Social Workers, Rise!

Hosted by Catherine Moore, LCSW

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Episodes

222

Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

We will talk everything social work, on every level from micro to macro. We will hear the stories of social workers who are doing big things, learn new skills, and most importantly, give you actionable steps to change more lives than you ever thought possible.

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60 recent

May 31, 2026Episode 22213 min

Social Work Is No Longer a "Professional Degree": How This Impacts You

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

May 24, 2026Episode 22117 min

Advice for New Social Work Graduates Starting a Career in 2026

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

May 17, 2026Episode 22033 min

A Day in the Life of a Social Worker in Assisted Living

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

April 26, 2026Episode 21943 min

Post-COVID Mental Health: Impact on Youth

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

March 23, 2026Episode 21825 min

Social Work vs. Therapy-Focused Degrees: The Identity Crisis No One Is Talking About

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

March 15, 2026Episode 21734 min

What I Wish I Knew as a New Social Worker About Finding the Right Job

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

March 1, 2026Episode 21631 min

You Don’t Have to Advocate for Everything: Focused Impact Without Burnout

There’s a growing pressure in our field to speak on every issue, respond to every crisis, and carry the weight of the world. And if we’re not careful, that pressure turns into overwhelm, exhaustion, and burnout.In this episode, I’m giving you permission to step back.We’re talking about the emotional cost of constant advocacy, how chronic outrage impacts your nervous system, and why trying to care about everything can actually dilute your impact. You don’t have to be the loudest voice in every room to be effective. You don’t have to respond to every headline to be committed to social justice.We’ll break down how to understand your capacity, clarify your focus, and engage strategically — so your advocacy is sustainable, aligned, and powerful.This is about protecting your energy.This is about choosing focus over noise.This is about staying called — not overwhelmed.Social workers, you can care deeply without carrying everything._____________________________________⁠Tap Here to Subscribe⁠ to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource ListTap Here to shop the Rising Clinical Supervisor Log____________________________________Thank you to our SPONSORSHPSO Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providersRISE Directory for Clinical Supervision

February 16, 2026Episode 21455 min

Clinical Supervision, Income Streams & Generational Wealth in Social Work

In this joint episode with Bas Moreno, host of Social Work Rants, we have a real and honest conversation about the challenges happening in clinical supervision right now — and what social workers can do about it.We talk about:Common clinical supervision struggles (from both supervisor and supervisee perspectives)The writing process behind The Rising Clinical Supervisor LogBuilding multiple income streams as a social workerWhy generational wealth matters in our professionBalancing advocacy, social justice, and personal well-beingPractical self-care strategies for stress managementWith my book, The Rising Clinical Supervisor Log, publishing this Wednesday, I also share what it was like to write it, why I created it, and how it’s designed to support both clinical supervisors and associates in staying organized, ethical, and confident.____________________________________⁠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

February 1, 2026Episode 21326 min

You Need Experience to Get Experience: Real Strategies for Early-Career Social Workers

“You need experience to get hired… but you need a job to get experience.”If you’re an early-career social worker, MSW student, or associate clinician, this frustrating catch-22 probably sounds very familiar.In this episode, we break down why this happens in social work and—more importantly—what you can actually do about it. You’ll learn realistic, ethical, and practical strategies to gain experience, build confidence, and move forward in your social work career without burning out or feeling discouraged.Whether you’re struggling to land your first job, feeling stuck in an underpaid role, or questioning your competence, this episode will help you reframe the problem and take actionable next steps.____________________________________⁠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