Interviewing Skills Workshop Recap

Getting called for an interview is a positive sign in the job search process. With the focus on virtual interviews, our workshop last week covered tips and strategies on how to prepare for an upcoming interview and questions to anticipate. Tips included:

    • Connect with alumni who either worked at the organization or are in similar roles to gain insights into the organization’s culture and challenges
    • Test your technology ahead of time, choose a quiet, well-lit space to conduct your interview, and limit any distractions (learn more about video interviewing here)
    • Anticipate behavioral and situational-based questions and prepare answers that show how you’ve demonstrated pertinent skills

If you missed the event, you can review the presentation slides posted in Career Connect within our Document Library under the Presentation/Workshop folder.

Licensing and COVID-19 Related Resources

If you haven’t already started your New York State licensing application, please refer to this document for guidance on how to apply (UNI log-in required).

As a reminder, New York State will not allow you to take the Masters Level Exam or apply for a permit (if you have a pending job offer) until after you have graduated. If you have any questions about the procedures after reviewing the document, please email Betty Gee in Student Services.

If you are pursuing licensure in a different state, please review the rules, regulations, and application instructions on the respective Social Work Board site. To find your respective board, google “Social Work Board” and the state, or look through ASWB’s registry of boards and use the “Quick Jurisdiction Report” tool. You can also check your local NASW Chapter for additional guidance.

For the most up-to-date information regarding testing and licensure as it relates to COVID-19, please refer to the respective authorities directly:

Additional COVID-19 Resources from NASW

https://www.socialworkers.org/

Many local NASW Chapters are working to keep members updated on the COVID-19 outbreak and advocating for social workers within their states.

We encourage you to review their sites as well as the ASWB and individual Social Work Board sites for the latest information on regulatory provisions and efforts to support the profession.

Take a look at some of the resources shared by the New York State and New York City Chapter below:

Private Practice Job Search Workshop Recap

We are thankful to Jovanni Guzman and Jennifer Grossman, LCSW from Park Avenue Psychotherapy for hosting their workshop on Navigating the Private Practice Job Search last Thursday!

Highlights from the session included job search tips for private practice opportunities, a review of fee-for-service versus full-time work, and insights on assessing the legalities of clinical employment and supervision.

If you missed the event, you can view the recording here or review the presentation slides posted in our Document Library within Career Connect.

Updates on Licensure and Testing

REMINDER: New York State will not allow you to take the Masters Level Exam until after you have graduated. However, you can start the application process now.

Please refer to this handout for more information.

If you originally planned to take the Masters Exam through New Jersey, please note that Pearson VUE has announced that candidates can schedule their exams for appointments starting May 1st and beyond if conditions allow.

For the most up-to-date information regarding testing and licensure, please refer to the respective authorities directly:

*For links to Social Work Boards in other states, google “Social Work Board” and the respective state, or look through ASWB’s registry of boards and use the “Quick Jurisdiction Report” tool. Your local NASW Chapter may also offer additional guidance.

Job Seeker Resources

Are you looking for ways to improve your job search? LinkedIn has compiled a number of FREE self-paced online courses to help you navigate your job search, network virtually, and cultivate resilience in the process. Additional resources from LinkedIn are available on their Student Portal.

You can also find a compilation of other information and resources shared over the last few weeks, as well as newly added ones in this COVID-19 Resources Folder (UNI log-in required).

Alumni Panel: Journey to the C Recap

Last week, we welcomed four alumni to speak about their path to clinical social work at our virtual panel discussion, Journey to the “C”, which was co-sponsored by the Mental Health Caucus. The discussion covered an array of topics, including clinical supervision, Institute training, and interview preparation.

Regardless of where each alum started their journey, there were common themes and strategies shared by everyone:

  • Expect bumps in the road, and be open to new experiences.
  • Actively engage in continuing education, trainings, and volunteer work to develop your area of expertise.
  • Seek supervision that allows you to be vulnerable or challenged — this is the most valuable type of supervision, because it will help you to grow.
  • Enjoy the process and experience with your clients and supervisors.
  • Don’t stop learning!

Thank you to our speakers Karisma Ajodah ‘02, Gale Bayer ’87, Jillian DiPietro ’16, and Eric Levanthal ‘02 for their candid insights and advice! Also, much appreciation to Ashley Leeds ’20 for moderating the panel and helping coordinate the event.

For an overview of the panel discussion, review the notes that were taken for the event, which are stored in Career Connect within the Document Library > Workshops / Presentations Folder.

Resources to Support Your Job Search

We know that the job search process can feel even more stressful as we cope with the uncertainty that comes with the impact of COVID-19.

While many organizations are focusing on their own operations, needs, and services during this time, one thing to remember is that the fundamentals of job searching are still relevant.

This includes actively searching for opportunities, particularly through your existing network, engaging in virtual community forums or social media platforms like LinkedIn to increase your visibility, and proactively seeking advice from professionals in the space on how to best position yourself for target roles.

There are also employers that are still actively hiring, including those focused on addressing current public health needs.

For additional insights on strategizing your search, check out the following articles.