WHY ARE SOCIAL WORKERS SO UNDER PAID?

[priscilla]

There has been a lot of discussion, debate and concern about the rate
social workers get paid, especially given the work that we do.
Do you think you are paid a competative wage?
Do you think it matters whether you work for a non or for profit
agency?
Does it matter what state you live in?
What are your thoughts??

[Ismella Saul]

Good Morning Everyone...

Well think they should a competative wage for degree and swk license since I think it wasn' t fair for those who recently graduate witha BSW level and not really ready for the exam until have a job related in their field the wage should start off 30K  and with a License should increase to 35K or more depend on the experince of work you have done. Yes I beleive it matter wether you work for non profit organiztion or profit because non profit organtization is possible be under the federdal gov could either pay more or less and for the profit agency they should be able to pay more if not than there something wrong with their policy of practice or who in charge of that profit agnecy. Yes it does matter which states because you want to see which socical work jobs pay more than any other states paid. I think your question is great when you ask because I beleieve everyone had a different critical think of different jobs wage, where located and  so on...... I believe since many states need social work and  I think they should paid mose social  work in the min of 35K to 50K with a BSW level with or without license. MSW with and with out licnse min 45K to 65K I think it will be great deal of that because we do most of the work and meeting the consumers who need help, especially working with children while going to the child parent house to check their living life style and so on... I think that is my thought.... By the way I will introduce my self... I am Ismella Saul, FL, BSW degree currently living in DC.

--
Ms. Ismella Saul

[kimma...@shaw.ca]

I live in Canada, have an MSW and am registered. I work for the
Government. The Salaries in the province where I live are quite good
($40,000-50,000 at Non Profit Agencies and $60,000-$90000 CAD at
Government Agencies). My contract is also rich with benefits
including Extended Health and a 208 day a year sick bank. While this
may sound wonderful, there is still a Chronic Shortage of Staff,
Constant Staff Turnover, Collegues away on Long Term Disability or
extended sick leave. While I think I am paid a decent wage, I believe
the work I do is as important as other professionals including
doctors, lawyers, nurses and teachers. They make a lot more money and
in some instances have control over their workload. Social Work is an
incredibly demanding and ever changing profession. Any long term
practitioner who works in the State or Provincial System or for a non
profit agency will attest that we work with and advocate for the least
vunerable members of society; I long ago realized that not every
client is willing or able to change. But there are many who benefit
from the service we provide and become more whole and healthy as a
result; this in turn takes pressure off collaterals. The situation is
unfair. I do my best to take care of myself outside of work; the
professional organization in my Province and the Union representing
myself and peers have pushed back and said enough. The stats above
say it all.

[Isaac Rodenbough]

I totally agree. It is very frustrating for me to work in medical
social work and have nurses with a associates degree or less making
significantly more that myself with a BSW. Maybe we should unionize or
something?

[amygbear]

First of all I think pay does depend on where you live but the more
you make....I bet the higher the cost of living. In my little area in
the world a BSW starts between $20-25K and an MSW gets you between
$25-35K. I started in my position as an MSW at $33K...REDICULOUS!!!
When I pass my licensure exam I will get a $5K raise which is more
than some agencies give. By the time I pay my student loans I don't
make much more than minimum wage. In this area what depends on the
pay is whether or not you have a county or state job -vs- an
independent agency. The county and state jobs pay more BUT I live in
NYS and our govenor has put a hiring freeze on state jobs. I could be
making $50K if that weren't the case. It sucks. I certainly don't do
what I do because it's going to make me rich!

Amy

On Apr 29, 11:23 pm, priscilla <grnto...@gmail.com> wrote:
> There has been a lot of discussion, debate and concern about the rate
> social workers get paid, especially given the work that we do.
> Do you think you are paid a competative wage?
> Do you think it matters whether you work for a non or for profit

> agency?he

[Kevin Lindsey]

I certainly agree with that. I am in NYS also. We shall see when this hiring freeze is over, if we can sign on with the state. BTW- the state can hire to fill open sw jobs if they are not eliminated.

Kevin

[Amy Goodwin]

Thanks for the info Kevin because there is actually an open position starting at 50K that has not been eliminated in my area.  Any idea when the hiring freeze will be over?   Amy    -------Original Message-------

[Kevin Lindsey]

The Staff I asked in a high place at CDPC told me to expect this for the summer and there could be movement. I dont know if anyone can predict with this economy. I am sorry I am not any more help. I can keep you up to date if I hear anything. I will add you  to my email list.

