What are the job prospects for a social worker in Washington? (Seattle: homes, school)

[pianote93]

with only a bsw?

Could one afford to live there of a social work salary?

[509]

Affordability varies by areas in the state.

The only concern I would have is starting a career in social work in Washington is the requirement that you be fluent in Spanish. IF you are I would definitely consider starting your career in Washington.

IF you not fluent in Spanish. I would go to another state. Many areas in the state now require fluency in Spanish for social work jobs. My wife tried re-entering social work after leaving the workforce for a few years and could not get a job since she did not speak Spanish.

Promotions are now also tied to fluency in Spanish.

[StealthRabbit]

See if you can get into US Veteran's Affairs, there are several places in WA which would be affordable and nice. Lookinto positions at WA Veterans Homes (Retsil and Orting). Both are great communities (lower cost) and excellent 'service' job. WAVA, not USVA.

Washington Soldiers Home Orting | WDVA
Washington Veterans Home Retsil | WDVA

The US VA is a good job for benefits and free college / improvement courses. There are some very nice locations. For other income tax free states with mtns, Check out Sheridan, WY and Sturgis, SD. Roseburg, Oregon is a good spot too, but 9% income tax.

Working for federal agency like Indian Affairs likely will get you school debt forgiveness. There are many opportunities in WA, you will learn a lot working on a res.

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

As you probably already know, to make a livable wage & advance a career in social work, an MSW is usually necessary. If you found a position in the Seattle metro area, the wage wouldn't cover the high COL. The rural areas have non-profs & a lot of grassroots orgs, but they can't afford to pay & have few or no benefits. You might check with State of WA L&I, but hopefully you can tolerate tremendous stress. Working on a Native Reservation is a possibility, but hiring preference is for Native Americans, as it should be.

Also, Washington has NO reciprocity for LCSWs.

[pianote93]

Thank you!!!

[Hemlock140]

Social workers are notoriously underpaid and overworked here, as in most places. Budget restrictions and high demand for slices mean a huge caseload. It seems like a bow would be an applicable degree for the job of bus driver, and King County Metro is begging for them. They are short about 200 drivers and cancelling routes every day. Pay starts at $43,000 after paid training, averages $60,00 with some making over $100,000 with overtime, and great benefits. The same county starts social workers at about $32,000.

[pianote93]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

Social workers are notoriously underpaid and overworked here, as in most places. Budget restrictions and high demand for slices mean a huge caseload. It seems like a bow would be an applicable degree for the job of bus driver, and King County Metro is begging for them. They are short about 200 drivers and cancelling routes every day. Pay starts at $43,000 after paid training, averages $60,00 with some making over $100,000 with overtime, and great benefits. The same county starts social workers at about $32,000.

wow!

[momma4evr]

agree with 509...

I have a degree/social work background.
Moved to Eastern WA and every job posting stated "bilingual preferred" seven years ago. Now, postings state "bilingual required".
So much for being able to continue using my degree in the area I grew up in / moved back to.
Moved to Western WA.
Good luck.