I always knew I didn’t want to go into private practice.
Nothing against the comfy couches and soft lamps. I just knew my place was where the chaos, paperwork, and people all collide. Where the bus schedule and the crisis live in the same 10 minutes.
#BehindTheDesk
Nothing against the comfy couches and soft lamps. I just knew my place was where the chaos, paperwork, and people all collide. Where the bus schedule and the crisis live in the same 10 minutes.
#BehindTheDesk
November 19, 2025 at 8:54 PM
I always knew I didn’t want to go into private practice.
Nothing against the comfy couches and soft lamps. I just knew my place was where the chaos, paperwork, and people all collide. Where the bus schedule and the crisis live in the same 10 minutes.
#BehindTheDesk
Nothing against the comfy couches and soft lamps. I just knew my place was where the chaos, paperwork, and people all collide. Where the bus schedule and the crisis live in the same 10 minutes.
#BehindTheDesk
I've been on Bluesky a little over a year now and I've learned a lot. Posting on this platform did something unexpected. It gave me confidence and helped me find my voice. It taught me that I don't owe anyone my peace. It taught me to block and move on.
#BehindtheDesk
#BehindtheDesk
December 17, 2025 at 11:58 PM
I've been on Bluesky a little over a year now and I've learned a lot. Posting on this platform did something unexpected. It gave me confidence and helped me find my voice. It taught me that I don't owe anyone my peace. It taught me to block and move on.
#BehindtheDesk
#BehindtheDesk
They returned with a fresh resume, beaming as they secured an interview. Remember, shame stifles, but information empowers. Social workers need to help consumers view mistakes as lessons, not life sentences. Embrace growth, and you can laugh about it later. #BehindTheDesk
September 3, 2025 at 10:20 PM
They returned with a fresh resume, beaming as they secured an interview. Remember, shame stifles, but information empowers. Social workers need to help consumers view mistakes as lessons, not life sentences. Embrace growth, and you can laugh about it later. #BehindTheDesk
A consumer once handed me a resume written in Comic Sans. Comic. Sans. My brain screamed “oh no,” but my voice and face said, “Let’s talk.” Because mistakes don’t mean failure, they mean learning. Fonts matter, but so does how you treat people in their learning moments. #BehindTheDesk
September 3, 2025 at 10:20 PM
A consumer once handed me a resume written in Comic Sans. Comic. Sans. My brain screamed “oh no,” but my voice and face said, “Let’s talk.” Because mistakes don’t mean failure, they mean learning. Fonts matter, but so does how you treat people in their learning moments. #BehindTheDesk
Engagement isn’t aa complicated as we'd like to think. Many times clients get the full blame for not staying engaged. However, we also have a large part in staying connected. Engagement doesn't always mean big actions. Little things can make a big difference #SocialWork #BehindtheDesk
October 29, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Engagement isn’t aa complicated as we'd like to think. Many times clients get the full blame for not staying engaged. However, we also have a large part in staying connected. Engagement doesn't always mean big actions. Little things can make a big difference #SocialWork #BehindtheDesk
Burnout doesn’t fix itself.
Social workers: hydrate, set boundaries, lean on peers. Unionize or push your rep.
You can’t pour from an empty cup...especially when the cup is government-issued and already cracked.
#BurnoutIsReal #BehindTheDesk #CollectiveCare #SocialWorkersUnite
Social workers: hydrate, set boundaries, lean on peers. Unionize or push your rep.
You can’t pour from an empty cup...especially when the cup is government-issued and already cracked.
#BurnoutIsReal #BehindTheDesk #CollectiveCare #SocialWorkersUnite
June 11, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Burnout doesn’t fix itself.
Social workers: hydrate, set boundaries, lean on peers. Unionize or push your rep.
You can’t pour from an empty cup...especially when the cup is government-issued and already cracked.
#BurnoutIsReal #BehindTheDesk #CollectiveCare #SocialWorkersUnite
Social workers: hydrate, set boundaries, lean on peers. Unionize or push your rep.
