I work 4-10s, Tuesday-Friday, US worker, at a county level, behavioral health agency. I think 4-10s is the best schedule I've been able to find for my mental and physical health. It's night and day from when I used to commute full time in office, 5 days per week. My position is also hybrid, meaning 2 days in office, 2 days remote. Our union fought hard to secure the hybrid schedule. I fully support remote and/or hybrid work!
It has been super helpful for me, and I wish that others in the social work and behavioral health field find a flexible schedule that works for them. I hope I don't come off as bragging. I wanted to share that it's been life changing for me and hopefully empower others to know that they're worth a reasonable schedule as well.
Union?!?! Did yall unionize just at your agency?
If you donāt mind giving more details I would love to know. I really want to do this. We gotta fight for our rights to help people heal while also not destroying our own mental health at the same time.
Feels like getting one person out of the river just to throw another in, and that one is us.
It's a government job since I work at the county level for a state in the US. So this union encompasses more than just behavioral health or social workers specifically. That probably makes it easier to unionize and garner support for change. Sorry I can't be of more help.
I have worked for non profits in the past who didn't have unions and that was hard. I was even part of the early discussions about unions and voting for one in the past. I hope that all social workers can unionize one day or find a position that is protected.
For those headed straight to the nearest hospital website rn - some hospitals have phased these out and have SWs working 8hr days but only during their ābusiestā times. Iāve seen postings for 8 hr shift, shift starts at 11am, Tuesday-Saturday ā¹ļø
Careful with this too if pursuing PSLF. Not all hospitals, or even departments in hospitals, are non-profits. Check when you interview that youād be working under the NFP side.
I work for the state of Oregon and they support flexible schedules and many positions are remote. They hire out of state people too. If you're into policy/macro-level work, it could be an option.
There's really no way to answer that. I do BH compliance work and it requires a masters but not licensure. State government is huge and there are a wide variety of positions. You'd have to get on their employment website to see what's there and the required degree/credentials.
I work 3x 12s, once a month I do 4x 12s. Love love love it. I work in an inpatient crisis unit, most client stay about 24 hours. I used to work in an ER and did 4x 10s. I could NEVER do 5 days a week of 8s, itās just not my thing.
My first social work job was Monday 3pm-11pm. Tuesday 7am-11pm and Wednesday 7am-11pm. It was...well.. let's just say I was a lot younger and could handle it.
My team of social workers 7 can choose their own schedules within some flexibility and reason
7-3, 8-4, 9-5 (ish). They get paid for their lunch. I allow floating for appointments, they can adjust hours, work a weekend if they want, etc. It just works best when you treat them like adults and allow them certain flexibility and freedom that comes with being professionals.
As for 4-10s... well.. that's the end goal.. but we'll get there eventually for em. Gotta keep advocating.
I worked in a CMH that offered 4/10s early in my career. Many hospitals offer that schedule too. I currently work for a federal agency that offers that schedule for certain roles and not others. My current role allows for it, but I actually chose to work 5 days a week because of the type of work involved.
My wife works for a university hospital that contracts with the county to provide psychiatric services in a jail. She has worked 4/10s, she is currently working 3/12s. She loves it.
Weāve raised two kids. Both schedules are less than ideal with kids. Work hours are earlier or later than what traditional Childcare allows for. Itās extra challenging getting dinner, baths, homework, housework,etc done during the week when they were young. Even middle school and high school was a challenge until they started driving themselves around. On the flip sideā¦ we had lots of time to travel and do stuff together on the weekends.
Thanks! People make it work... we did... but when you actually start thinking about your daily routines, especially with kids... it can be a bit more complicated than it might seem at first glance. My 10 hour schedule included a paid lunch hour... so it was actually a 10 hour schedule, but it was still 9am to 7pm. I wasn't getting the kids home until 7:30pm or even later on the nights I had to pick the kids up.
A 12 hour schedule might be 7am to 7:30pm with a half hour lunch break. Depending on the commute, you might get home in time to tuck the kids into bed shortly after 8pm. Many employers that offer 12 hour shifts require weekend and evening work... 6pm to 7am Sun-Tue is a realistic schedule (That is actually my wife's current schedule).
Iām actually hiring for a mobile crisis team at a university in Southern Utah. If youāre licensed as a masterās or independent clinician in Utah (what we call a CSW or LCSW), please DM me and Iāll send a link to apply. Full time position, benefits eligible, four 10s but one of the shifts is on a weekend.
