Shhh…. I have a secret

I believe I am still somewhere in the last two months of 2011.

For Profit Social Work

So, I think that it has pretty much been established that I am a Social Worker. I work for a For.Profit, unlike most SWs. Our company, For.Profit, expects each of its individual programs to make a profit of a minimum 4%  each and every month. However, we are also a Social.Services.Organization. I believe that the two together are an oxymoron. I also believe that a lot of the people I work with are real morons…

But I digress…

I have a Masters Degree and according to everything that you see and read on the web, that means I am paid well for my services. Snort. Yeah, sure I am. Did I mention I work for a For.Profit? I actually make about the same now, as I did when I just had my BS. Which is to say less than my supervisor that has a GED. Yes, I am serious.

When I was strictly working under my supervisor, I was fine with that. However, now that I also run my own section, where most of the For.Profit is getting its money from our program, I think I should get paid more.

Damn wage freeze. We even took salary cuts 2 years ago to keep the program open. So I am technically making less now than I did before I finished my MSW. which oddly enough was less than I was making when I just had an AA degree. Hmm…

Why am I still here? Oversaturation of MSWs in my area + an inability to leave the area= crappy salary.

Could it be because in reality I actually like my job? Well… at time yes.

I like to think that I am making a difference in the lives of my clients. I can see the difference that I have made in some of their lives. However, in others I think that the only reason that they tolerate my presence is the funds that I have control over that can be used to help them make their lives easier and better. I know that I saw amazing cooperation from one family until their funds were exhausted, then suddenly I couldn’t get them on the phone, they wouldn’t answer the door when I knocked.

Just for future reference When you look out your window, there is a good chance that I can see you if you can see me. Windows are (generally) transparent in both directions,(unless of course you are at the office and behind a one way glass… but I digress). Also if you are outside smoking on your porch until you see my car in the driveway, even if you run in the house and shut the door, I probably saw you and I know you are home. Seriously!

My service is voluntary people! I told you when you signed the agreement that you had the ability to terminate services at any time. Just give me a freakin’ call and tell me you are through! I am ok with that. I have a large enough case load that I am not going to fight to keep someone who doesn’t want my services. Just don’t blame me when your social worker calls and asks you how things are going. Admit that YOU terminated MY services and deal with the consequences. Surprise! there normally aren’t any.

I’m there to help your family successfully remain together.