You can’t pour from an empty cup...especially when the cup is government-issued and already cracked.
#BurnoutIsReal #BehindTheDesk #CollectiveCare #SocialWorkersUnite
The unhoused are not statistics. They are people. People with humor, grief, opinions, and dreams. If you stop long enough to listen, you’ll hear a lush tapestry of life that most never notice. That’s what I’ve learned behind the desk. #BehindTheDesk #Humanity
September 10, 2025 at 12:51 PM
The unhoused are not statistics. They are people. People with humor, grief, opinions, and dreams. If you stop long enough to listen, you’ll hear a lush tapestry of life that most never notice. That’s what I’ve learned behind the desk. #BehindTheDesk #Humanity
We need more voices saying out loud what people are already saying in private. If you’ve been hesitating to post because you’re afraid of backlash, please know that you’re not alone and your voice matters.
#BehindtheDesk
#BehindtheDesk
December 17, 2025 at 11:58 PM
We need more voices saying out loud what people are already saying in private. If you’ve been hesitating to post because you’re afraid of backlash, please know that you’re not alone and your voice matters.
#BehindtheDesk
#BehindtheDesk
I've said it before...we are all one wrong turn away from being unhoused...job loss, illness, bad luck. That’s what I’ve seen. Years ago, one woman I worked with was killed by a serial killer. It could have been any of us. #BehindTheDesk #RealityCheck
September 10, 2025 at 2:21 PM
I've said it before...we are all one wrong turn away from being unhoused...job loss, illness, bad luck. That’s what I’ve seen. Years ago, one woman I worked with was killed by a serial killer. It could have been any of us. #BehindTheDesk #RealityCheck
We don’t talk enough about the quiet burnout. The vicarious trauma. The constant need to keep it together so no one sees the cracks. It’s okay not to be okay; to ask for help. It’s ethical to ask for help. You’re still a good social worker, even when you’re the one who needs care.
#BehindTheDesk
#BehindTheDesk
October 8, 2025 at 5:04 PM
We don’t talk enough about the quiet burnout. The vicarious trauma. The constant need to keep it together so no one sees the cracks. It’s okay not to be okay; to ask for help. It’s ethical to ask for help. You’re still a good social worker, even when you’re the one who needs care.
#BehindTheDesk
#BehindTheDesk
Do I wish he had more time? Always. But I’m grateful he died happy, with dignity, on top of the world in his own space. That final chapter was his victory. Behind the desk, that’s a reminder I’ll never forget. #BehindTheDesk #SocialWork
September 10, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Do I wish he had more time? Always. But I’m grateful he died happy, with dignity, on top of the world in his own space. That final chapter was his victory. Behind the desk, that’s a reminder I’ll never forget. #BehindTheDesk #SocialWork
Happy Elizabeth Cady Stanton Day! Did you know that despite the majority of social workers being women, men tend to advance faster in the field? In my MSW cohort, there were fewer than 10 men. Let's work towards achieving true equality today!
#GenderEquality #SocialWork #BehindTheDesk
#GenderEquality #SocialWork #BehindTheDesk
November 12, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Happy Elizabeth Cady Stanton Day! Did you know that despite the majority of social workers being women, men tend to advance faster in the field? In my MSW cohort, there were fewer than 10 men. Let's work towards achieving true equality today!
