Social service agencies hiring teachers?

[zoebartlett]

I've posted about this recently, but I found out last week that my teaching position has been been cut next year, due to declining enrollment/reduction in force. I will apply to other schools but I read something that got me thinking a bit outside the box. A pamphlet I was given mentioned that I should consider looking into social service agencies for employment opportunities in addition to teaching positions, given the economic climate. I hadn't considered this before, but now that I saw it, the idea interests me. The problem is, I've never worked in social services and I don't have any idea how my skills could translate into that area. How would I market myself? What are the potential jobs a teacher could get at an agency? What type of agency should I focus on? What could I consider a fair salary (I have an M. Ed. and 11 years of teaching experience)? All these thoughts and questions are running through my head now and I'm not sure how to go about looking into this. Any ideas and/or suggestions? Thanks in advance!

 

[AGBF]

Hi, Zoe-

I was waiting for someone in the know to respond to you, but since no one has, I wanted to say something. I just have no idea what is currently going on in social service agencies. As you may recall, I am a social worker, but I haven't been working in my field for a number of years due to the needs of my daughter.

The last I knew, it wasn't very easy for social workers to get jobs in social service agencies, either, because the cuts in spending for education and the cuts in spending for social services were the result of the same lack of concern for the welfare of the middle class and the the high unemployment and the enormous budget cuts at state and, therefore, at local levels.

If others are more knowledgeable about the current situation, I hope that they speak up!

Hugs,
Deb

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

I don't think your best bet would be the social Services Agencies. Budget cuts have taken their toll on employment opportunities.

I think one area that you could consider is Employee Training jobs, say , within the Insurance Industry. There are many corp. that do like to hire teachers--your reliable, smart, and responsible. I think Banks also have training programs, so if you slant one resume toward that idea, you may get some responses. After all Training is really teaching.

Annette

 

[MichelleCarmen]

My friend of mine has a job with the state where she picks up the child(ren) from foster homes and supervises the meetings with the child(ren) and the parent(s) and I had looked into the position it as a possible job option because the hours were flexible. This was a few years back and at that time, they were accepting applications certain times of the year. These positions are contract positions so you work as an independant contractor and you are reimbursed for travel/gas. Part of the job requirement is taking notes and filling out paperwork where you evaluated whether or not the parent(s) are ready to take responsibility again. As a teacher, you would be qualified. Not sure what state you're located in though...or if similar jobs exist, BUT, it's something you could do. They want to be sure you're able to make a long-term committment for each case you take on, so you wouldn't want to do it temporarily. It would be hard on the kids.

Oh, and it was interesting as you could find jobs as a contractor or be a contractor who then hired people under you and/or do the cases yourself. The contractors were paid well, but the ones working under a contractor were not paid a reasonable amount considering the workload.

 

[zoebartlett]

Thanks for replying, Deb, Annette, and MC! I know it's a very random question (especially here!), but I thought I'd throw it out there anyway.

Deb, I do recall that you worked as a social worker in the past. I figure there has to be some type of employment for teachers other than teaching, especially in this economy. There's so much downsizing and cutting budgets in the field right now, that I don't envy those just starting out. Then again, people WITH experience could be seen as too expensive to hire, which is unfortunate, too. I was wondering if the social services field was being treated similarly to the education field. Thanks for confirming it and thanks for the hugs.

Thank you for your suggestions, Annette. I'll keep them in mind.

MC, your friend's job sounds interesting. I'm in New England and I'm assuming there's something like that here.

I forgot to mention that I'm also a certified reading specialist. Although I haven't worked as one directly, I've definitely used my degree in the elementary classroom. I was also considering looking into whether the social service agencies in my area have some type of literacy program for children. That really interests me, so it's something to think about.

 

[LibbyLA]

Zoe,

What about tutoring?

liz

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I forgot to mention that I'm also a certified reading specialist. Although I haven't worked as one directly, I've definitely used my degree in the elementary classroom. I was also considering looking into whether the social service agencies in my area have some type of literacy program for children. That really interests me, so it's something to think about.

Have you considered something like the Sylvan Learning Center? (Not sure if those are nation-wide or just around here.) I'm not sure how much those postitions pay, but I know that parents pay around $50/hour to have their children attend sessions. Or, you could advertise something similar and work privately.

Also, is there any way you can sign up for multiple districts as a substitute paraeducator? I know some individuals who have done that and slowly build up connections within multiple districts and eventually have landed positions. (They signed up with more than one district since everyone would get up at 4 am to check to see what positions needed to be filled for the day so the spots filled quickly.)

 

[zoebartlett]

Hi Libby! I thought about tutoring but other than working for a place like Sylvan Learning Centers or Kumon, it wouldn't be full time. I could look into those places if needed, but as far as I know, they have a very scripted way that they expect their staff to teach, and I don't think that's the best fit for me. I appreciate the suggestion though, and I'll keep tutoring in mind.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Zoe, I am so sorry to hear about your job. Being in the social service/ helping profession field I think you will have a very hard time getting a job that pays what you are used to making (and I know that's not saying much!) Unless you have experience and a degree, you will probably only qualify for tech positions. But I do have an idea for you. I recently started a new job and the trainers were all former teachers. Obviously I have NO idea what their salary is but you would be qualified and hospitals usually pay decent with good benefits. Just something to think about. Good luck!

 

[manderz]

Hi,

I haven't read the rest of the comments, so I'm sorry if this has been touched on already.i work for a not-for-profit out patient drug and alcohol treatment facility. We also have a prevention department, and we have recently hired several out of work teachers. I just appiled to be a prevention specialist,and was passed over for an out of work teacher. A good part of the position is working in schools and teaching students how to make good decisions, etc. The pay was going to be much better than what I'm making now (still working on my degree, and started as a low level employee, just to et into the field) but probably not great for someone with a masters. At least, I'd be disappointed if I was making that once I get my MSW.

 

[justginger]

One of my friends is a qualified teacher and he is employed by the Health Department to teach (almost in a tutor arrangement) at the local children's hospital. His job is to keep long-term children, with cancer and other serious illnesses, up to date with their education so they won't be months/years behind when they are finally well enough to return to normality. You could consider something like that?

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I forgot about that! Hospitals do employ teachers for school age children. Also, I had a friend that taught online high school courses. A lot of her students were teen moms or kids that got kicked out of traditional school. Also home school kids that got too far along and a parent couldn't keep up.