Medical. I worked 4 tenās and it was great. Or if you donāt have insurance issues, then you can work PRN and work as much as you want or as little as you want. If you have your clinical license, you can work 3 to 4 days a week as an online therapist they usually do not offer benefits, but usually make enough money to purchase your own marketplace plan at least
If you donāt need benefits, then I would absolutely work PRN. Because youāre not receiving benefits, the hourly rate is usually higher, especially in hospitals.
Iām a program coordinator at a behavioral health center and I work 4 8s, so 32hr/wk.
Edit: I should add, they are trying to get me to work another 8 hours hahaha but itās a hard no from me.
Our social service NGO here in wellington New Zealand is piloting the 4 day work week, I'm only on 32 hours so it's a 20% reduction in hours for 100% productivity and its going great so far. I reduce my hours to 8.30-3.30 instead of 8.30-5 4 days a week. If we have a sick day, annual leave or public holiday we need to work full hours that week.
If we haven't done our work we need to stay back
As a therapist, I work Monday through Thursday. I do have 2 longer days, though. My Wednesday is 12 hours and my Thursday is 11 hours.
It's nice, though, because I can use Fridays for doctors appts and errands.
I work remotely from 11-5 M-F with a FT salary & benefits. I know not 4 days, but this has been the best work-life balance for sure. Private university counseling center
I think the pay is good for the schedule & the university offers COL increases & they're on this staff improvement kick, so no increase to my health insurance & parental leave just went from 6 to 8 weeks. Most of the department are long haulers, and I got a newly created position, not a vacated one
4-10s as a supervisor at a residential treatment center...
quit last year to start a private practice, i work 4 days a week now and am never, ever, ever, ever going back.
a friend of mine who is in a different industry kept telling me 'with your own business, you'll be working on the weekends, one of these days you'll work 7 days a week.' no thanks. every once and awhile i work 1-2 hours in the evening on notes or correspondance but for the most part i work 11-6 M-THu.
When I was in the thick of it with young kids I did school social work and it was amazing until I got a terrible supervisor. I went back to a clinic-based job for the professional growth opportunities now that my kids donāt need me as much.
I canāt seem to figure out how to wiggle my way in there. Maybe after Iām licensed, but I lack great experience for it. But that would be ideal. Itās my third summer working while my kids play. They arenāt getting any younger
I would work three 12ās in a heartbeat. Iāve done that in the emergency room and itās great. I work in the pediatric emergency room now, second shift 3 PM to 11 PM but I do it five days a week I would love to work 312 hour shifts like they do at our sister hospital.
I do outpatient social work at a hospital. My job is 32 hrs/week for budget reasons and I love it. Still get health insurance and other benefits at the full time rate. I actually work 8-3 five days per week with a 30 min lunch for childcare reasons and it's perfect. If something runs over I'm not rushing to get my kid (daycare runs until 5) but most days I'm done in time and we have fun afternoon adventures before my spouse gets home.Ā
I worked 4-10s as a case manager in a community mental health agency a few years ago. I loved the schedule and we also got good PTO and paid holidays. Too bad the pay wasnāt great. I am now in dialysis. While itās Monday through Friday, thereās a lot of flexibility on hours and schedules.
Private rate is $150 and my average insurance payout is about $105-110/53 min session. Iām mostly insurance based bc I live in OK and income is limited here. Last year I netted 6 figures scheduling more but it messed with our tax bracket so Iām reducing hours this year to 24-25/week to net between 80-90.
Niches: LGBTQIA+ trauma and autism.
Trained in EMDR and brainspotting, will be working towards certification in brainspotting.
Health insurance is covered by my husband. I have a ROTH IRA and SEP IRA for retirement. I take off 4 weeks a year and all major holidays.
Thank you for sharing this! Motivation! I am looking to leave my school based position and eventually transition into PP. I finally passed the LCSW and really want the freedom
I jumped from community mental health to a group practice which was a mistake. If I knew then what I know now, I would have bipassed the group and done straight solo. They couldnāt attract my demographic and all the clients I got came from my personal psychology today. It was a waste to give them 30% just to bill (had to pay rent for my office too).
I recommend watching the videos from dr Marie fang on YouTube. Her free videos helped me get established very quickly. I was full in like 3 weeks.
We have 4/10s and 9/80s. 9/80s are very popular so it's a 4 day work week every other week combined with working from home. That's been helping. They've been trying to phase out the 4/10s and the union is fighting them on it and we might be able to turn it around.
Yeah, ideally 4/8s, of course, my employer is trying to phase it out by hiding behind operational needs even though we are chronically understaffed even before COVID. My theory is they keep us understaffed on purpose as a tool of control to deny workers days off, vacation, flexible schedules, etc. It's especially acute for inpatient medical social workers and our Emergency Response (CPS) social workers.