#GenderEquality #SocialWork #BehindTheDesk
#GenderEquality #SocialWork #BehindTheDesk
Been on the front lines of agency social work for >20 years. I can spot a DHS newbie by their eagerness & hope. Seasoned workers just blink slowly like they’ve seen some things...and they have. Large caseloads and lack of resources take their toll. Burnout is real. #BehindTheDesk #BurnoutIsReal
June 11, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Been on the front lines of agency social work for >20 years. I can spot a DHS newbie by their eagerness & hope. Seasoned workers just blink slowly like they’ve seen some things...and they have. Large caseloads and lack of resources take their toll. Burnout is real. #BehindTheDesk #BurnoutIsReal
He spent years cycling through shelters, never giving up. Then he got the call: a voucher, an apartment, a couch of his own. It was his proudest moment. A week later, he died there (of natural causes)...in his home, on his couch...not in a shelter. #BehindTheDesk #Dignity
September 10, 2025 at 6:59 PM
He spent years cycling through shelters, never giving up. Then he got the call: a voucher, an apartment, a couch of his own. It was his proudest moment. A week later, he died there (of natural causes)...in his home, on his couch...not in a shelter. #BehindTheDesk #Dignity
I've witnessed the magic when people feel supported instead of judged. That's the perfect environment for personal growth! Let's embrace learning without fear of judgment. Remember, shame doesn't nurture skill building. #BehindTheDesk
September 3, 2025 at 3:45 PM
I've witnessed the magic when people feel supported instead of judged. That's the perfect environment for personal growth! Let's embrace learning without fear of judgment. Remember, shame doesn't nurture skill building. #BehindTheDesk
All those redundant forms? They don’t just eat staff time...they mean clients wait longer. When you lose 5 potential meetings a week to paperwork, access suffers. Systems should serve people, not the other way around. #BehindTheDesk
September 17, 2025 at 9:23 PM
All those redundant forms? They don’t just eat staff time...they mean clients wait longer. When you lose 5 potential meetings a week to paperwork, access suffers. Systems should serve people, not the other way around. #BehindTheDesk
“Here at [Agency], we’re like a family 🥰”
Cool. Does that mean I get to rest, be human, and not work through every holiday?
Because a lot of us are getting:
Guilt when we use PTO
Pressure to “flex” in ways that never flex our way
Expectations to cover “just one more” crisis
#BehindTheDesk
Cool. Does that mean I get to rest, be human, and not work through every holiday?
Because a lot of us are getting:
Guilt when we use PTO
Pressure to “flex” in ways that never flex our way
Expectations to cover “just one more” crisis
#BehindTheDesk
November 26, 2025 at 6:57 PM
“Here at [Agency], we’re like a family 🥰”
Cool. Does that mean I get to rest, be human, and not work through every holiday?
Because a lot of us are getting:
Guilt when we use PTO
Pressure to “flex” in ways that never flex our way
Expectations to cover “just one more” crisis
#BehindTheDesk
Cool. Does that mean I get to rest, be human, and not work through every holiday?
Because a lot of us are getting:
Guilt when we use PTO
Pressure to “flex” in ways that never flex our way
Expectations to cover “just one more” crisis
#BehindTheDesk
Starting where someone is doesn’t mean setting the bar low. It means listening to your client and helping with the navigation until they learn their way.
At some point, your belief in them will begin to rub off. That’s when you step back and let them find their way.
#BehindTheDesk
---
4/4
At some point, your belief in them will begin to rub off. That’s when you step back and let them find their way.
#BehindTheDesk
---
4/4
August 20, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Starting where someone is doesn’t mean setting the bar low. It means listening to your client and helping with the navigation until they learn their way.
At some point, your belief in them will begin to rub off. That’s when you step back and let them find their way.
#BehindTheDesk
---
4/4
At some point, your belief in them will begin to rub off. That’s when you step back and let them find their way.
#BehindTheDesk
---
4/4
Social workers, remember: your reaction can impact a learning opportunity. Stay non-judgmental. If someone makes a mistake, approach it as a teaching moment. Knowledge empowers, while shame diminishes. Let's focus on nurturing skills and boosting confidence. #Empowerment #BehindTheDesk
September 3, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Social workers, remember: your reaction can impact a learning opportunity. Stay non-judgmental. If someone makes a mistake, approach it as a teaching moment. Knowledge empowers, while shame diminishes. Let's focus on nurturing skills and boosting confidence. #Empowerment #BehindTheDesk
I started this journey at 100 followers in June. I’m now at 13.5k and growing. I do my best to be authentic and honest; to post with integrity. My growth is owed, in part, to the awesome people on this platform. I haven't stopped caring, but I HAVE stopped giving up my peace.
