Getting a Social Work Job in Atlanta (school, license)

[RoslynHolcomb]

From time to time some poor soul has come to this board asking about social work jobs. As some of you know I've been looking for a job in this area for more than two years. I could get those agency jobs, but as you know, they pay nothing and have no benefits. Not worth it. I got absolutely no response for state jobs, which also pay nothing, but at least they have bennies. Anyway, I found out by accident that the trick to finding a state job in the Atlanta metro is....don't apply for state jobs in the Atlanta metro! Apparently they have an absolute surplus of workers in the city, but none out in the hinterlands. So, if you're able to schlepp out into some of the counties outside the metro there are plenty of jobs. Fortunately, counties are small here, so coverage isn't so bad. (Back in Alabama, it wasn't unusual for me to drive a couple hundred miles in a day doing routine home/school visits.) Commute won't be too awful since most of the time it will be a reverse-commute and if you're on call you can always get a room. For me, it's worth it. I went from hearing crickets to getting at least two interviews a week! I'd almost convinced myself that my 15 years experience and Master's degree were absolutely worthless. So glad to discover otherwise.

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by RoslynHolcomb

From time to time some poor soul has come to this board asking about social work jobs. As some of you know I've been looking for a job in this area for more than two years. I could get those agency jobs, but as you know, they pay nothing and have no benefits. Not worth it. I got absolutely no response for state jobs, which also pay nothing, but at least they have bennies. Anyway, I found out by accident that the trick to finding a state job in the Atlanta metro is....don't apply for state jobs in the Atlanta metro! Apparently they have an absolute surplus of workers in the city, but none out in the hinterlands. So, if you're able to schlepp out into some of the counties outside the metro there are plenty of jobs. Fortunately, counties are small here, so coverage isn't so bad. (Back in Alabama, it wasn't unusual for me to drive a couple hundred miles in a day doing routine home/school visits.) Commute won't be too awful since most of the time it will be a reverse-commute and if you're on call you can always get a room. For me, it's worth it. I went from hearing crickets to getting at least two interviews a week! I'd almost convinced myself that my 15 years experience and Master's degree were absolutely worthless. So glad to discover otherwise.

Great post, great advice!

[frugalmama09]

THANK YOU SO MUCH ROSLYN!!!! I will begin my "journey" to the area and I was becoming concerned if not afraid of potential prospects if any. this gives me hope. BTW, is it Mandatory to have a license or will employers at least interview w/o? I am planning on testing this Dec. with fingers crossed that I pass. Hoping to find something in the interim. Thx again.

[RoslynHolcomb]

In the Atlanta metro you absolutely must be licensed or at least a license-eligible BSW, preferably MSW. There might be exceptions, but I haven't seen any. The outlying counties seem to be more flexible about that.

[alinka72]

Hun, if u find a city job anywhere in the metro area let me know. They only hire 'friends' and family members in ATL. It is a southern province here. I am praying you get it, however.

[Java378]

Thanks for the advice.