Can you get into MSW program/get a SW job if you've been fired in the past?

[Alisa45]

I'm considering a Master's in a human services-related field like social work, non-profit management, counseling. I'm concerned, however, because I was fired from a job during undergrad. While I had some positive performance reviews which I could show to a program, I was wrongly accused of harassing a customer. The individual at the bank was very irate and my manager automatically assumed that I was at fault, rather than gathering the perspectives of other witnesses (myself, my coworkers). Do most grad program applications in this field require that you list ALL previous jobs? Would this termination show up on a background check? My grades are good, I have decent references, I'm fluent in Spanish, and I have lots of community involvement but I'm concerned that this would prevent me from getting a job in the human services field.

[LittleDarlings]

I don't know that they call your past employers? I am pretty sure you will be fine, just don't use that boss as your reference goodluck

[louise86]

 

I'm considering a Master's in a human services-related field like social work, non-profit management, counseling. I'm concerned, however, because I was fired from a job during undergrad. While I had some positive performance reviews which I could show to a program, I was wrongly accused of harassing a customer. The individual at the bank was very irate and my manager automatically assumed that I was at fault, rather than gathering the perspectives of other witnesses (myself, my coworkers). Do most grad program applications in this field require that you list ALL previous jobs? Would this termination show up on a background check? My grades are good, I have decent references, I'm fluent in Spanish, and I have lots of community involvement but I'm concerned that this would prevent me from getting a job in the human services field.

 

The firing shouldn't be an issue. 

 

First, I doubt a program will ask to see past performance reviews. They do not matter. Second, each school has a different application. I had to list only previous social work related experience, but even if they ask for all employment in the past X years it's unlikely they will call previous employers. Third, the termination should not show up on a background check. Lastly, after you graduate and are ready to find a job in the field you can leave this particular job off your resume.