Social Workers Ought To Be Rich

7 alternative careers to get you there

Author

Sherrita Cee
August 14, 2023

In this quasi-post-COVID world, I am seeing tenets of change in behavioral health that is changing how communities, companies, and countries are perceiving mental health. I have noticed a significant reduction in the stigma that used to hinder people from asking for help.

I have seen so many industries clumsily attach mental health to their products, services, software, and SAAS...y'all know what I am referring to! For example, you have very popular telehealth software companies constructing innovative tools WITHOUT the expertise and consultation of a mental health practitioner, thus missing the mark to create longitudinal success and safe spaces.

I mean, HIPPA and PHI exist for a reason. But I digress.

The topic of the day is helping social workers create opportunities to become rich. I have been consulting for over 4 years now and I have learned a lot, and seen a lot. I will share with you 7 alternative careers social workers can enter to broaden their skills, resources, and profit margins; to help you become rich.

Let's begin...

  1. Consulting

  2. Media Influence

  3. Nonprofit Leadership

  4. Behavioral Health Tech...beyond EHR development

  5. SAAS

  6. AI prompting specialists

  7. Government Contracting

The time is now to open your eyes and begin to see how rich and vast your skills truly are. Social work is the only career in the health and human services industry that allows for diversity. Social workers have the expertise to work in, support, and develop communities, companies, and countries at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.

I know...this concept seems impossible. But trust me, just a little bit, and continue to read below for ideas to help you stand out and build BEYOND RECESSION PROOFING for your next steps.

  1. Consulting

    • A public health social worker could provide consulting services to help organizations develop workplace wellness programs, community health initiatives, or programs to address social determinants of health. Their expertise in public health, health behavior change, and connecting people with resources could be very valuable.

    • They could partner with management consulting firms to provide insights on public health issues, vulnerable populations, and health equity for clients in the public and private sectors.

    If you need support and guidance on how to pivot, click here

2. Media Influence:

  • Serve as an expert contributor or guest for media outlets on issues related to public health, social services, mental health, substance abuse, health policy, etc.

  • Write op-eds, blogs, or columns highlighting public health issues and ways to address them.

  • Use social media to share public health information and advocate for public health causes.

3. Nonprofit Leadership:

  • Take on leadership roles with health-related nonprofits, such as serving on Boards of Directors.

  • Partner with nonprofits to help provide services, conduct needs assessments, evaluate programs, and apply for grants.

  • Start a nonprofit focused on addressing public health issues like health literacy, mental health stigma, food insecurity, etc.

If you need support and guidance on how to pivot, click here

4. Behavioral Health in Tech:

  • Advise tech startups developing new apps, telehealth platforms, wearables, etc related to behavioral health on user experience, ethical considerations, and effective behavior change techniques.

  • Conduct user research and testing of new behavioral health technologies

  • Help evaluate the impact and efficacy of new behavioral health technology products through outcome studies.

5. SAAS:

  • Consult with software-as-a-service companies developing population health management, care coordination, or patient engagement tools to ensure they meet the needs of public health organizations, social service agencies, and community health centers.

  • Advise on features to address social determinants of health, promote health equity, and reach underserved groups.

6. AI Prompting Specialist

  • Collaborate with tech developers to be in the room, have a seat at the table, and provide your expertise to include your input in discussions regarding human design

  • Advise tech companies on how to develop a non-bias AI (and its systems)

7. Government Contracting:

  • Serve as a subject matter expert advisor on proposal development and fulfillment for government contracts related to public health programming, social services, behavioral health services, and more.

  • Directly pursue and manage government contracts for public health and social service agencies as an independent contractor or small business owner.

If you need support and guidance on how to pivot, click here

This list goes beyond mere suggestions. I see these alternative careers becoming income-increasing activities that will increase your impact, giving us all additional options for all social workers to make more money. Because all social workers ought to be rich.

Tired of struggling? Pivot your social work skills into lucrative new careers! My exclusive newsletter gives you tips and connections to monetize your talents in consulting, tech, government contracting, and more. The opportunity is now - sign up and unlock your earning potential today!