Social worker and psychotherapist Simone Bloch gives advice and insight on the career

By Jane Hedges

Photo of Simone Bloch. [Photo courtesy of Simone Bloch via curt-bloch.com]

Simone Bloch did not always envision herself in social work. Her path took shape later, stemming from transformative experiences in her own therapy. After learning to be both supportive and inquisitive, she realized she could use these strengths to guide others through their personal challenges. 

Bloch began her career in 1999 at the age of 40 and has since become a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist in New York City. 

Bloch attended Columbia University where she got a master’s degree in fine arts, and later went on to get her masters in social work at Hunter school of social work. She established a private practice while completing psychoanalytic training that later included psychotherapy in her career. 

Social work originally looked at the problems people had, instead of noting the strength and knowledge these challenges can cultivate. Bloch emphasizes the need to “be nimble enough to see that a deficit can be a strength,” a mindset she considers vital for social workers. 

Bloch acknowledges that social work is often an undervalued and underpaid profession, which can lead to high rates of burnout. To address this, she advises individuals to reflect on their skills and knowledge to identity the populations they can best support. This self-awareness can guide social workers in focusing their efforts where they can make the biggest impact, and the financial aspect would matter less. 

Social workers in the U.S have a median salary of $48,000, but those with private practices often have higher salaries. Earnings also vary by degree level; those with a master’s degree typically earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree. Those with a master’s degree often have higher salaries in fields like international affairs, national security, education, executive roles, and healthcare. 

There are various state specific requirements to become a social worker. At minimum you must have a bachelor’s degree in social work, and often a master’s degree in social work, some also obtain a PhD in social work. Students must complete fieldwork and a set number of supervised clinical hours as well. Most states require social workers to be licensed by obtaining a Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential to work directly with clients. 

Bloch started her private practice shortly after getting her master’s in social work.

“I’ve been pretty lucky because I came to this late in life” she says. “It’s a great career to grow old in because having life experience really helps.” She encourages young people to gain experience in other areas, like union work, community organizing, and politics, before going into social work.  

Bloch acknowledges the challenges she faced starting her career, noting, 

“It is not easy starting a private practice, so that can be discouraging,” Bloch explained.

She advises young social workers to gain experience in various areas of social work before diving into private practice. In her case, Bloch began her practice later in life, a decision she believes facilitated a smoother transition and career start. 

Social work considers structural and political realities and is rooted in practice-based approaches that promote social change, cohesion, development, and the empowerment of individuals and communities. There are over 20 specializations in the field, each focusing on different aspects of community support and advocacy, making it an impactful career path. 

Some may view certain areas of social work as more challenging than others.

“It’s not really all that different where you’re working, you’re working to help the individual either way,” she said.

 It’s also important to consider which area aligns with your strengths and where you are most likely to succeed. 

Personal experiences can often be a powerful tool to help others facing similar challenges. Additionally, a deeper understanding of structural inequities enables social workers to advocate more effectively for improved rights and policies. This knowledge and these skills are critical for social workers to possess.  

Other important skills a social worker can have, according to Bloch, is knowing how to listen, knowing how to ask questions worth asking, and having the ability to be self-critical and self-aware, which is “an easy thing to say, then to actually realize.” The intention of what you are trying to do and what the client needs is critical to acknowledge in social work.  

Social work is a demanding and challenging profession, but it plays a vital role in supporting individuals and communities. Bloch emphasizes the importance of self-reflection before entering the field, urging potential social workers to ask themselves, “Why am I doing this? Why does it appeal to me? Where does the desire to do this come from?”