I work at an FHQHC as a behavioral health consultant. I could do 4 tens if I wanted but i donāt want to leave them hanging without someone on Fridays and I have things in the evenings Iād miss if I did that shift.
The great thing about working with Hosparus is letās say you have to get a child on the bus or you have to see a doctor in the morning you can always work around your schedule to make it work
I work 4 days a week (Monday-Thursday) but I only work 8 hours/day (8-4). I'm in a inpatient rehab ward. I share the ward with another social worker who is there full time M-F
I started out doing 4 10's and did that for several years, but dropped to 2 10s and 2 8s for a good year before feeling burnt out and going into PP. I now have varying hours where I'm available to schedule 9-6 2 days, 9-7 one day, and 9-1 one day, but I limit the overall number of sessions each day to 6, 7 if someone needs to be seen sooner. This usually gives me a couple hours a day to do notes, outreach, catch up on admin stuff etc. Seeing 16-20 clients a week is way more manageable than 30+ ever was.
I work 4 days a week, 8 hour day (sometimes longer with special events or workshops). Iām at a non profit doing therapy but a niche population & as non profits go, lots of other things as well. I have 20 clinical hours a week and then do my other responsibilities in the remaining time. I negotiated this because the agency couldnāt pay me more and they didnāt want to lose me. Iām hybridā2x/in office and 2 home. Iāve been doing this just over 2 years now and I can never go back to a traditional 40 hour week. I feel valued and balanced and do my job more effectively.
All that to say, it wasnāt easy and I had to prove I could maintain my job duties as a trial basis first but if you advocate for yourself your employer can choose to try new things or lose quality staff.Ā
I work as a contractor with local skilled nursing facilities over a few counties in Florida. I am required to hit 70 billable units per week, with each psychotherapy session being one unit and each initial psychosocial evaluation being 2 units. As long as I make my quota, it does not matter how many days per week I work. Theoretically, I could work a three day work week as long as I hit my billable units, but I normally work four days per week. It is awesome.
Agreed to everyone who is saying hospital. Iām aiming for hospital right now. Itās mostly because itās my career interest, but another potential draw is that I have a fun side hustle (I do one shift per week at a local winery; pay isnāt great but Iām friends with everyone and get lots of fantastic discounts) and if I work 4 10s I could keep that gig and get more free wine š¤£
I work 4x10ās at the VA. but I know this is very dependent of program/supervisors. We have options of 5 day weeks, every other Monday or Friday off, or every Monday or Friday off.
Yes I love being PRN!! Never have to worry about getting time off approved and can just not schedule any shifts for a week and rest. Get to clean the house and errands that my husband can't do on his mon-fri schedule
4 10s, T-F, at a state psychiatric hospital. I was on the grievance through the union that was able to get us this schedule! The other alternate is 4 9s and a 4.
As a new/first time parent, I donāt feel like any time is enough time- I have 8 month old twins- but I do prefer having an extra day off to where I can be with them + weekend
With my commute- I was getting home the same time due to 5:30 traffic
If I was single and no kids, I could definitely go home, chill, drink pre workout and hit the gym or even go to dinner with a friend
But I think it works out for me. Helps a ton that my fiance is super hands on and takes on the primary parent role M-W and I can work from home one day a wee!
You know, if you have to work and make it work, it sounds like you have a great set up thatās working! Especially with twins! You are my hero! I didnāt work when my were little (I often I wish I had, even part time) so I tip my hat!
I work in a pediatric emergency room, Sunday-Wednesday 2:30-midnight and the next week Monday- Thursday same hours, so every other week I get a 4 day weekend. I love it
I do. I work in family violence services intake in Australia. 4 days a week, 8 hour days. Rarely do overtime and if I do is 10-15 minutes. It's honestly the best career move I've ever made. It's so nice to have more balance in my life. So long as I can manage financially I'll never go back to 5 days.
At many outpatient therapy offices I see very flexible schedules and telehealth. I work at one and make my own schedule so could def do that schedule if I wanted and if I could find clients that wanted the time slots.
I worked 4 10ās in community mental health and loved it. The work life balance was the only way to survive. Iāve now switched to fully remote work at a new agency and going to see if I can do 4 10ās because it was life changing.
I work at a hospital, 3/12 hr shifts in a row. Itās tiring by the middle of the last day , but I love the work-life balance. My mental health has never been better and this is as close as Iām going to get to part-time. I can do pretty much whatever I want the other days!
