Help in social work field (felons, salary, internship)

[tynic]

I graduated with a degree in social work in 1996. I worked in the probation for one year during my internship. I moved out east after graduation and was to scared to work with east coast felons, carry a gun for 22k. I got into corporate america instead. I recently closed my own company after 12 years in one field. I can not even get an interview in the social services industry now. Is it to late for me to try and use my degree? I am willing to accept entry level salary. Do I need to volunteer and work for free before I will even get an interview? Any thoughts on career strategy here would be appreciated!

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[PhxBarb]

Its pretty tough getting a social work job anywhere these days, but here, especially. If you can get licensed thru the state, (Dept. of Behavioral Health Licensing) you might have a better chance of landing a job. I have an MSW and have had no luck getting anywhere in this state. I don't think AZ has as much faith in social work as the East coast or mid west does. They just don't seem to hire social workers. Behavioral health (Magellan) usually has openings, if you want to go that route. The state is laying off people now, where i work, so don't even try that. Sorry, if you can do something else, I would say "Go for it."

[tynic]

Thank you for the input, I really appreciate it!