I am a licensed (LCSW-C) social worker. For years, I worked for the State of Maryland as a social worker for the Department of Social Services (DSS). I started as a foster care worker and after a couple years, moved to another location to be an adoption worker. I am so happy that I started my social work career as a DSS worker. I met some amazing friends that I wouldn't have made it through those trying days with out them. I learned more from the children on my caseload than I ever thought possible. There's a saying in the therapeutic world "If you can work at DSS, you can work anywhere" and boy is that true!
After 3 1/2 years I decided that DSS was no longer a good fit for me and I began looking for a new job. The reason why I went to grad. school for social work was to work in a school. It's always been my dream to do therapy with littles. I came across a job positing to be a elementary school therapist with Catholic Charities in a local school. I applied, got a job offer, accepted the job, and gave my 3 1/2 weeks notice all in a week. It was certainly meant to be!
I was very excited about starting this new venture. I had so much support from my husband, family, and friends to make this switch. Even with their support, I was a bit nervous. I had never done therapy before. I was used to working more in crisis situations rather than calm, therapeutic, slooow situations. With the support of my new supervisor I knew that this was a job I could definitely do. I am in an amazing school. The school itself if beautiful. It is newly renovated and is so freaking high tech! I'm still wondering when schools made the switch from chalkboards to smart boards. I swear I felt like I was in the science center for my first few weeks at school. The school atmosphere was so welcoming and happy. I am working with school staff that are so nice and helpful.
So here I am, about a month and a half in and I LOVE my job. My husband jokes almost every night when I'm sharing about my day because I always talk about how darn cute and sweet the kids are. I get so many hugs and pictures drawn for me each day. I see about 6-9 kids a day. It's exciting, it's low-key, and I already adore each and every child I work with. Because I work for Catholic Charities and not the school district, I work over the summer as well. Of course I would love to have summers off but I think this summer will be pretty mellow because so many of my kids will be on vacations.
Here are some pictures of what we use for play therapy! I will take pictures of my office this week and post those too!
xo, Mrs. Slem