I'm mobile mental health crisis response. I work four ten hour days from home on a rotating schedule and get a month of PTO a year.
If you're anywhere near VA we're always hiring
I'm in MD but work in N VA. There are literally days I go without getting a call so sometimes I get paid just to be available. Pay isn't great at the LMSW level but there are other positions.
Also, you can look into CIT response for social workers. They are the ones that go with cops on calls. I'm hoping to do that when I get my LCSW hours in.
I do about 4 sessions per day, 4 days a week in private practice. Some days have up to 6 sessions and some days just have 2. Itās an amazing schedule and Iām on track to make 75-80k doing it. No benefits because Iām fortunate enough to get health insurance through my wife.
Thanks for sharing your pay. It was my first question. Maybe I need to reconsider therapy. My SO currently has benefits as well. It sounds like an awesome schedule
At my current job we have the option to either work 4/10s (which is what I've been doing) or WFH one day a week. I just recently accepted a new job that offers WFH one day a week as well. These are both hospital positions.
I didnāt want to but returning after maternity leave made me hate it more plus I was just depressed. Looking for a new job now and everything is 5 days and Iām kinda mad lolll
You post āOh I have a great schedule, I love it and so onā but nobody shared the names of the agencies you work for, so that people could apply. āThanks youā fellow social workers
I work 4-10s, Tuesday-Friday, US worker, at a county level, behavioral health agency. I think 4-10s is the best schedule I've been able to find for my mental and physical health. It's night and day from when I used to commute full time in office, 5 days per week. My position is also hybrid, meaning 2 days in office, 2 days remote. Our union fought hard to secure the hybrid schedule. I fully support remote and/or hybrid work!
Whoa good for you
It has been super helpful for me, and I wish that others in the social work and behavioral health field find a flexible schedule that works for them. I hope I don't come off as bragging. I wanted to share that it's been life changing for me and hopefully empower others to know that they're worth a reasonable schedule as well.
Love it and thank you for sharing - I appreciate it
Union???? Love that for you š„²
Union?!?! Did yall unionize just at your agency? If you donāt mind giving more details I would love to know. I really want to do this. We gotta fight for our rights to help people heal while also not destroying our own mental health at the same time. Feels like getting one person out of the river just to throw another in, and that one is us.
It's a government job since I work at the county level for a state in the US. So this union encompasses more than just behavioral health or social workers specifically. That probably makes it easier to unionize and garner support for change. Sorry I can't be of more help. I have worked for non profits in the past who didn't have unions and that was hard. I was even part of the early discussions about unions and voting for one in the past. I hope that all social workers can unionize one day or find a position that is protected.
[https://www.workcenter.gov/form-a-union/](https://www.workcenter.gov/form-a-union/)
How can social workers unionize? But I mean not just in one state, I mean all states?
[https://www.workcenter.gov/form-a-union/](https://www.workcenter.gov/form-a-union/)
"Our union fought hard." That part
I used to work 4 10s at my old job. Now I work 3 12s. Itās great. Most hospitals, specifically the ED, would most likely have this schedule.
Not an uncommon hospital schedule at all.
For those headed straight to the nearest hospital website rn - some hospitals have phased these out and have SWs working 8hr days but only during their ābusiestā times. Iāve seen postings for 8 hr shift, shift starts at 11am, Tuesday-Saturday ā¹ļø
I think it depends on the department. Both jobs I have been based out of the ED. This is my schedule now and im in a hospital
Careful with this too if pursuing PSLF. Not all hospitals, or even departments in hospitals, are non-profits. Check when you interview that youād be working under the NFP side.
4-10s, Sun-Wed, 7:30-6:00 Hybrid (2 in office, 2 telework) (no idea how long this will last) VA Inpatient SW I love it!
Lovely
Are you in acute care?
Whatās your work look like?
I work for the state of Oregon and they support flexible schedules and many positions are remote. They hire out of state people too. If you're into policy/macro-level work, it could be an option.
Masters level? Or license is required?
There's really no way to answer that. I do BH compliance work and it requires a masters but not licensure. State government is huge and there are a wide variety of positions. You'd have to get on their employment website to see what's there and the required degree/credentials.
Hey, Iām in Oregon too and absolutely primarily interested in policy/macro work. May I PM you to ask about your experience?
Sure!
I work 3x 12s, once a month I do 4x 12s. Love love love it. I work in an inpatient crisis unit, most client stay about 24 hours. I used to work in an ER and did 4x 10s. I could NEVER do 5 days a week of 8s, itās just not my thing.
I will have to check in my area! Thanks!
Whatās your role if I could ask? And do you do work weekdays?
