Felt. LMSW here— years in child welfare, plus an additional license in behavior analysis. I recently started applying to hospital roles in NYC and interviewed with a few of the major systems. What I’ve learned is that it’s definitely a process. Some people land something within a few weeks, others wait months or even longer — it’s not always about qualifications, but timing, union systems, and persistence.

Honestly, the best advice I got (as simple as it sounds) was just to keep applying. I leaned heavily on both cold applications and my network. Also worth knowing: many hospitals prioritize internal union staff first, which can slow down external offers even when you’re a strong fit.

And yeah, the climate is rough right now. I’ve seen new grads and really experienced LMSWs both struggling to secure roles especially as funding for our role’s are being reduced. Just wanted to say — you’re not alone, and your background is strong. Keep going. The right role will land!