Why Hesha Avtzon Chose Social Work

What inspired you to pursue the Social Work?

I knew I wanted to help people but I wasn’t sure in which field. When Sara Schenirer introduced their Master of Social Work program in 2019, I realized that it was a good fit for my personality and that I could flourish as a social worker. The program allowed me to gain a degree in a frum environment and prepared me for a career with many opportunities and flexible work options.

How prepared did you feel when you first started? What surprised you most about your classes?

After graduating with my Bachelor of Science degree from Sara Schenirer, I felt very prepared for my graduate courses. I had already developed good study habits and I knew how to write reports well, and I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of the professors. Each of them was a master in their field with a specialty in a different area. Hearing them speak from their experience and teach using their scope of knowledge was exceptional.

What has been your favorite part of your experience so far? Most challenging?

I loved being in school and always enjoyed the lively discussions with teachers and classmates. One of my favorite parts of class was hearing from professors about their personal experiences and then tying them back to the theories we were learning in class. The anecdotes also helped illustrate the values and ethics social workers need to abide by.

The program has a required internship component, and going to work in the field for the first time can be very intimidating. No matter how much you study in the classroom, you learn the most by being in the field, but the transition can be challenging. The program directors supported and guided me during my experience, and I also had a wonderful supervisor who was there for me throughout my internship. I would advise students to take their internships very seriously even though they may find it challenging. The job will test their abilities, but the experience will lead to them feeling more confident in the field. Growth can be painful, but it's necessary to evolve.

How would you describe the support you receive from Sara Schenirer staff and professors?

The support is phenomenal! There is always someone to call who will answer questions and provide guidance. The instructors are very responsive and easily reached by email. I had a supervisor in the social work program who was readily available and met with me at least once a week. I felt that I had very personalized attention.

What are your goals after earning your degree?

I went into the program open to different areas of social work and wasn’t sure which specific population I wanted to work with. My internship placement was at a high school and I realized that I liked working with school-age children. After graduating, I remained in that area and worked as a care manager in an elementary school.

How did you find your position, can you describe what you do, and how do you feel your education prepared you for your current career?

Social workers are always in demand, so someone from my community reached out and offered me a position. I was fortunate to have the flexibility to choose my hours so that my schedule fit with my needs at the time. I worked two full days at the school and helped students navigate all types of social and emotional issues. I taught them how to deal with anxiety, how to make friends, and how to process emotions. My education not only provided me with the knowledge and skills to succeed in my role, but it also gave me the self-esteem and assurance to know that I can make a difference in my client’s lives.  

Is this a field you would recommend to other frum women and men? Why or why not?

Social workers are very needed and I feel that the frum community can always use more professionals. I recommend the field because there are many ways to tailor a career to suit your individual strengths and there can also be a good deal of flexibility with scheduling. There’s lots of potential for growth and the ability to find a path that works well for you.

In addition to your position, what are some other ways to use your degree in your chosen field or in another field (if applicable)?

Having my degree has led to many opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. It opens doors to job prospects and I’ve already earned back my tuition multiple times over. A degree in social work can be used in a wide variety of ways including individual counseling, group therapy, fieldwork, casework, and working within community organizations. The options are endless. One of my favorite positions I’ve ever had was returning to the classroom and serving as an instructor in a social work course at Sara Schenirer.

What is the job market like? Are jobs easy to obtain, flexible, and growth-oriented?

Agencies are always looking to hire social workers so it’s fairly easy to find a job. With additional experience comes additional career options, and once you find your niche even more opportunities will arise.

Can you give an idea of starting salaries in the industry and how one moves up?

It’s difficult to give a number because a lot depends on where a person is located and what type of social work they’re practicing. A good rule of thumb is that after graduation, starting salaries are initially on the lower end because new social workers are required to complete additional supervised hours prior to taking a licensing exam. Once one acquires a license, however, salaries generally increase along with new opportunities including the ability to go into private practice.