Marketing Social Work Skills and Negotiating Personal Contracts

This paper illustrates, through three case situations, several problems facing professional social workers who attempt to enter the marketplace as independent contractors, consultants, or private practitioners. An historical rationale is presented to explain why the professional associations and formal educational programs have not adequately prepared nor encouraged practitioners wishing to enter this arena and compete against other human service professionals. Finally, eleven areas that social work professionals need to consider prior to marketing their skills and engaging in personal contracts have been identified and categorized.