The Social Work Neighborhood
Conceived in 2024, we are a grassroots network of social workers devoted to fostering community and empowerment through mentorship in the social work field.
We welcome United States based social work professionals and students of all backgrounds and experience levels to join our supportive community. We aspire to be a neighborly space for support, career development, skill building, and ultimately, thriving in social work!
Mentorship: The influence, guidance, or direction given by a mentor.
Mentor: A trusted confidant or guide.
How Can I Become a Mentor?
Social workers are struggling! We are overworked, unsupported, underpaid, and more. It is essential that we have the space to come together with each other, build up a strong community, and show up for each other so we can have longevity in the field we love so much. If you want to give back to this beautiful community & build up the next generation of social workers, mentorship is for you!
After completing your mentor application, we will review your information and contact you to schedule a 30 minute interview so we can get a better sense of you and your style as a mentor. After this meeting, we will send over the Program Handbook, training materials, and other housekeeping paperwork, for you to complete as we begin the matching process.
Once we find a mentee that we feel aligns with you, we will send an introductory email to the both of you and the mentorship relationship has begun! If you have any questions or need any further support, we are here for you! Mentorship is a community effort & we are all here for each other.
Being involved in individual mentorship opens up an entire community of support from other social workers, an ever-growing library of free resources, access to free upcoming trainings and events & support group spaces for social workers. Not only are you giving back, but you receive support & resources as well!
Other Qualifications: Based in the U.S., at least a BSW and some professional, relevant experience.
How Can I Become a Mentee?
Social work is a beautiful field where we have the potential to thrive, but are often not supported. If you notice you are struggling, you need advice or perspective from a more seasoned social worker, you want to develop your career, or prevent burnout and promote longevity in social work, you can become a mentee!
After completing your mentee application, we will review your information and reach out if we have any questions about what you are looking for in mentorship. We will begin reviewing the mentors that are available and match you based on your priorities, goals, and needs.
During this process, we will send over the Program Handbook, other housekeeping paperwork, for you to complete as we are in the matching process.
Once we find a mentor that we feel aligns with you, we will send an introductory email to the both of you and the mentorship relationship has begun! If you have any questions or need any further support, we are here for you! Mentorship is a community effort & we are all here for each other.
Being involved in individual mentorship opens up an entire community of support from other social workers, an ever-growing library of free resources, access to free upcoming trainings and events & support group spaces for social workers.
Other Qualifications: Open to those in the United States that are actively in the field or currently working towards a Social Work degree.
Contact
Please fill out this form for program questions or inquiries about business, collaboration, or partnership.
If you are interested in the program, please submit mentor applications here . Mentee applications are currently closed.
Do not fill out this contact form if you want to apply to the mentoring program.
Email
info@socialworkneighborhood.org
Mentorship fills the gaps of our social work education & gives us tangible support & meaningful relationships.
— Laura Swanson, Co-Founder & Executive Director