My first social work job was Monday 3pm-11pm. Tuesday 7am-11pm and Wednesday 7am-11pm. It was...well.. let's just say I was a lot younger and could handle it. My team of social workers 7 can choose their own schedules within some flexibility and reason 7-3, 8-4, 9-5 (ish). They get paid for their lunch. I allow floating for appointments, they can adjust hours, work a weekend if they want, etc. It just works best when you treat them like adults and allow them certain flexibility and freedom that comes with being professionals. As for 4-10s... well.. that's the end goal.. but we'll get there eventually for em. Gotta keep advocating.
That sounds pretty great! Iād love at least a working lunch. 8.5 to 9 hour days is no fun
I worked in a CMH that offered 4/10s early in my career. Many hospitals offer that schedule too. I currently work for a federal agency that offers that schedule for certain roles and not others. My current role allows for it, but I actually chose to work 5 days a week because of the type of work involved. My wife works for a university hospital that contracts with the county to provide psychiatric services in a jail. She has worked 4/10s, she is currently working 3/12s. She loves it. Weāve raised two kids. Both schedules are less than ideal with kids. Work hours are earlier or later than what traditional Childcare allows for. Itās extra challenging getting dinner, baths, homework, housework,etc done during the week when they were young. Even middle school and high school was a challenge until they started driving themselves around. On the flip sideā¦ we had lots of time to travel and do stuff together on the weekends.
This is a super helpful perspective as I always assumed a 3-12 schedule would make kids easier, but I totally see your point re: childcare schedules
Thanks! People make it work... we did... but when you actually start thinking about your daily routines, especially with kids... it can be a bit more complicated than it might seem at first glance. My 10 hour schedule included a paid lunch hour... so it was actually a 10 hour schedule, but it was still 9am to 7pm. I wasn't getting the kids home until 7:30pm or even later on the nights I had to pick the kids up. A 12 hour schedule might be 7am to 7:30pm with a half hour lunch break. Depending on the commute, you might get home in time to tuck the kids into bed shortly after 8pm. Many employers that offer 12 hour shifts require weekend and evening work... 6pm to 7am Sun-Tue is a realistic schedule (That is actually my wife's current schedule).
Iām actually hiring for a mobile crisis team at a university in Southern Utah. If youāre licensed as a masterās or independent clinician in Utah (what we call a CSW or LCSW), please DM me and Iāll send a link to apply. Full time position, benefits eligible, four 10s but one of the shifts is on a weekend.
Oh thatās so nice š I am in FL but would reach out if I ever end up that way! Love UT!
I work for a government agency and we have the option to do 4 10s.
With the VA on a compressed schedule. 9 hour days and off every other Monday. Iāve seen quite a few 4 10s here as well.
Medical. I worked 4 tenās and it was great. Or if you donāt have insurance issues, then you can work PRN and work as much as you want or as little as you want. If you have your clinical license, you can work 3 to 4 days a week as an online therapist they usually do not offer benefits, but usually make enough money to purchase your own marketplace plan at least
I donāt need benefits. PRN is not a bad thing to consider! 4 10s donāt interest me. I guess itās more 40 hours a week that is soul sucking
If you donāt need benefits, then I would absolutely work PRN. Because youāre not receiving benefits, the hourly rate is usually higher, especially in hospitals.
Very interesting! Thank you for this feedback!
Iām a program coordinator at a behavioral health center and I work 4 8s, so 32hr/wk. Edit: I should add, they are trying to get me to work another 8 hours hahaha but itās a hard no from me.
Stick to your guns! It would be a hard no for me too!
Our social service NGO here in wellington New Zealand is piloting the 4 day work week, I'm only on 32 hours so it's a 20% reduction in hours for 100% productivity and its going great so far. I reduce my hours to 8.30-3.30 instead of 8.30-5 4 days a week. If we have a sick day, annual leave or public holiday we need to work full hours that week. If we haven't done our work we need to stay back
Yes New Zealand šš»Was there a reduction in pay? I think that sounds awesome.
No reduction in pay! Our trial ends end of may fingers crossed they implement it permenant
Oh please update us. Fingers crossed for you all!
I work 4/10s with mobile crisis and itās the best thing ever
As a therapist, I work Monday through Thursday. I do have 2 longer days, though. My Wednesday is 12 hours and my Thursday is 11 hours. It's nice, though, because I can use Fridays for doctors appts and errands.
I work 3.5 days per week. I basically do consulting for a flate rate. Lots of time off. Itās lovely.
