Career as a Social Worker

Is any one on here a Social Worker that works with special needs kids (Autism)? Im really interesting in pursing this as a career. How is the pay, and will I be able to find a job? Thanks!

Krystle said: Is any one on here a Social Worker that works with special needs kids (Autism)? Im really interesting in pursing this as a career. How is the pay, and will I be able to find a job? Thanks!

The pay is generally terrible. In Wisconsin, you'd be lucky to be offered $11/hour for a job working with children with Autism-spectrum disorders. On the other hand, since Autism is the "disorder of the month," an issue needing immediate attention according to the layperson and professional, alike, you should be able to fine a job. I see advertisements all over Wisconsin for Autism "therapists."

I am in Ohio. I have a SW position in a school. Since Autism is "on the rise", it is being diagnosed in large amounts, and the school systems are at a loss as to what to do with these kids, Autism "Specialists" are invaluable. There is an educator in our area that received certification in RDI and her services are in demand. The certification is tough to keep up but she is knowledgable and her work has helped many families. Families pay for her services privately and she is able to work with an Autism Scholarship in Ohio to receive compensation as well. I believe a social worker can also get the certification. Hope this helps!

hi im ruth fro, philippines...i am graduate of BSW in university here in the philippines..im looking for a job..preferably in UK..I hoping to reply and suggest me some advise..tnx and more power

this is to signify my intent to apply for any position that fits my qualification.I'm very much willing to come for an interview at your most convenient time...thank u and god bless...

I would recommend obtaining a good background in psychology for this field, perhaps with social work as a minor rather than a central educational focus.

I'm not a social worker, but I've always been interested in working with kids, and foster kids and orphans in particular.

I ran across this movie called "BEYOND ACCEPTANCE", and the story revolves around Evans, a kid in the foster system who has severe attachment and behavioral issues, and the social worker and family who help him realize that just because he's been rejected all his life, doesn't mean that he is truly "beyond acceptance." It's really good! Here's a link to the movie website: push.beyondacceptance.com/share/website?id=016hc

It's already out on DVD, so if you have a chance to watch it, I highly recommend it. It's also good for raising awareness of the challenges foster and adoptive families can face, and that these challenges CAN be overcome with perseverance and unconditional love.

If you want to work with kids with Autism, IDK if I would go the Social Work route... not only does the pay suck, but you will be approaching treatment from a different theoretical treatments, than say an Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, Play Therapist, Behavioral or Educational Specialist.

Look into the aforementioned fields before you decide on Social Work. I am a student in an MOT and we work hands on with Autistic children and their families. You mostly will be working from a Cognitive Behavioral approach, which may not be the BEST approach when working with Autistic children.

Also, I've worked closely with Social Workers before going back to school and they definitely cannot provide the TREATMENT needed to assist these children.

Hope this helps