#BehindtheDesk
December 17, 2025 at 11:58 PM
I started this journey at 100 followers in June. I’m now at 13.5k and growing. I do my best to be authentic and honest; to post with integrity. My growth is owed, in part, to the awesome people on this platform. I haven't stopped caring, but I HAVE stopped giving up my peace.
#BehindtheDesk
Burnout isn’t just feeling tired. It’s emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and the creeping sense you’re not making a difference. Sound familiar?
You’re not broken. The system is.
#BurnoutIsReal #BehindTheDesk #SocialWorkersUnite
You’re not broken. The system is.
#BurnoutIsReal #BehindTheDesk #SocialWorkersUnite
June 11, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Burnout isn’t just feeling tired. It’s emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and the creeping sense you’re not making a difference. Sound familiar?
You’re not broken. The system is.
#BurnoutIsReal #BehindTheDesk #SocialWorkersUnite
You’re not broken. The system is.
#BurnoutIsReal #BehindTheDesk #SocialWorkersUnite
One of the most frustrating parts of social work is the technology. Case management systems should be user friendly. However, I have yet to meet one that was intuitive. Pressing 5 buttons just to log a case note should not be a thing. Somedays I miss my old paper notes.
#BehindTheDesk
#BehindTheDesk
December 10, 2025 at 6:16 PM
One of the most frustrating parts of social work is the technology. Case management systems should be user friendly. However, I have yet to meet one that was intuitive. Pressing 5 buttons just to log a case note should not be a thing. Somedays I miss my old paper notes.
#BehindTheDesk
#BehindTheDesk
“Start where the client is” sometimes means being the person willing to take that first step with them.
Not for them. Not ahead of them. With them.
Let them borrow your confidence until they have their own.
#BehindTheDesk
4/4
Not for them. Not ahead of them. With them.
Let them borrow your confidence until they have their own.
#BehindTheDesk
4/4
August 20, 2025 at 4:26 PM
“Start where the client is” sometimes means being the person willing to take that first step with them.
Not for them. Not ahead of them. With them.
Let them borrow your confidence until they have their own.
#BehindTheDesk
4/4
Not for them. Not ahead of them. With them.
Let them borrow your confidence until they have their own.
#BehindTheDesk
4/4
We throw the word “burnout” around in social work a lot.
We don’t talk enough about grief.
Grief when a case goes badly.
Grief when a client disappears.
Grief when someone you’ve been walking with is harmed or dies.
This isn’t you being “too sensitive.” This is what caring does.
#BehindTheDesk
We don’t talk enough about grief.
Grief when a case goes badly.
Grief when a client disappears.
Grief when someone you’ve been walking with is harmed or dies.
This isn’t you being “too sensitive.” This is what caring does.
#BehindTheDesk
November 26, 2025 at 11:23 PM
We throw the word “burnout” around in social work a lot.
We don’t talk enough about grief.
Grief when a case goes badly.
Grief when a client disappears.
Grief when someone you’ve been walking with is harmed or dies.
This isn’t you being “too sensitive.” This is what caring does.
#BehindTheDesk
We don’t talk enough about grief.
Grief when a case goes badly.
Grief when a client disappears.
Grief when someone you’ve been walking with is harmed or dies.
This isn’t you being “too sensitive.” This is what caring does.
#BehindTheDesk
I’ve learned more from my clients than I ever did in grad school. About grief. About resilience. About humor in the worst of circumstances. This work is a masterclass in the human experience...if you’re willing to listen. #BehindTheDesk
July 30, 2025 at 3:52 PM
I’ve learned more from my clients than I ever did in grad school. About grief. About resilience. About humor in the worst of circumstances. This work is a masterclass in the human experience...if you’re willing to listen. #BehindTheDesk