Sam Medley

Some states allow social workers licensed in other states to work within their borders without applying for a new license. This is called a license reciprocity agreement. Unfortunately, these agreements are relatively rare. Illinois is one of many states with no formal reciprocity agreements with other states. However, if you’re a licensed social worker in […]

In Illinois, social work licensure is heavily regulated. No one can work under the title of social worker without a state-issued license. But such laws aren’t in place as some bureaucratic scheme. They protect vulnerable people and promote trust, consistency, and accountability in the state’s social service workforce. If you’d like to become a social

Named after the Roman goddess of the dawn, Aurora, Illinois, spreads across both sides of the Fox River. Though it’s technically in the Chicago metropolitan area, Aurora is a city all its own. In fact, it’s home to three school districts, dozens of healthcare providers, and a vibrant social work community that serves every segment

For much of its history, Naperville, Illinois, was a quiet rural town. But as Chicago expanded, so did Naperville. In 1960, its six-square-mile city limit grew by over 1,500 acres. By the 1990s, its population tripled. Cities across the country have experienced similarly explosive growth, but unlike many of them, Naperville kept its growing pains

As the state capital, the second largest city in Illinois outside of the Chicago metro, and President Lincoln’s longtime home, Springfield has a lot to be proud of. And if you’re looking to start a career in social work in Illinois outside of Chicago, Springfield might just be your best option. According to the Bureau

In many ways, Peoria is the quintessential midwestern city. While its location along the Illinois River lends it a quaint, scenic quality, its population of about 110,000 people supports a robust economy and local culture. Whether you want to tour a historic distillery or need specialized medical treatment, Peoria is the place to be. But

With almost 60,000 professionals working within its borders, Chicago has the third largest social service workforce in the nation, beaten only by Los Angeles and New York City. But while the Windy City and its coastal cousins share similar issues, its midwestern-meets-metropolitan culture creates a social landscape unlike any other — for better and for

One of the best things about a career in social work is that there are so many rewarding paths to explore. And with a Master of Social Work (MSW), your horizons can be that much broader and brighter. In fact, the MSW is increasingly becoming the gold standard because of the advanced education graduate students

One of the main reasons to earn a Masters in Social Work (MSW) is that it can help you help more people. As you dive into classes about advanced intervention techniques, organizational leadership, and meeting the complex needs of specific populations, you become an expert. Your passion grows and your skills sharpen. But like other

In many ways, a career in social work is unlike any other. It’s where the ethics of the greater good meet the science of human behavior. And as heartbreaking as the job can be, it can bring hope and justice to individuals, families, and entire communities. But while passion and empathy may have led you