Knowledge expansion. Varied experiences. Lucrative pay. The burgeoning field of travel social work offers attractive options and opportunities. (Image via Getty Images)
By Faye Beard
More social workers may find themselves packing up and taking their skills on the road.
In 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that there were 751,900 social work jobs in 2023 and the profession is “projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.”
Of those positions, “there is often exceptionally high demand in rural areas, on crisis response teams and in government programs” for social workers, according to GHR Healthcare. These sectors may experience an increasing need for temporary and contract social workers.”
Travel social work could soon be a popular path for practitioners.
Last year, NASW introduced netizens to Tashara Robinson, LICSW, during Social Work Month. “When I tell people I’m a travel social worker, I commonly hear things like, ‘I didn’t know that was a thing.’ I’m here to tell you that it is definitely a thing—and it is a thing I have been doing over the last three years,” she said.
“It’s a great way to travel around the country, meet new people, and broaden your skill set,” Robinson said in a video. Before signing off, she invited followers to learn more about her journey on this less-traveled career path.
Firms like GHR Healthcare place travel social workers typically for 13-week assignments in hospitals, behavioral health centers, mental health or correctional facilities, rehabilitation centers, schools, and community outreach programs. Staffing agency AMN Healthcare allows candidates to browse job opportunities and connect with career counselors. Vivian Health is a marketplace where candidates can make a profile, read employer reviews, and chat with recruiters. Allied Travel Careers features a directory of travel therapy agencies by state and travel therapy recruiters.
Satasade Cobb, LMSW, ACSW
Satasade Cobb, LMSW, ACSW, found her position by networking on Facebook. A director of social services saw Cobb’s credentials and contacted her about an assignment. “I reached out to my recruiter and said, ‘Hey, this is where I want to work. … Make it happen,” Cobb said.
In the last four years, Cobb has had stints in Southern and Northern California and even The Last Frontier. “When in my life did I think I would work in Alaska for five months?” Cobb asked. “Never,” she answered. But that’s what she did when she was assigned to a cancer center in Anchorage. “If you’re great at your job, you can be there for five months to two years,” said Cobb, adding that she continuously gets her contracts extended.
Her greatest challenge is learning the resources available when she moves to a new location. Fortunately, she is an expert in connecting people with services and resources, she said. “I’m big on building relationships and building rapport.” Cobb shares insights in her e-book, “The Travel Social Worker’s Guide to Success,” a play-by-play of what candidates should know before they enter the field.
The flexibility that travel social work offers is more appealing to Cobb than more traditional social work positions. “It opens so many opportunities and experiences. I learn so much from different kinds of people. It’s fun. It’s exciting. I get to see everything, and I get to go with the flow.”
The salary is also appealing. “I make six figures after taxes,” said Cobb, who also receives a tax-free stipend for working more than 50 miles from home.
The flexibility and salary accommodate her DINK (dual income, no kids) lifestyle. She and her husband spend downtime traveling the world. “We’re able to live a different kind of life,” Cobb said. “We have a good time. We don’t have ties to anywhere. We can go wherever we want.”
Faye Beard is a freelance writer living in New York City.
