure, and any other pertinent information. Also, I pay money into the TRS (Teachers Retirement System). Is there a reciprocal system in Arizona? I currently have a type 73 and an LCSW.

JamesDean14 · 03-17-2010, 11:07 PM

I recently moved here (Scottsdale) from Florida. I'm 50 and have been a social worker for many years. I have a LCSW from Fl. Transferring the license has been ridiculous. I've been working on it for 7 months. I have not even passed the review process yet because they are not specific enough about what they are asking for until they get the information and then let you know it is not correct. I've heard this is one of the toughest states to get your license transferred to. Fingerprints, transcripts, supervisor's license verified-stamped by a state official, sent to the supervisor. Then my supervisor had to fill out an evaluation and put it in another envelope with the state officials verification (unopened), sign her name over the seal, send it to me and I have to send it in unopened. Obtain official test scores for the licensure exam from ASWB. Last 10 years of job history with specific dates. Fl. only requires 50 hours of supervision. AZ requires 100. I'm expecting them to request I obtain more hours of supervision. I could work at a nuclear power plant easier. lol. I'm seriously considering going into another field. It's not worth obtaining more supervision and paying a lot more money at my age to get a job that pays 50-60,000 a year.
azbbhe.us/ is the website to inquire about licensure.