Introduction
If you are in the field of social work and need to recommend someone for a job, school admission, or volunteer opportunity, a social work recommendation letter is a must. This letter can help the recipient understand the applicant’s skills, work ethic, and character. In this article, we will provide tips on how to write a compelling social work recommendation letter, along with seven examples and frequently asked questions.
Tips for Writing a Social Work Recommendation Letter
When writing a social work recommendation letter, follow these tips to make it effective and professional.
1. Start Strong
Begin the letter with a strong and positive statement about the applicant. This will catch the reader’s attention and set the tone for the rest of the letter.
2. Highlight Relevant Skills
Identify the applicant’s key skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the job or program they are applying for. Provide specific examples of how they have demonstrated these skills in their work.
3. Use Specific Examples
When possible, provide specific examples of the applicant’s work, such as projects they have completed or situations they have handled.
4. Be Honest
Be honest in your assessment of the applicant’s skills and character. Do not exaggerate or make false statements.
5. Proofread Carefully
Proofread the letter carefully for grammar and spelling errors. A well-written and error-free letter will be more effective.
6. Provide Contact Information
Include your contact information in the letter so the recipient can follow up with any questions.
Example Social Work Recommendation Letters
Here are seven examples of social work recommendation letters that you can use as a guide.
1. Recommendation for Graduate School
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Jane Doe for admission to your social work graduate program. During her time as an intern at our organization, Jane consistently demonstrated strong clinical skills, including the ability to establish rapport with clients, conduct assessments, and develop treatment plans.
One example of Jane’s exceptional work was her work with a client who had a history of trauma and substance abuse. Jane developed a comprehensive treatment plan that included individual therapy, group therapy, and referral to a substance abuse program. As a result of Jane’s intervention, the client reported a significant reduction in symptoms and an increase in overall well-being.
I am confident that Jane will make a valuable contribution to your program and to the field of social work. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith, LCSW
2. Recommendation for Volunteer Position
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for a volunteer position at your organization. John has been a dedicated volunteer at our organization for the past two years, providing support to clients in our homeless services program.
John has demonstrated excellent communication skills, compassion, and a willingness to go above and beyond to help our clients. He has helped clients with everything from finding housing to accessing healthcare services.
I am confident that John will be an asset to your organization and will continue to provide outstanding service to those in need.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe, MSW
3. Recommendation for Job Application
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for the social worker position at your organization. I had the pleasure of supervising Sarah during her internship at our organization, where she consistently demonstrated strong clinical skills and a deep commitment to social justice.
One example of Sarah’s exceptional work was her role in developing and implementing a workshop series for clients on the intersection of race and mental health. The workshop was well-received by clients and staff alike and is now a regular part of our programming.
Overall, I believe that Sarah would be an excellent addition to your team and would bring a unique perspective and skillset to the position. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Best regards,
John Smith, LCSW
4. Recommendation for Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend Maria Rodriguez for the social work scholarship. I have had the pleasure of teaching Maria in several classes, and I have been consistently impressed with her dedication to social justice and her outstanding academic performance.
Maria has demonstrated a deep understanding of social work principles and has applied these principles to her work as a volunteer at a local community center. She has also conducted research on the intersection of immigration and mental health and presented her findings at a national conference.
I am confident that Maria has the potential to make a significant contribution to the field of social work, and I believe that this scholarship will help her achieve her goals. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe, Ph.D., MSW
5. Recommendation for Internship
Dear Internship Coordinator,
I am writing to recommend Mark Brown for the social work internship at your organization. Mark has been a student in my class for the past year and has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to social justice and a deep understanding of social work principles.
Mark has also been an active member of our student social work association and has organized several events to raise awareness of social justice issues in our community.
I believe that Mark would be an excellent addition to your organization and would bring a unique perspective and skillset to the internship. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Best regards,
Jane Smith, MSW
6. Recommendation for Certification
Dear Certification Board,
I am writing to recommend Robert Johnson for certification as a licensed clinical social worker. I have had the pleasure of supervising Robert for the past two years, during which time he has consistently demonstrated strong clinical skills and a deep commitment to social justice.
Robert has worked with a wide range of clients, including those with severe and persistent mental illness, substance use disorders, and trauma histories. He has demonstrated excellent assessment and treatment planning skills and has been successful in helping clients achieve their goals.
I am confident that Robert would be an excellent addition to the ranks of licensed clinical social workers in our state. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
John Doe, LCSW
7. Recommendation for Promotion
Dear Human Resources,
I am writing to recommend Emily Wilson for promotion to the position of social work supervisor. Emily has been a dedicated and skilled social worker at our organization for the past five years, during which time she has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, organizational, and clinical skills.
Emily has been instrumental in developing and implementing several new programs, including a peer support program for clients with mental health issues and a mentorship program for new social workers. She has also served as a preceptor for several social work interns and has been recognized for her outstanding supervision skills.
I am confident that Emily has the skills and experience necessary to be an effective social work supervisor and to continue to make valuable contributions to our organization. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Best regards,
Jane Smith, LCSW
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I write a social work recommendation letter?
To write a social work recommendation letter, start with a strong opening statement, identify the applicant’s key skills and accomplishments, provide specific examples of their work, be honest in your assessment, proofread the letter carefully, and provide your contact information.
What should I include in a social work recommendation letter?
A social work recommendation letter should include a brief introduction, an assessment of the applicant’s skills and character, specific examples of their work, and a strong closing statement.
How long should a social work recommendation letter be?
A social work recommendation letter should be one to two pages in length.
What information should I ask the applicant for before writing a recommendation letter?
Before writing a recommendation letter, ask the applicant for their resume, a list of their key skills and accomplishments, and any specific information about the job or program they are applying for.
Can I use the same recommendation letter for multiple applications?
While it is possible to use the same recommendation letter for multiple applications, it is recommended that you tailor the letter to each specific job or program to make it more effective.
What if I can’t think of any specific examples of the applicant’s work?
If you can’t think of any specific examples of the applicant’s work, ask them to provide you with some examples or review any materials they have submitted as part of their application.