[Marguerite]

Good Evening,

Social Workers get the education and training to earn much higher
salaries. I think that we are accustomed to the fact that we are so
underpaid and just keep moving forward. However, the pay rate is
simply unacceptable as it is right now. Yes, we all want to help
those in need and work for the poorest members of our society and
reach out to all those who are most in need. However, this is no
reason to devalue ourselves as educated, intelligent individuals and
professionals by accepting such low salaries. We hear that Social
Workers do the work that few others can do or will do. So, my
thoughts are as follows. If we step in at such critical times, why
are we not valued as highly as other professionals with at the same
amount of education. Have you all really looked to see the average
salary of a Social Worker versus that of a Psychologist or a Teacher
for example. We Social Workers have obtained at least of 4 years
degree, some of us 6 years, plus licensing exams if not higher degrees
and qualifications. Even though we take our careers seriously, we as
a profession have a long way to go to get ourselves recognized and
respected. So, are our wages competitive when looking at other
professional fields, NO. A nonprofit obviously does not have as much
funding as a for profit agency so the salaries will be a bit less.
The state you live in obviously matters because not all states provide
much funding for social programs as others do which limits our earning
potential especially in the nonprofit arena. What is the answer to
getting our salaries to an acceptable level? I say it is to create
awareness of what social workers do, who we are, where we work, etc.
Let's all take on the challenge to writing to our congress persons
about issues we are concerned about and use some bumper stickers and
other marketing materials to market ourselves so we can truly have a
lasting impact. Bowing out of the profession due to real financial
struggles of being underpaid is no longer an option. Let us stand
together and build our wages and our profession so that future social
workers can continue the fight against injustice without wondering how
the bills will be paid with such a deplorable salary. All of us
coming together, standing together and working on this cause together
will enact the change we desire!

[Ismella Saul]

I agree with Marguerite... that definity a positive thing, because it ain't really fair at all... we work very hard to provide as much support to the consumers.... Right now I am working as a residential counselor in group home... that really don't help, but it a start... and lookin for a field swk position that paid bout 30K with out license... now everything just frozen for now... until the economy is fix.... weill see... but again... yes we should write a letter to the congress by expressing how you feel about the salaries since it unfair.

--
Ms. Ismella Saul

[Amy Goodwin]

Thanks so much Kevin.  You were a help actually...you had more information than I had.

[Amy Goodwin]

VERY well stated Margerite!    -------Original Message-------

From: Marguerite Date: 5/2/2009 7:14:03 PM To: Network of Professional Social Workers Subject: Network of Social Workers Re: WHY ARE SOCIAL WORKERS SO UNDER PAID?

[Robert Biggs]

Hello all,

I don't mean to play devil's advocate here (just a realist at heart). This is really not the best time to be asking for "a raise" (during one of the worst economies that we have experienced in a long time). I do agree that it needs to happen, but I think that we all need to "choose our battles wisely". "Timing" is everything (especially when it comes to asking for more money). If we all work diligently and show the true value of our nature (in desiring to help), my thoughts are that the "raise", in the light of it's obvious need and in the deserving nature thereof, will be inevitable; but will only be "possible" in time of better economic conditions. With that being said, I think the idea of creating a Social Worker's Union (of sorts) is a good idea, and that the laying of the foundation of that said Union should occur now. The most important part of this process is laying the foundation of it (including this and other Social Networking Internet Portals) to insure that we have the greatest continuity of "strength in numbers". Again, laying the foundation is important in this, as well as, the timing of it. We may only get one chance to make our "voice" heard...we want that chance to be at the right moment in time and when we are all on the same page and resemble a unified front. I would be willing to allow the use of a domain name that i own now: www.AbleNation.org (in the development of the foundation of the movement) and at the point that we are organized and the economy is in the process of a rebound, then we can strike "when the iron is hot". I would also be willing to assist in the organizing process of it. I have experience in the Human Resource Management and Sales industry which would be helpful in the organization of this movement. I would need, though, help and would like to team up with some other "more qualified" (MSW, LCSW, DSW's) throughout the nation in organizing and unifying this movement. Please let me (us) know your comments or concerns. Feel free to copy and paste this info into other Social Worker Networking Internet sites, I only ask that you cite the source of it being from me. (Contact info below, and I will post my contact info in the domain of www.AbleNation.org momentarily)

Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Contact Info:

Robert Biggs
Cell: 772-828-1412

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different outcome."

- Albert Einstein

On Sat, May 2, 2009 at 1:39 PM, amygbear <amyg...@stny.rr.com> wrote:

--
Contact Info:

Rob Biggs
Cell: 772-828-1412

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different outcome."

