3 answers
1
Question
Asked
350 views
What steps should I take now as a Human Services student to prepare for a future career supporting veterans as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker #Fall25?
I am a Human Services student and my goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker so I can work with veterans who face mental health challenges. I want to know what skills, experience, or opportunities I should focus on now while I’m still in school. Any guidance will help me plan my path.
Login to comment
3 answers
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Dora -- In addition to looking for opportunities to volunteer at a VA hospital or clinic in your area, when you get to your last year before the BA or BSW, try and do some fieldwork at a VA facility. Then, when you are completing your MSW, choose a VA field placement to complete your degree requirements. Many graduates are able to stay and become employed by the organization where they completed their graduate fieldwork requirements. From there, when you get hired as a "license-eligible" or "pre-licensed" MSW, you will be able to accumulate supervised professional work hours towards qualifying to take the LCSW licensing exam in your state. I'm not sure of the LCSW exam requirements for your state, but each state's licensing board can spell out for you exactly what kind of work setting and amount of supervised hours you'll need. Good luck on your career aspirations.
Hi David,
Thank you so much for taking the time to explain all of this. I really appreciate the guidance. I’m definitely planning to keep volunteering with veteran-focused organizations, and when I get closer to my last year in my BSW program, I’ll make sure to look for a VA field placement.
Dora
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Dora !
Becoming a Social Worker to do clinical therapy is a very good career, but a Bachelors in Human Services will not prepare you for this career or the certification exam. You will need to change majors to Psychology or Social Work in order to proceed with the Masters in Clinical Social Work.
The types of work that a Bachelors in Human Services would prepare you for are Social and Human Service Assistants, Case Management Workers, Eligibility Workers, and Community Outreach Workers, Program Coordinator, Family Support Worker, Youth Worker, or Human Services Specialist, and may advance into management roles like Social and Community Service Manager or Program Manager, but not as a Social Worker. You will need to change your Major to Psychology or Social Work for your Bachelors Degree and then go for a Masters in Clinical Social Work. A Bachelors in Social Work or Psychology will qualify you and prepare you for the Social Work Masters Program.
In your state of Massachusetts, you will have to be Licensed and there are four levels of Licensure in your state. The four types are Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA), Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), each with distinct educational, experience requirements and examination requirements. Pick the one you want to have and research the details about the requirements and what is needed for each. I would advise going for the Licensed Certified Social Worker as that is probably the one that would fit a good deal of possible employment.
Working with Veterans is super awesome, however, you'd have to wait around for possible openings at the Veterans Administration and I am not sure if or how many social workers they hire. Be very open minded about population because although you most likely will be able to work with Veterans in various settings as random clients, you'll need to make a living and that means going where the work is no matter what population it is. As a Clinical Social Worker, you will be skilled to work with all populations as most social workers do.
If you want to focus on veterans issues while you are in college, read up on or take courses through the psychology or social work departments in post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, addiction, depression and anxiety. These subjects will be needed when you also work with non-veterans. Think about doing volunteer work at your nearest Veterans Administration office, too. Ask your Psychology or Social Work (depending on what you change your Major to) professors if you get placed for an Internship in your Junior and Senior year. If so, it may not be at the Veterans Administration.
Try to find volunteer work at Veterans Inc. in Worcester, The City of Worcester's Veterans' Services Division, The Worcester Vet Center, and Project New Hope. I advise Volunteer Work because it may be quicker and easier to obtain and you'll be able to start getting experience quicker than waiting around for an Internship. Internships are for students in their junior and Senior year that have the foundational knowledge of the work (which a path in psychology or social work would prepare you for).
So finish this semester but obtain information from the Academic Counseling office about how to change Majors. That would be a step in the right direction.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Becoming a Social Worker to do clinical therapy is a very good career, but a Bachelors in Human Services will not prepare you for this career or the certification exam. You will need to change majors to Psychology or Social Work in order to proceed with the Masters in Clinical Social Work.
The types of work that a Bachelors in Human Services would prepare you for are Social and Human Service Assistants, Case Management Workers, Eligibility Workers, and Community Outreach Workers, Program Coordinator, Family Support Worker, Youth Worker, or Human Services Specialist, and may advance into management roles like Social and Community Service Manager or Program Manager, but not as a Social Worker. You will need to change your Major to Psychology or Social Work for your Bachelors Degree and then go for a Masters in Clinical Social Work. A Bachelors in Social Work or Psychology will qualify you and prepare you for the Social Work Masters Program.
In your state of Massachusetts, you will have to be Licensed and there are four levels of Licensure in your state. The four types are Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA), Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), each with distinct educational, experience requirements and examination requirements. Pick the one you want to have and research the details about the requirements and what is needed for each. I would advise going for the Licensed Certified Social Worker as that is probably the one that would fit a good deal of possible employment.
Working with Veterans is super awesome, however, you'd have to wait around for possible openings at the Veterans Administration and I am not sure if or how many social workers they hire. Be very open minded about population because although you most likely will be able to work with Veterans in various settings as random clients, you'll need to make a living and that means going where the work is no matter what population it is. As a Clinical Social Worker, you will be skilled to work with all populations as most social workers do.
If you want to focus on veterans issues while you are in college, read up on or take courses through the psychology or social work departments in post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, addiction, depression and anxiety. These subjects will be needed when you also work with non-veterans. Think about doing volunteer work at your nearest Veterans Administration office, too. Ask your Psychology or Social Work (depending on what you change your Major to) professors if you get placed for an Internship in your Junior and Senior year. If so, it may not be at the Veterans Administration.
