So, is everyone here a social worker??

It seems like social workers, counselors and case workers are a common species on this board!  On my home state board along there are 3 of us. 

I'm wondering how many social workers there are on this board as well and what our areas of concentration are.

I'll go first:

Although I have been a stay-at-home mommy and wifey for the past three years I hold a master's degree in social work from the University of Louisville (Kent School).....anyone see our less than impressive basketball loss a few minutes ago?  My area of expertise is in mental ratardation/developmental disabilities (MR/DD).   I am a Qualified Mental Retardation Professional (QMRP).

I am not sure if I am going back into that field one day or not though.  I am VERY interested in bariatrics at this point.  I'm hoping to start doing some volunteer work with my bariatric group in the not too distant future.

So, what do you do?

Not a social worker...criminal defense attorney.  But I am going to branch out soon and do civil law, too. 

But being a criminal defense attorney, I get to see (unfortunately) child abuse and neglect (and worse).  That's why I took you-know-who so seriously!

Hi Becka,

I am NOT a social worker but it's what I always wanted to do.  Funny, huh?

I work in accounting for an international tool grinding company and have been at my current job for 2 years.  Prior to that, I was a loan processor and customer service rep at a Savings & Loan (for 12 years).

Lindsey :)

i'm a social worker!

 

i currently run a housing program for folks with HIV/AIDS, and i'm almost done with my MSW. 

I am a high school assistant principal who spends a lot of time "talking and listening" to kids about their problems.   I don't have the degree and I don't pretend to have the answers, but I listen and help them as much as I possibly can!

I am in a very high socioeconomic school district (can't afford to live in it myself :) so our kids and their parents don't like anyone to know or think their lives aren't perfect.  One of our counselors refers to our district as the "golden ghetto!" Sad....but probably very true.

But....one thing I think we all have in common....we are very good at helping others and have not always taken care of ourselves.  That is something I am trying to be aware of, but it is so hard to do it without feeling like I am being selfish.

Thoughts?

Cindy

I totally agree.  I am really great at taking care of others but I obviously have not been taking very good care of myself.

I've learned to be a bit more "selfish" (in a very healthy way) over the past few years.  My husband I and have lost 3 children in the past three years.  I gave birth to stillborn twins (full term) and had a miscarriage a year later.  I've had to learn to take care of myself.  I had to learn that grieving, although selfish at times, is the best thing I can do for myself AND my family. 

I'm ready for a fresh start and something REALLY positive in my life!!! :))))

Lindsey, I am sad to hear of your losses. I too, am grieving an egregious loss this year and it has changed me as a person. I decided to take better care of myself so that I do not end up like my family member...gone too soon. I want my family to have me around for a long time. That's why I moved forward this year with having the surgery. You have my utmost sympathy and respect.

Judy

Thank you, Judy!  I'm so sorry for your loss, too.

It makes you "wake up" and realize just how precious life is.

Yeah I have noticed this too, especially with the silkrose drama! How funny!
  I think so many of us social workers take care of others all of the time and we forget about taking care of ourselves!!!  I know that has led to my constant struggles with weight.  I always put myself last as far as self-care goes!
 I am a clinical social worker. I received my undergraduate in Social Work and received my Master of Social Work at Boston University. I am currently an LICSW (Licensed Independent  Clinicak Social Worker)  My concentration is child/family therapy. I currently work for a community based non-profit and provide home-based therapuetic services to children and families. I Love my work!!! I love working in the community and in my clients homes! 

Hey, Becka!  My degrees are a B.S. in Early Childhood Ed, MA in Ed & Master's in Social Work.   For the past 18 years I've worked for  my local school district in a variety of positions.....youth services, special education & for the past 7 years have been working with teen moms in a drop out prevention program at one of our high schools that includes my directing our on-site day care (for the children of these teen moms).   I LOVE working with teenagers!!!  Although frustrating at times, it is very rewarding to see these teen moms complete their education & make a plan for their lives.   As an adoptive mom  myself, I wish more of the young moms would consider adoption, but since most of them would prefer abortion to adoption (one actually had the 'nerve' to tell me that!!)  I feel I can be helpful in nurturing their lives & those of their children.  Bariatric social work would be very interesting too....those that have already commented have mentioned how most of us enjoy helping others, sometimes more than ourselves.   The dynamics of obesity & it's affect on our psyche would be a very interesting area to 'specialiize' in.