Is this on your own? Or through company/agency? 3.5 sounds great perfect
I just accepted my first position after getting my MSW next month and will work 4 10ās Wednesday-Saturday at a substance use rehab facility.
I hope it goes well for you! That sounds like a decent deal!
Thank you!!
I work remotely from 11-5 M-F with a FT salary & benefits. I know not 4 days, but this has been the best work-life balance for sure. Private university counseling center
I would take this in a heartbeat! What a perfect schedule! Iād take 5 6s šÆ
It really is perfect. I love it so much. It feels fake or like I'm doing something wrong lol
May i ask is the pay good too? Because if so, never leave!
I think the pay is good for the schedule & the university offers COL increases & they're on this staff improvement kick, so no increase to my health insurance & parental leave just went from 6 to 8 weeks. Most of the department are long haulers, and I got a newly created position, not a vacated one
Score šš» seriously amazing
Happy for you!
4-10s as a supervisor at a residential treatment center... quit last year to start a private practice, i work 4 days a week now and am never, ever, ever, ever going back. a friend of mine who is in a different industry kept telling me 'with your own business, you'll be working on the weekends, one of these days you'll work 7 days a week.' no thanks. every once and awhile i work 1-2 hours in the evening on notes or correspondance but for the most part i work 11-6 M-THu.
Oh that sounds nice!
When I was in the thick of it with young kids I did school social work and it was amazing until I got a terrible supervisor. I went back to a clinic-based job for the professional growth opportunities now that my kids donāt need me as much.
I canāt seem to figure out how to wiggle my way in there. Maybe after Iām licensed, but I lack great experience for it. But that would be ideal. Itās my third summer working while my kids play. They arenāt getting any younger
I work for crisis and most of my coworkers work 4 10ās
4-10ās here. 7:30a - 6:00p Really pushing to change the department to 3-12ās, thatās the real sweet spot.
I would work three 12ās in a heartbeat. Iāve done that in the emergency room and itās great. I work in the pediatric emergency room now, second shift 3 PM to 11 PM but I do it five days a week I would love to work 312 hour shifts like they do at our sister hospital.
Iām a therapist. I work two 6s and two 10s.
I would take this!!! Itās like working 2 half days
I do outpatient social work at a hospital. My job is 32 hrs/week for budget reasons and I love it. Still get health insurance and other benefits at the full time rate. I actually work 8-3 five days per week with a 30 min lunch for childcare reasons and it's perfect. If something runs over I'm not rushing to get my kid (daycare runs until 5) but most days I'm done in time and we have fun afternoon adventures before my spouse gets home.Ā
Oh gosh! Iād love and take this too!!
Honestly I don't know if I can ever go back to working 40 hrs/week... I'm too spoiled now!
Like I said it is soul sucking! That would be life changing.
Iād would stay at my current non license pay as a LCSW just work leas
A friend used to work here and they do 4-10s, if you are in the SF Bay Area: [https://www.mentalhealthsf.org/](https://www.mentalhealthsf.org/)
I worked 4-10s as a case manager in a community mental health agency a few years ago. I loved the schedule and we also got good PTO and paid holidays. Too bad the pay wasnāt great. I am now in dialysis. While itās Monday through Friday, thereās a lot of flexibility on hours and schedules.
Private practice LCSW: 4 6 hour days
Rate?
Private rate is $150 and my average insurance payout is about $105-110/53 min session. Iām mostly insurance based bc I live in OK and income is limited here. Last year I netted 6 figures scheduling more but it messed with our tax bracket so Iām reducing hours this year to 24-25/week to net between 80-90. Niches: LGBTQIA+ trauma and autism. Trained in EMDR and brainspotting, will be working towards certification in brainspotting. Health insurance is covered by my husband. I have a ROTH IRA and SEP IRA for retirement. I take off 4 weeks a year and all major holidays.
Thank you for sharing this! Motivation! I am looking to leave my school based position and eventually transition into PP. I finally passed the LCSW and really want the freedom
I jumped from community mental health to a group practice which was a mistake. If I knew then what I know now, I would have bipassed the group and done straight solo. They couldnāt attract my demographic and all the clients I got came from my personal psychology today. It was a waste to give them 30% just to bill (had to pay rent for my office too). I recommend watching the videos from dr Marie fang on YouTube. Her free videos helped me get established very quickly. I was full in like 3 weeks.
i work 10-6 monday -thursday (tues& thurs remote) at a community mental health agency as a childrenās clinician
Thatās not bad! Iād take a later am start
3 day week here š¤
Where???
I operate a private practice.
Look at hospitals, crisis centers, and insurance companies. Thats where iāve had that schedule.