Try to find volunteer work at Veterans Inc. in Worcester, The City of Worcester's Veterans' Services Division, The Worcester Vet Center, and Project New Hope. I advise Volunteer Work because it may be quicker and easier to obtain and you'll be able to start getting experience quicker than waiting around for an Internship. Internships are for students in their junior and Senior year that have the foundational knowledge of the work (which a path in psychology or social work would prepare you for).
So finish this semester but obtain information from the Academic Counseling office about how to change Majors. That would be a step in the right direction.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Good evening, Michelle,
Thank you so much for the information. I really appreciate the guidance. I’ve already started making changes. I transferred from community college into the Social Work program at Anna Maria College as a sophomore through a merit scholarship. I’m also volunteering at the Veterans Affairs Office at my community college and looking for more veteran-focused opportunities in Worcester. I also plan to join the U.S. Army after my licensure to work directly with service members, not as a civilian.
Dora
Wow, so much good news ! I am very happy for you ! Your academic and career plans will definitely take you far !
Michelle M.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1186
Answers
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Dora,
This is a strong and very purpose-driven goal, and it's obvious that you're already considering impact strategically rather than just a label. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), assisting veterans is fulfilling work, and being proactive now puts you ahead of the curve.
Developing solid core abilities and appropriate exposure should be your top priorities while you're still a student of human services. Academically, concentrate on taking classes that deepen your knowledge of trauma, mental health issues, drug abuse, ethics, and case management. Veterans are often faced with complicated layers of trauma (PTSD, moral harm), systems (VA, benefits, housing), and identity shifts, so it will be beneficial in the long run to have a firm understanding of both clinical principles and systems-level thinking.
Experience is what truly builds your future application strength outside of the classroom. Explore volunteer or part-time positions related to veteran services, such as VA clinics or hospitals, nonprofits that assist veterans, crisis hotlines, outreach programs for the homeless, or community mental health organizations. Even positions that aren't strictly "clinical" yet, such as intake support, case aide, and peer support coordination, help you establish credibility and make sure that this group shares your values and emotional capacity.
Simultaneously, begin intentionally developing clinically related soft skills, such as active listening, documenting, setting boundaries, cultural humility, and emotional control. Your ability to appear grounded and trustworthy is just as important as technical expertise, since veterans tend to put a higher value on trust, consistency, and respect than on formal terms. These abilities will also shield you against burnout in the future, which is important in jobs involving trauma.
From a forward-thinking point of view, start looking into MSW schools that have good field placements and clinical tracks, preferably with access to trauma-informed specialty or veteran-serving organizations. It is a wise long-term investment to establish connections today with professors, mentors, or supervisors who can later write compelling references. Instead of just "getting through" undergrad, consider this stage as setting the groundwork for success in graduate school.
Likewise, keep your own sustainability in mind. It can be extremely fulfilling but emotionally taxing to work with veterans. Develop self-care, supervision-seeking, and meditative practices at a young age. Strong clinicians are those who know how to digest, pause, and move forward with purpose rather than those who feel everything all the time.
You're taking a clear, caring, and forward-thinking approach to this. You'll be in a great position to take on an MSW and eventually an LCSW role that genuinely helps veterans and yourself if you continue to concentrate on aligned experience, skill development, and strategic preparation.
Best wishes!
This is a strong and very purpose-driven goal, and it's obvious that you're already considering impact strategically rather than just a label. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), assisting veterans is fulfilling work, and being proactive now puts you ahead of the curve.
Developing solid core abilities and appropriate exposure should be your top priorities while you're still a student of human services. Academically, concentrate on taking classes that deepen your knowledge of trauma, mental health issues, drug abuse, ethics, and case management. Veterans are often faced with complicated layers of trauma (PTSD, moral harm), systems (VA, benefits, housing), and identity shifts, so it will be beneficial in the long run to have a firm understanding of both clinical principles and systems-level thinking.
Experience is what truly builds your future application strength outside of the classroom. Explore volunteer or part-time positions related to veteran services, such as VA clinics or hospitals, nonprofits that assist veterans, crisis hotlines, outreach programs for the homeless, or community mental health organizations. Even positions that aren't strictly "clinical" yet, such as intake support, case aide, and peer support coordination, help you establish credibility and make sure that this group shares your values and emotional capacity.
Simultaneously, begin intentionally developing clinically related soft skills, such as active listening, documenting, setting boundaries, cultural humility, and emotional control. Your ability to appear grounded and trustworthy is just as important as technical expertise, since veterans tend to put a higher value on trust, consistency, and respect than on formal terms. These abilities will also shield you against burnout in the future, which is important in jobs involving trauma.
From a forward-thinking point of view, start looking into MSW schools that have good field placements and clinical tracks, preferably with access to trauma-informed specialty or veteran-serving organizations. It is a wise long-term investment to establish connections today with professors, mentors, or supervisors who can later write compelling references. Instead of just "getting through" undergrad, consider this stage as setting the groundwork for success in graduate school.
Likewise, keep your own sustainability in mind. It can be extremely fulfilling but emotionally taxing to work with veterans. Develop self-care, supervision-seeking, and meditative practices at a young age. Strong clinicians are those who know how to digest, pause, and move forward with purpose rather than those who feel everything all the time.
You're taking a clear, caring, and forward-thinking approach to this. You'll be in a great position to take on an MSW and eventually an LCSW role that genuinely helps veterans and yourself if you continue to concentrate on aligned experience, skill development, and strategic preparation.
Best wishes!