- Albert Einstein

[Kristi]

I think that at least one of the reasons we get so underpaid (at least
in the state of Ohio/USA which is where I live) is that there are so
many loopholes for employers to hire people with either no degrees,
other mental health degrees, or human service degrees to do social
work. For instance, in the state of Ohio, nursing homes with less
than a certain number of beds in their facility (I am not actually
sure of the exact number) are allowed to hire "social service
designees" to do social work and pay them a lot less money than we
even make. Also, the qualifications to work in Child Welfare in
different counties in this state are different and the pay of those
who work in those fields varies quite a bit also. For instance, the
county I work in (Summit) requires either a BSW with an LSW, an MSW
with an LSW or an MSW with an LISW/LISW-S to work for their agency. I
have a friend who works in Cuyahoga County (which is the county just
north of Summit) and has a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and
is able to do the exact same work and she tells me that their agency
pays quit a bit less than Children's Services in Summit County does.
(Oh, and they are BOTH UNION also.)

Now, I am not saying that the former or the latter is or is not more
or less qualified to do that type of work (because I really do not
have an opinion on that subject because I have not really worked in
that area of Social Work enough to form an opinion on it) but I am
pointing out that when people who have different levels of education
can do the exact same work, then they are also going to get different
pay and most employers are probably going to want to hire the person
whom will cost him or her less. (Hope this makes sense.)

On Apr 29, 11:23 pm, priscilla <grnto...@gmail.com> wrote:

[angeld...@yahoo.com.au]

Yes this makes sense, Thanks for your reply. I believe it is important
the need for social work unions in tackling the problems we face as
social workers. We are not one man bands and we need to work together
to help one another.

[lisafree...@gmail.com]

On May 3, 1:30 pm, Robert Biggs <877mrbi...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hello all,
>
> I don't mean to play devil's advocate here (just a realist at heart). This
> is really not the best time to be asking for "a raise" (during one of the
> worst economies that we have experienced in a long time). I do agree that it
> needs to happen, but I think that we all need to "choose our battles
> wisely". "Timing" is everything (especially when it comes to asking for more
> money). If we all work diligently and show the true value of our nature (in
> desiring to help), my thoughts are that the "raise", in the light of it's
> obvious need and in the deserving nature thereof, will be inevitable; but
> will only be "possible" in time of better economic conditions. With that
> being said, I think the idea of creating a Social Worker's Union (of sorts)
> is a good idea, and that the laying of the foundation of that said Union
> should occur now. The most important part of this process is laying the
> foundation of it (including this and other Social Networking Internet
> Portals) to insure that we have the greatest continuity of "strength in
> numbers". Again, laying the foundation is important in this, as well as, the
> timing of it. We may only get one chance to make our "voice" heard...we want
> that chance to be at the right moment in time and when we are all on the
> same page and resemble a unified front. I would be willing to allow the use

> of a domain name that i own now:www.AbleNation.org(in the development of

>  myphoto.jpg
> 7KViewDownload

Hi Rob,
I went to your website - I hope it's up soon.
Lisa

[lisafree...@gmail.com]

In regards to this economy and accepting such low paying jobs:
I live in the state of Florida where resources are virtually non-
existent. The pay is deplorable this non-profit. I have 13 years
experience with a MSW. Two years on this job and I bring home less
than when I started due to no raises for the 3rd year and increasing
medical insurance rates. The cost of living here is about the same as
NYS - don't let the "no state tax" fool you! . The pay is so low I'm
ashamed to say how much I make. But I do have a job for now. We are
relocating back to NYS where, comparatively speaking the jobs are
plentiful. When the pay is so low that I can't pay my student loans
and I start needing to access the same resources to which we refer our
clients for help, there is something terribly wrong. Marguerite said
it well..."We become so accustomed to the fact that we are so
underpaid and just keep moving forward." It IS totally unacceptable.

Lisa

[Marcel Skýba]

Hello there!

I am student from Czech Republic, recently I am doing research for using social networks in social work with kids,
so I came here.
I couldn't be more surprised. Median salary in social work (with masters degree) here is 14000USD.
But what is more surprising is, that we have to do same job and we also have almost same
prices as you have in US. Maybe yours accomodation and services are more expensive, than here,
but food and goods are quite cheaper in US - and with different (often higher) quality.

For example: you could get iPhone 4S for 200USD, with contract by Verizon or so (90USD)... and here
is 550USD with 110USD monthly fee with Vodafone.

Thats the reason, why any social worker in Czech Republic have an iPhone :)

(Average price for 480 ft sq flat is 350 USD in city with 50thousand inhabitants.
(which is almost 50% of what me and my gf get - we are students))

Maybe the result will be similar, in the end... social workers are underpaid :)
and yes - I am aware of fact, that the discussion is three years old.

Take care. Marcel