Social Work HQ Podcast

Mandy Wilcox

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Careers

Helping social workers choose the right career path — without guessing.

May 2

What Palliative Care Social Workers Do (And Why It Matters)

In this episode of Social Work HQ, I sit down with a palliative care social worker to talk about one of the most misunderstood roles in healthcare. We break down what palliative care actually is, how it differs from hospice, and what it really looks like to support patients and families through serious illness and end-of-life decisions. We also talk about: What palliative care social workers do day-to-dayThe emotional challenges of working with death and dyingHow to know if this field is right for youSalary expectations in this specialty If you’ve ever been curious about medical social work—or want to understand how social workers support people during some of the hardest moments of their lives—this episode is for you. 🎙️ Subscribe for more real conversations about social work careers, pay, and what the job is actually like. For tools to help you get a social work job, click here: https://stan.store/Mandy-Wilcox-LCSW

39 min
Apr 24

She Specializes in Grief Therapy… Here’s What She Sees Every Day

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to be a therapist—or what goes on behind the scenes in private practice—this episode gives you a real, honest look. In this episode of Social Work HQ, I sit down with a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in grief therapy, including pet loss and complex grief. We talk about: What a day in the life of a therapist actually looks likeThe emotional reality of working with grief and lossWhy burnout happens in therapy rolesThe importance of boundaries and self-careHow therapists build real connections with clientsThe truth about income and flexibility in private practice We also dive into the human side of therapy—what actually helps clients, what doesn’t, and why connection matters more than any technique. If you’re considering becoming a therapist or want to better understand the field of social work, this episode will give you a much clearer picture of what to expect. 🎧 Subscribe for more real conversations about social work careers. If you would like some tools to help you in your search for social work jobs, find those at this link: https://stan.store/Mandy-Wilcox-LCSW #socialwork #therapy #mentalhealth

40 min
Apr 15

I Asked to Keep My Client in Jail… Here’s Why (Inside Look at Corrections SW)

If you’ve ever wondered what social workers actually do in the corrections system, this episode gives you a real, unfiltered look. In this episode of Social Work HQ, I sit down with a forensic social worker who works inside a jail setting, supporting individuals in custody through crisis, mental health challenges, and reentry planning. We talk about: What it’s really like working in a jail as a social workerThe reality of working with individuals in custodyWhy many people return to the system—and what’s missingThe emotional challenges of helping people who aren’t ready for changeBurnout, boundaries, and staying true to your roleThe importance of seeing the human behind the charge We also dive into a powerful real-life situation where advocating for a client meant going against the system. If you’re considering social work or want to better understand the field beyond therapy, this episode will open your eyes to a side of social work most people never see. Social Work Job Tools Here: https://stan.store/Mandy-Wilcox-LCSW #socialwork #socialworker #careers

41 min
Apr 10

Inside a Trauma ER: The Reality of Social Work No One Sees

If you’ve ever wondered what ER social workers actually do—this is a behind-the-scenes look you won’t hear in school. In this episode of Social Work HQ, I sit down with a trauma hospital ER social worker to break down what the job really looks like in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. We talk about: The difference between trauma cases and major medical emergenciesWhat happens when patients come in unidentified (John/Jane Doe)How social workers support families during life-or-death situationsWorking alongside police, medical teams, and community systemsHow ER social workers prioritize multiple critical cases at onceThe reality of burnout and what it takes to succeed in this role This is an honest, behind-the-scenes look at medical social work—especially in a trauma center setting. If you’re considering social work or exploring different career paths in the field, this episode will give you real insight into what to expect. Job tools here: https://stan.store/Mandy-Wilcox-LCSW #socialwork #ersocialworker #medicalsocialwork #careers

37 min
Apr 3

The Reality of Hospital Social Work (No One Talks About This)

If you’re considering social work—or already in the field—this is a conversation you need to hear. In this episode of Social Work HQ, I sit down with a hospital case manager to talk about what social work actually looks like beyond the classroom. We talk about: The reality of hospital case managementBurnout and learning to set boundariesWhy you can’t “save everyone” in this fieldThe challenges of working within healthcare systemsWhat social work school doesn’t fully prepare you for This is an honest look at the field—the good, the hard, and everything in between. If you’re trying to figure out your path in social work, this episode will give you real insight into what to expect. #socialwork #socialworker #msw #careers