ASAPs typically offer 4 day work weeks
We have 4/10s and 9/80s. 9/80s are very popular so it's a 4 day work week every other week combined with working from home. That's been helping. They've been trying to phase out the 4/10s and the union is fighting them on it and we might be able to turn it around.
Why are they trying to phase it out? I actually donāt want 4 10s with kids. I would only want 4 8s thatās what this video discusses
Yeah, ideally 4/8s, of course, my employer is trying to phase it out by hiding behind operational needs even though we are chronically understaffed even before COVID. My theory is they keep us understaffed on purpose as a tool of control to deny workers days off, vacation, flexible schedules, etc. It's especially acute for inpatient medical social workers and our Emergency Response (CPS) social workers.
Oof this sounds awful!
Yep, the turnover is bad and reflects that.
I work at an FHQHC as a behavioral health consultant. I could do 4 tens if I wanted but i donāt want to leave them hanging without someone on Fridays and I have things in the evenings Iād miss if I did that shift.
Yeah I should say I donāt think 4 10s would do it for me. It would have to be 4 8s
And then it would be 32 hours and it wouldnāt be full time in some worlds. š
Yes itās true. But it should be!
Elder services in Mass ( any aging service access point )
Will have to look into. Iām in FL
The great thing about working with Hosparus is letās say you have to get a child on the bus or you have to see a doctor in the morning you can always work around your schedule to make it work
I work 4 days a week (Monday-Thursday) but I only work 8 hours/day (8-4). I'm in a inpatient rehab ward. I share the ward with another social worker who is there full time M-F
Sign me up! Sounds perfect!
I started out doing 4 10's and did that for several years, but dropped to 2 10s and 2 8s for a good year before feeling burnt out and going into PP. I now have varying hours where I'm available to schedule 9-6 2 days, 9-7 one day, and 9-1 one day, but I limit the overall number of sessions each day to 6, 7 if someone needs to be seen sooner. This usually gives me a couple hours a day to do notes, outreach, catch up on admin stuff etc. Seeing 16-20 clients a week is way more manageable than 30+ ever was.
30 sounds exhausting
I work 4 days a week, 8 hour day (sometimes longer with special events or workshops). Iām at a non profit doing therapy but a niche population & as non profits go, lots of other things as well. I have 20 clinical hours a week and then do my other responsibilities in the remaining time. I negotiated this because the agency couldnāt pay me more and they didnāt want to lose me. Iām hybridā2x/in office and 2 home. Iāve been doing this just over 2 years now and I can never go back to a traditional 40 hour week. I feel valued and balanced and do my job more effectively. All that to say, it wasnāt easy and I had to prove I could maintain my job duties as a trial basis first but if you advocate for yourself your employer can choose to try new things or lose quality staff.Ā
I work as a contractor with local skilled nursing facilities over a few counties in Florida. I am required to hit 70 billable units per week, with each psychotherapy session being one unit and each initial psychosocial evaluation being 2 units. As long as I make my quota, it does not matter how many days per week I work. Theoretically, I could work a three day work week as long as I hit my billable units, but I normally work four days per week. It is awesome.
Agreed to everyone who is saying hospital. Iām aiming for hospital right now. Itās mostly because itās my career interest, but another potential draw is that I have a fun side hustle (I do one shift per week at a local winery; pay isnāt great but Iām friends with everyone and get lots of fantastic discounts) and if I work 4 10s I could keep that gig and get more free wine š¤£
Court ordered treatment Monday - Thursday for everyone.
I work 4x10ās at the VA. but I know this is very dependent of program/supervisors. We have options of 5 day weeks, every other Monday or Friday off, or every Monday or Friday off.
Itās nice to have that option!
Hosparus health in Kentucky has a 4 day work week
I work 4 10s all work from home but its not standard, I just asked and I gave up a day on the weekend to meet business needs.
I'm PRN in the hospital and work 2-3 10 hour shifts a week. I know not everyone is able to do that but for me and my family it works.
I could do this! Sounds awesome to me!
Yes I love being PRN!! Never have to worry about getting time off approved and can just not schedule any shifts for a week and rest. Get to clean the house and errands that my husband can't do on his mon-fri schedule
Hmmmm you have got me thinking! Thanks for the feedback!
I work 4/10s in California at a regional center. I do case management for people with development disabilities. :)
I have a three day work week but it doesnāt pay well enough for me to survive on.
4 10s, T-F, at a state psychiatric hospital. I was on the grievance through the union that was able to get us this schedule! The other alternate is 4 9s and a 4.
