City for Social Worker/Therapist? (Burlington, South Burlington: sex offenders, crime, job market)

wifeinPA · 08-10-2009, 08:44 AM

My husband and I are thinking about moving to Vermont and I am a licensed Social Worker whose clientele is those who struggle with various addiction issues. We love to live simply and just want to be able to enjoy life that way. Any city to recommend for employment? I have lived all over the US, brought up in NY borough... and love culture, education, colleges, etc. but want privacy and a new start. Also, we are buddhist and would want to be around a sangha that is strong if possible. Thanks for your time.

sundialstreet · 09-13-2009, 10:24 PM

The salaries are going to be considerably less (and the caseloads considerably higher) for you, but there are quite a few dynamic social services agencies (non profits) that often have job openings for a person with your skill set. Good luck!

wifeinPA · 09-14-2009, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sundialstreet

The salaries are going to be considerably less (and the caseloads considerably higher) for you, but there are quite a few dynamic social services agencies (non profits) that often have job openings for a person with your skill set. Good luck!

Does anyone have current information in regard to social workers moving to VT? I was looking in the south Burlington area. I am currently in private practice in PA working at a holistic center with other professionals also. I work with non-offending parents/ spouses of sex offenders and I do know that VT is on the cutting edge in regard to restorative justice and also accountability of sex offenders. I also do counseling in regard to individual, group, family, couples, etc.
Not looking to get rich but want a simple life, serving others and also the capability to take care of my family. Any insight or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have a master of divinity degree and a master of social work and am licensed in my state. Thanks for your time....

mustmove · 09-14-2009, 11:12 AM

There is a Buddhist center in Vershire/West Fairlee, VT. Close enough by VT standards to work in the Hanover/Leb. area plus the Montpelier/Barre area.

arel · 09-14-2009, 12:06 PM

If you want to live in southern Vermont, you may want to consider the Brattleboro area. There is a large Buddhist community and there is also the Brattleboro Retreat, a large mental health and addictions faciility.

But the salaries are much lower here than they are in New York. There are opportunities for private practice, but the area is full of private practitiners.

lincare91 · 09-14-2009, 05:05 PM

This is good news for me. I am a practicing Buddhist and was thinking about the Brattleboro area.

It's also good to hear that there are a number of therapists with private practice around Brattleboro. Not that with a Vermont salary I could probably afford therapy anymore but maybe they don't charge the $250 per hour NYC ones do.

sundialstreet · 09-14-2009, 05:09 PM

I have seen rates anywhere between $85 - 130 dollars (cash price). I do know they are more likely to work out payment plans, sliding scale, which is great because it ensures that people who need the services have access to them.

wifeinPA · 09-29-2009, 05:49 AM

Wow, thanks so much for the information! I charge between 50-100 an hour (50 minutes session) for my own private practice. I truly believe all should have affordable mental health, addiction, or life issues assistance. I am in PA now.
How is employment in Brattleboro? Also, do they have treatment in that area for those with sex addiction/ offender issues. That is one of my specializations and I would like to continue such work. Vermont in known for more of their restorative justice arena in regard to that population, compared to any other state in the US. Have done much research on this!
Truly just want to live a simple life, buddhist and find love and compassion for those in my community. That is where my journey has taken me.
I was raised in NYC and enjoy a more simple life. Just want to be able to make a living, but getting rich is not a focus for me or my husband.
Thanks for the posts. It continues to help me. Peace.

BickleTravis · 09-29-2009, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wifeinPA

My husband and I are thinking about moving to Vermont and I am a licensed Social Worker whose clientele is those who struggle with various addiction issues. We love to live simply and just want to be able to enjoy life that way. Any city to recommend for employment? I have lived all over the US, brought up in NY borough... and love culture, education, colleges, etc. but want privacy and a new start. Also, we are buddhist and would want to be around a sangha that is strong if possible. Thanks for your time.

There are tons of Oxycontin addicts in Burlington.
Not much culture here beyond the hippie/yuppies though.

wifeinPA · 11-30-2009, 11:43 AM

Doing some research it seems South Burlington ranked pretty well on Money Magazine in regard to education, healthcare, school systems, etc. I looked into the buddhist community and Vermont has a pretty extensive following and numerous sanghas. I am from Staten Island, NY originally so crime doesn't seem to be an issue as per my perspective. I will have a son in hs during that time. What is the job market jobs most available? Being a social worker, obviously I didn't get into this field to get rich! but it does seem that there are opportunities for those in the social service arena. Any SWers reading this, any input would be great.