30 min
Mar 27

Why Social Workers Burn Out in 14 Months

If you’re considering social work—or already in the field—this is a conversation you need to hear. In this episode of Social Work HQ, I sit down with a social worker who shares the real, unfiltered reality of working in mental health and family-based services. We talk about: Why burnout happens so quickly in social workWhat the day-to-day actually looks like (and what school doesn’t prepare you for)The challenges of working with high-needs families and complex systemsHow insurance, documentation, and productivity expectations impact the jobThe emotional toll—and the rewarding moments that make it worth it This is an honest look at the field—the good, the hard, and everything in between. If you’re trying to figure out what social work is really like, or what path might be right for you, this episode will give you real insight you won’t get in a classroom. #socialwork #socialworker #msw #lcsw #careeradvic

29 min
Mar 20

What It’s Really Like Being an ER Crisis Social Worker

What does an ER crisis social worker actually do? In this episode of Social Work HQ, I interview a social worker who works in emergency room crisis intervention. We talk about what it’s like responding to mental health emergencies in the ER, supporting patients during psychiatric crises, and working alongside doctors, nurses, and law enforcement in high-stress situations. We also discuss what a typical shift can look like, the skills needed to succeed in crisis work, and what new social workers should know if they’re interested in working in hospital or emergency mental health settings. If you're considering a career in social work, hospital social work, or crisis intervention, this conversation offers an honest look at what the job is really like. Subscribe to Social Work HQ for interviews with social workers across different career paths so you can better understand the many options available in the field. For tools and resources to help you through the social work field, go to this link: https://stan.store/Mandy-Wilcox-LCSW 01:20 Career path in social work 05:30 Everyday in ER crisis work 07:10 Responsibility of a crisis worker 10:00 Documentation in the ER 11:30 Number 1 skill for a crisis worker 13:00 Who should NOT be in this role 15:00 Pay scale for social work crisis worker 17:30 Career growth in ER crisis work 19:10 Tele health & social work 23:00 Advice for new coming social workers 27:00 Can anyone go to the ER in crisis?

31 min
Mar 14

Advice for Social Workers Who Want to Become Therapists

If you're thinking about becoming a therapist as a social worker, there are a few things you should understand before choosing this career path. In this interview, I speak with a therapist about what the job is actually like — including the realities of the work, common misconceptions about therapy, and what social work students should know before pursuing this path. Many social workers assume therapy is the most common or most financially rewarding option in the field, but the day-to-day work, expectations, and challenges may not be what people expect. If you're considering becoming a therapist or exploring different social work career paths, this conversation can help you better understand what the role really involves. Watch the full interview to learn more about: • What therapists actually do day to day • Skills needed to become a therapist • Challenges therapists face in the field • Advice for social work students considering therapy Free Social Work Interview Guide + Career Resources:https://stan.store/Mandy-Wilcox-LCSW Subscribe for more interviews with social workers across different specialties and career paths. #socialwork #therapist #mentalhealthcareers #msw #socialworker

33 min
Mar 7

Should Social Workers Become Therapists? (Salary, Burnout & Career Reality)

In this episode of Social Work HQ, I sit down with a licensed therapist to discuss what it’s really like working in the field. We cover how she became a therapist, what her day-to-day looks like, salary expectations, challenges, burnout, and advice for students considering this path. If you’re thinking about becoming a therapist or pursuing your MSW, this interview will give you a realistic look at the career. Free Social Work Interview Guide + Career Resources: https://stan.store/Mandy-Wilcox-LCSW Topics covered: 00:00 Intro 00:50 Starting SW Later In Life 05:46 Why She Chose Therapy 07:49 The #1 Skill Social Workers Need 09:00 Preparing for Social Work 12:00 Therapist Caseload Numbers 14:00 Accepting Insurance or Private Pay 17:08 Biggest Therapy Misconception 18:30 Good Therapist vs Good Client 20:56 Are Social Workers Good Therapists? 24:57 Who Should NOT Be a Therapist 26:23 The “Blank Slate” Debate 29:17 Most Stressful Part of Therapy 32:38 Career Growth in Therapy 34:58 Should Therapists Specialize? 36:33 How Therapists Fill Their Caseload 39:10 AI vs Social Work 41:19 Therapist Salary 44:39 Social Workers vs Other Clinicians 46:27 Closing Like and subscribe for more social work career interviews and job resources.

47 min

9 Episodes

Helping social workers choose the right career path — without guessing.

Creator

Mandy Wilcox
Years Active

2K
Episodes

9
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Mandy Wilcox
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Social Work HQ Podcast

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