The Shortcut Guide to Understanding Social Work Frontline to Management Route

Ever wonder what it takes to reach the top? This shortcut guide can be used as a tool to think about your social work journey thus far and where you plan to take your skill sets. There is no mandate or requirement to advance in the field from entry level to executive level and there are many ways to get to the management or executive level.

In my Social Work experience, there are many of my peers who prefer not to be bothered with the Executive level crap. In fact, they prefer focusing in one particular area and advancing their skills. For example, direct practice (face to face client engagement), obtain clinical licensure and move on to private practice instead of administration (executive level positions).

I, on the other hand sought out progressive leadership from the frontline to management route. So here we are: me helping you understand how the shift begins to happen from entry level to executive level.

In the beginning of your career trajectory (if you choose this route), the focus is primarily on the client. As you start to move up the ladder, the mid-level focus becomes about the staffing needs and meeting the organization's mission statement. Once you reach the executive level, the focus becomes about keeping the organization afloat through financial management, image control and positive outcomes.

*This guide was created from "personal experience as a Social Worker, consultant and hiring manager" and should not be used as the Social Work advancement bible. It is not a catch all/apply to all list and the salaries can vary. These salaries are mostly NYC range (please do not have your employers calling me saying, "OnBoarding this is all your fault"). We should certainly be advocating for more $ in the field however, every organization is different and requirements vary from state to state.

Entry Level Social Work Potential Salary Range: about 45k-55k

• Client Engagement

• Face to face client contact

• Develop, plan, access care/treatment plan

• Psychosocial assessments and other clinical assessments

• Patient education, advocacy

• Beginner Knowledge of DSM diagnosis, treatment modalities, medications

• Familiar with Social Work lingo

• Working with interdisciplinary teams

• Considering MSW program (BSW level Social Worker with experience)

• Sitting for LMSW exam

Mid- Level Social Worker Potential Salary Range: about 55K-75K

• Understanding the organization's vision and mission statement

• Developing public speaking confidence

• Leading by example and taking charge of special projects/initiatives

• Gaining respect and visibility in the field

• Familiar and comfortable with application of treatment modalities and theories

• Providing guidance to peers

• Applying for supervisory positions and requesting increase in salary

• Becoming a role model/mentor for BSW students, case managers, case aides

• Cost effective techniques and ideas (think outside the box)

• Advanced training, specializations, certifications

• Obtaining licensure and starting clinical supervision

• At least 3 years of Social Work experience

Manager/Executive Level Social Worker Potential Salary Range: about 75K+

• Decision making power for a unit/program/organization

• Understanding both internal and external stakeholders' needs

• Budget/Fundraising/Public Relations experience

• Ability to engage staff and create positive changes/outcomes

• Policy development and analysis

• Interfacing with private/public funders, local, state and federal government partners

• Critical thinking

• Financial/Risk Management

• Ability to work under pressure, crisis management

• Understanding how collaboration with adversaries can advance your mission (playing nice in the sandbox)

• Networking on "a higher level"

• Representing the organization (regional, national, international level) at conferences

• Understanding how each program/department/unit goals' advances the overall organization (keeping the best interest and image of the organization at the forefront)

If you are interested in exploring career advancement and need guidance- please feel free to contact Onboarding at onboardingstaff@gmail.com