Social Workers, Rise!

In this episode of Social Workers Rise, licensed clinical social worker and grief expert Anitra J. Green shares practical strategies for helping children navigate grief and loss. Drawing from more than 25 years of experience and her children's book, The Day Grandpop's Music Stopped, Anitra discusses how children process grief differently than adults, common signs of childhood grief, what social workers should—and shouldn't—say after a loss, and how to support grieving families with compassion. Whether you work with children, families, schools, or communities, this episode offers valuable, trauma-informed insights to strengthen your grief support skills.____________________________________⁠Tap Here to Subscribe⁠ to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource List⁠Tap Here⁠ to shop career courses for Social Workers.____________________________________Thank you to our SPONSORSHPSO Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providersRISE Directory for Clinical Supervision

In this episode of Social Workers Rise, Marine Corps veteran and social work student Dennis Lester shares how the power of music is helping veterans heal from PTSD. As a Guitar for Vets instructor, Dennis discusses his journey from military service to social work, the impact of guitar and music therapy on trauma recovery, and practical ways social workers can incorporate creative, expressive approaches into their work. Whether you're a social worker, veteran, student, or mental health professional, this conversation offers valuable insights into supporting veterans with compassion, connection, and hope.____________________________________⁠Tap Here to Subscribe⁠ to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource List⁠Tap Here⁠ to shop career courses for Social Workers.____________________________________Thank you to our SPONSORSHPSO Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providersRISE Directory for Clinical Supervision

Did you know social workers are making an impact in the NFL? In this episode, we explore the growing field of sports social work and what it's really like to support professional football players and retired athletes. From mental health and substance use concerns to career transitions and family support, social workers play a vital role both on and off the field.We also discuss common interventions, ethical dilemmas unique to professional sports, and how new NFL mandates around behavioral health are creating exciting career opportunities for social workers interested in sports.In this episode, we cover:What social workers do in the NFL and professional sportsHow social workers support current and former playersCommon interventions, including crisis support and mental health careEthical challenges and confidentiality concerns in sports settingsNew NFL policies that are expanding opportunities for social workersIf you've ever wondered what a career in sports social work looks like, this episode will give you an inside look at one of the most unique and rapidly growing areas of the profession.Devon Lewis-Buchanan has built his career on the belief that leadership rooted in empathy and service can transform people, teams, and communities.A former NFL hopeful who once earned a tryout with the Oakland Raiders, Devon’s journey has come full circle. He returned to the organization as Director of Alumni Benefits & Resources, helping redefine how professional sports teams support their former players, setting a new standard for alumni care and transition services.Now serving as Senior Director of Diversity, Inclusion & Employee Experience for the Las Vegas Raiders, Devon leads strategies that integrate diversity, wellness, recognition, and community impact, creating a holistic, human-centered employee experience.As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Diversity Executive (CDE®), Devon is deeply committed to cultivating environments where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.____________________________________⁠Tap Here to Subscribe⁠ to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource List⁠Tap Here⁠ to shop career courses for Social Workers.____________________________________Thank you to our SPONSORSHPSO Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providersRISE Directory for Clinical Supervision

Social media can be a powerful tool for networking, education, and advocacy—but one post, comment, or direct message can create ethical concerns and professional liability. In this episode, we discuss practical guidelines for maintaining professional boundaries online, protecting client confidentiality, and avoiding common social media mistakes that can put your reputation and license at risk.In this episode, you'll learn:Common social media mistakes social workers makeTips for maintaining professional boundaries and protecting confidentialityBest practices for building an ethical online presenceWhether you're active on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, or just thinking about posting more, this episode will help you navigate social media with confidence and professionalism.Our guest Jennifer Flynn, CPHRM, is Vice President of Risk Management for Healthcare Providers Service Organization of Aon’s Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. Specializing in risk management and having worked in the health care insurance business for over 21 years, Jennifer is dedicated to educating health care professionals on professional liability risks and offers strategies to mitigate those risks by supporting patient safety principles and developing quality management programs. In addition to being a frequent national speaker on healthcare risk and liability, Jennifer is also a published author on various risk management topics. Jennifer is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management and is a licensed Property & Casualty agent. She earned a BA in Psychology from Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania.____________________________________⁠⁠⁠⁠Tap Here to Subscribe⁠⁠ to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource List⁠⁠⁠⁠Tap Here⁠⁠ to shop career courses for Social Workers.____________________________________Thank you to our SPONSORS⁠HPSO⁠ Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providers⁠RISE Directory⁠ for Clinical Supervision

Social Work is no longer considered a "professional degree" by the Department of Education. In this episode, Catherine Moore, LCSW will break down what these changes mean for current and future social workers, including the potential impact on affordability, workforce shortages, and access to social work education.We discuss:The new federal student loan limits for social work studentsWhy BSW and MSW education are not equivalent when it comes to licensure and independent practiceHow these changes may disproportionately affect low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented studentsThe potential effects on workforce shortages, caseloads, and access to servicesWhether these changes could increase demand and pay for social workers—or lead to the hiring of less-qualified professionalsNASW's response and current advocacy effortsAs the demand for mental health and social services continues to grow, these policy changes could have long-term consequences for the profession and the communities we serve.If you're a social work student, associate, licensed social worker, educator, or supervisor, this is an important conversation you won't want to miss.Review and sign the petition here.____________________________________⁠Tap Here to Subscribe⁠ to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource List⁠Tap Here⁠ to shop career courses for Social Workers.____________________________________Thank you to our SPONSORSHPSO Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providersRISE Directory for Clinical Supervision

