Public Policy

 

Social workers in public policy can work in local, state, or federal government and in the non-profit and private sectors, for example:

  • Social service agencies
  • Public policy “think tanks”
  • Advocacy organizations
  • Research Organizations
  • Foundations
  • Legislative bodies such as committees, offices of elected officials (TIP: “:Hot Spots”: are state capitals and states with progressive social welfare policies)

Social workers in public policy should possess excellent written and verbal communications skills. In addition, most policy positions require:

  • Knowledge of and exposure to the legislative process
  • Problem solving and analytical skills
  • Political savvy, ability to think on your feet, and tenacity
  • Computer skills
  • Ability to connect the past (history) with the present
  • Research/quantitative skills

 Social workers can gain valuable experience in public policy by:

  • Volunteering or completing a field assignment in public policy organizations
  • Joining and being active in an organization such as NASW or Bertha Capen Reynolds Society
  • Working as a legislative aide
  • Reading (newspapers) voraciously and asking the right questions of the right people
  • Speaking with clients from all walks of life (they’ve been there and done that)

In addition to utilizing traditional job search techniques to prepare for a career in public policy, social workers should also:

  • Be up-to-date on policy issues
  • Have a working knowledge of the legislative process on both the federal and state level
  • Network extensively with those already established in the profession
  • Complete a post-graduate degree training program such as: Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs, Presidential Management Intern Program, or the Social Work Congressional Fellows Program
  • Work first in direct services in your area of interest (TIP: Nothing like doing it to know how to do it!)
  • Study the history of social welfare policy in depth; read the works of social work pioneers (TIP: never stop learning!)
  • Find mentors and absorb all you can
  • Search for employment via state agency web pages, legislature web pages, state federal government web pages.