Advice needed!

[wd515]

Hi there,

 

I'm new to this forum so i'm hoping this is the right spot to post this. I have had terrible luck with the advising department at schools and would like to get some feedback from other people. I started off with a Social Service Work diploma and continued to complete a B.A. and a B.Ed. but i'm still having trouble finding permanent work. I originally wanted to be a Guidance Counselor (because I met so many terrible ones) but i'm afraid that by the time I complete an M.Ed. program in counseling it will be oversaturated by other Teachers like myself struggling to find work. At this point i'm debating applying to complete my BSW degree (I've applied twice already to complete the degree as you need to reapply into the third year of the professional school.) So I am wondering - is it worth going back to school at this point? Where are the jobs? What should I take? As a background, I live in Ontario, Canada and have about 10 years experience in youth justice and in the school system.

 

Any advice welcome!

 

Thanks!

 

WD

Edited March 18, 2015 by wd515

[rising_star]

Instead of a BSW, why not get a MSW?

[wd515]

I'm not sure I qualify for an MSW as most programs seem to require a BSW to enroll. There is a one year HBSW i'm interested in. I'm dreading going back to school though. 6 years of schooling should be plenty for finding a decent job in the field, but it hasn't happened yet and not sure what to do.

[rising_star]

You may need to cast a wider net with what you're looking at. You have a degree in education so are there other ways you could start working in schools now, rather than going back for a master's? I don't know about Canada but I do know that in the USA, a BSW is not required to get into a MSW program.

[wd515]

Hi thanks for your reply,

 

Unfortunately the job prospects in the education field are very slim due to the government passing bill 274. I have applied to various types of positions in different locations but have not been able to get my foot in the door anywhere. I have been told that in order to land a permanent teaching job in the city i'm in is a 6-8 year wait. In order to become a Counselor in a school they ask for 5 years teaching experience and a M.Ed in counseling (most schools ask for this, unless it is a specialized position or a College - hiring requirements seem to vary between schools). With all the experience i have accumulated I thought getting a BSW, (or MSW) would be an excellent way to diversify my employment options and get out of jumping contracts or being a casual employee. Thank you for the information on the requirements in the USA -  I did not realize that.

Edited March 18, 2015 by wd515