Graduating with your social work degree is a huge accomplishment but it can also feel overwhelming. Between job applications, uncertainty about the future, and the emotional highs and lows of launching your career, many new graduates feel excited, exhausted, hopeful, and discouraged all at the same time.In this episode, we discuss why your first social work job doesn't have to be your forever job, how each role helps build your skills and experience, and why it's important to focus on one goal at a time rather than trying to do everything at once.You'll also learn how to clarify your career goals, leverage your professional network, and create a sustainable career by prioritizing self-care and building a strong support system. In This Episode:Why your first social work job is just the beginningHow to identify the right job opportunities for your goalsThe power of networking and sharing your career aspirationsStrategies for preventing burnout early in your careerWhy supportive colleagues are essential for long-term successEncouragement for navigating the uncertainty of post-graduation lifeWhether you're preparing to graduate, recently earned your degree, or are searching for your first social work position, this episode will help you move forward with confidence and clarity.____________________________________⁠Tap Here to Subscribe⁠ to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource List⁠Tap Here⁠ to shop career courses for Social Workers____________________________________Thank you to our SPONSORSHPSO Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providersRISE Directory for Clinical Supervision

What does a typical day look like for a Social Worker working in assisted living? This episode walks you through the daily duties, responsibilities, challenges, and perks of the role.Whether you’re a social work student, associate therapist, LCSW, or simply exploring different career paths outside of private practice, this episode offers an honest, practical look at life in assisted living mental health care.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:What a typical workday looks like for a therapist in assisted livingThe types of clients commonly served in assisted living communitiesHow therapy sessions differ from outpatient or private practice settingsCommon mental health concerns in assisted living (depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment, cognitive decline)How therapists collaborate with medical staff, caregivers, and administratorsDocumentation expectations and time management tipsEmotional challenges of the work—and how clinicians prevent burnout.You’ll walk away with:Clarity on what makes your degree unique (so you stop comparing yourself to other clinicians)Confidence in how to talk about your skills in interviews and supervisionA deeper understanding of your full scope beyond therapyThe language to advocate for yourself, your clients, and your profession____________________________________⁠Tap Here to Subscribe⁠ to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource List⁠Tap Here⁠ to shop career courses for Social Workers.____________________________________Thank you to our SPONSORSHPSO Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providersRISE Directory for Clinical Supervision resources

In this episode, we explore what clinicians are seeing across age groups in the aftermath of COVID-19 and how prolonged disruption has reshaped mental health, especially for youth. From developmental delays to increased anxiety and social challenges, we unpack the real-world clinical patterns emerging in practice. We also dive into practical, actionable strategies social workers can use to support reintegration, strengthen resilience, and meet clients where they are today. Finally, we highlight key themes from an upcoming professional conference, From Disruption to Integration and why these conversations are critical for the future of the field.Conference Information Click Here. (Use discount code SWR10 at checkout)____________________________________⁠Tap Here to Subscribe⁠ to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource List⁠Tap Here⁠ to shop career courses for Social Workers.____________________________________Thank you to our SPONSORSHPSO Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providersRISE Directory for Clinical Supervision

If you’ve ever wondered, “What actually makes social work different from other therapy degrees?”—this episode is for you.Somewhere along the way, social work started getting reduced to “just therapy.” And while social workers can provide therapy, that’s only a fraction of what we’re trained to do.In this episode, we’re breaking down the real differences between a Social Work degree (MSW) and therapy-focused degrees, and why this confusion is contributing to a growing professional identity crisis within the field.More importantly, we’re talking about what’s at stake if social workers don’t start clearly defining—and owning—their unique role.NASW Code of ethics- 5.1 Social Workers' Ethical Responsibilities to the Social Work Profession- Integrity to the profession Here.Advocacy Letter Against Social Work Here.⁠Tap Here to Subscribe⁠ to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource List⁠Tap Here⁠ to shop career courses for Social Workers.____________________________________Thank you to our SPONSORSHPSO Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providersRISE Directory for Clinical Supervision

Starting your career in social work can feel overwhelming. With so many paths available—medical social work, schools, nonprofits, private practice, community mental health—it’s easy to wonder if you’re choosing the right job. In this episode, Earvin and Catherine talk about what they wish they knew as new social workers navigating new career settings and finding a role that truly fits personal strengths and values.Whether you’re a new MSW graduate, an associate social worker, or early in your social work career, this conversation will help you think more strategically about your job search, professional growth, and long-term career goals.You’ll hear real advice on exploring different areas of social work, building professional relationships, and giving yourself permission to grow into the profession rather than expecting to have everything figured out right away.Earvin Casciano, MSW, LSW is a licensed social worker in New Jersey who works as a full-time group facilitator at a Substance Use and Mental Health treatment center. Additionally, he works as a part-time therapist at a private practice near the Jersey shore. Earvin is a recent graduate from the College of Social Work at Florida State University. ____________________________________⁠⁠⁠⁠Tap Here to Subscribe⁠⁠ to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource List⁠⁠⁠⁠Tap Here⁠⁠ to shop career courses for Social Workers.____________________________________Thank you to our SPONSORS⁠HPSO⁠ Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providers⁠RISE Directory⁠ for Clinical Supervision