Beyond the Field: Social Work Careers in Professional Football

<p>Did you know social workers are making an impact in the NFL? In this episode, we explore the growing field of sports social work and what it&#39;s really like to support professional football players and retired athletes. From mental health and substance use concerns to career transitions and family support, social workers play a vital role both on and off the field.</p><p><br></p><p>We also discuss common interventions, ethical dilemmas unique to professional sports, and how new NFL mandates around behavioral health are creating exciting career opportunities for social workers interested in sports.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, we cover:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>What social workers do in the NFL and professional sports</li><li>How social workers support current and former players</li><li>Common interventions, including crisis support and mental health care</li><li>Ethical challenges and confidentiality concerns in sports settings</li><li>New NFL policies that are expanding opportunities for social workers</li></ul><p><br></p><p>If you&#39;ve ever wondered what a career in sports social work looks like, this episode will give you an inside look at one of the most unique and rapidly growing areas of the profession.</p><p><br></p><p>Devon Lewis-Buchanan has built his career on the belief that leadership rooted in empathy and service can transform people, teams, and communities.A former NFL hopeful who once earned a tryout with the Oakland Raiders, Devon’s journey has come full circle. He returned to the organization as Director of Alumni Benefits &amp; Resources, helping redefine how professional sports teams support their former players, setting a new standard for alumni care and transition services.Now serving as Senior Director of Diversity, Inclusion &amp; Employee Experience for the Las Vegas Raiders, Devon leads strategies that integrate diversity, wellness, recognition, and community impact, creating a holistic, human-centered employee experience.As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Diversity Executive (CDE®), Devon is deeply committed to cultivating environments where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.<br></p><p>____________________________________<a href="https://www.socialworkersrise.com/newsletter-opt-in" target="_blank">⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.socialworkersrise.com/newsletter-opt-in" target="_blank">Tap Here to Subscribe⁠</a> to the Social Workers, Rise! </p><p>Email Resource List<a href="https://www.socialworkersrise.com/courses" target="_blank">⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.socialworkersrise.com/courses" target="_blank">Tap Here⁠</a> to shop career courses for Social Workers.</p><p>____________________________________</p><p>Thank you to our SPONSORS</p><p><a href="http://hpso.com/SWRise" target="_blank">HPSO</a> Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providers</p><p><a href="http://www.risedirectory.com" target="_blank">RISE Directory</a> for Clinical Supervision</p>