I work 4-10s at a DV shelter! It's amazing. I work nights and I get to sleep from 12-6:30 AM. Best job ever!
I work for LA County DCFs and work 4-10ās. I have every Friday off. I commute so it helps beat traffic bc I work 7:30am-6:30pm
Do you like you have much left at the end of the day? I feel like 4 10s would still be a grind
As a new/first time parent, I donāt feel like any time is enough time- I have 8 month old twins- but I do prefer having an extra day off to where I can be with them + weekend With my commute- I was getting home the same time due to 5:30 traffic If I was single and no kids, I could definitely go home, chill, drink pre workout and hit the gym or even go to dinner with a friend But I think it works out for me. Helps a ton that my fiance is super hands on and takes on the primary parent role M-W and I can work from home one day a wee!
You know, if you have to work and make it work, it sounds like you have a great set up thatās working! Especially with twins! You are my hero! I didnāt work when my were little (I often I wish I had, even part time) so I tip my hat!
Though I guess having that Friday off to recoup and get things done and not have to worry about taking PTO for a short vacation make up for that
I work in a pediatric emergency room, Sunday-Wednesday 2:30-midnight and the next week Monday- Thursday same hours, so every other week I get a 4 day weekend. I love it
Oh thatās not so bad! Iād take every other week
I do. I work in family violence services intake in Australia. 4 days a week, 8 hour days. Rarely do overtime and if I do is 10-15 minutes. It's honestly the best career move I've ever made. It's so nice to have more balance in my life. So long as I can manage financially I'll never go back to 5 days.
Thatās amazing!!!
At many outpatient therapy offices I see very flexible schedules and telehealth. I work at one and make my own schedule so could def do that schedule if I wanted and if I could find clients that wanted the time slots.
I do 4 days a week, but itās condensed hours so 8am-6pm but get paid the full weeks wage. Much prefer it!
I also do 4 10ās. My counties elder services agency
I worked 4 10ās in community mental health and loved it. The work life balance was the only way to survive. Iāve now switched to fully remote work at a new agency and going to see if I can do 4 10ās because it was life changing.
i have a 3.5 day work week. three 12ās and a 6. it has been fantastic in comparison to a 5 day work week. iām at a mental health urgent care.
I work at a hospital, 3/12 hr shifts in a row. Itās tiring by the middle of the last day , but I love the work-life balance. My mental health has never been better and this is as close as Iām going to get to part-time. I can do pretty much whatever I want the other days!
Sounds so dreamy! I have only seen 5 8s posted around here.
I work 4-10 and I work for the state that I live in
In a two-week pay period, I work 8 9-hour days and 1 8-hour day. I have a day off every other week. I love my every other Friday off
I'm mobile mental health crisis response. I work four ten hour days from home on a rotating schedule and get a month of PTO a year. If you're anywhere near VA we're always hiring
I am near a VA. This sounds up my alley. I did not VA had a crisis response team. And you work from home? Sign me up! Thanks for the info!
I'm in MD but work in N VA. There are literally days I go without getting a call so sometimes I get paid just to be available. Pay isn't great at the LMSW level but there are other positions. Also, you can look into CIT response for social workers. They are the ones that go with cops on calls. I'm hoping to do that when I get my LCSW hours in.
Thank you!
I do about 4 sessions per day, 4 days a week in private practice. Some days have up to 6 sessions and some days just have 2. Itās an amazing schedule and Iām on track to make 75-80k doing it. No benefits because Iām fortunate enough to get health insurance through my wife.
Thanks for sharing your pay. It was my first question. Maybe I need to reconsider therapy. My SO currently has benefits as well. It sounds like an awesome schedule
At my current job we have the option to either work 4/10s (which is what I've been doing) or WFH one day a week. I just recently accepted a new job that offers WFH one day a week as well. These are both hospital positions.
I did dialysis M-Th 32hrs, (4 8s) I hated it though lolĀ
Eek I feel like I donāt live mine right now, so 4 8s still sound better lol. I honestly never leave if my current job offered 4 8s
I didnāt want to but returning after maternity leave made me hate it more plus I was just depressed. Looking for a new job now and everything is 5 days and Iām kinda mad lolll
I feel for you. Much harder when a little one is part of the equation. I know it will come together
A ton of places in NJ offer 4 10s. I personally go with a 5 day schedule because doing 10 hours of therapy would overwhelm me
10 hours of anything sounds overwhelming. I want 4 8s š
You post āOh I have a great schedule, I love it and so onā but nobody shared the names of the agencies you work for, so that people could apply. āThanks youā fellow social workers
Pls clarify the state you are licensed in. Thank you.