Can Social Workers Have Tattoos?
Maybe. It’s a complicated question with many variables.
Social workers can be found in:
• healthcare settings
• education
• government
• law enforcement
• the military
• advocacy organizations
• other nonprofit or nongovernmental agencies
Most smaller or mid-sized organizations will probably not have a human resources policy about tattoos, but many larger organizations (such as hospitals or school districts) may have a specific policy regarding the display of tattoos (such as “No visible tattoos are permitted during work hours.”).
There are currently no laws in the United States that legally protect individuals in the workplace who have or get tattoos. That means that a person without tattoos might be hired before someone who has visible tattoos—especially if the workplace is more formal or professional.
Of course, many smaller agencies or nonprofit organizations may be open to job candidates who have tattoos. It would make sense that if the agency works with clients or serves groups who are more likely to have tattoos, the organization may be more open to hiring social workers with tattoos.
In an organization where social workers are in demand, strong job candidates with tattoos may not be at a disadvantage. However, in a market where there is more competition among job candidates, visible tattoos may make a difference between a job offer and a rejection.
Social work students and social workers should know that hiring practices are not always fair nor do they always make sense to the person who is looking for a job. Right or wrong, outward appearance (like clothing, hairstyles, piercings, and tattoos) often matters when job candidates are being interviewed.
Social workers may want to ask themselves:
• Does this organization or agency have a policy about tattoos?
• How important are my tattoos? Do I want to cover them at work?
• What values or interests are expressed by my tattoos? What am I communicating to a future employer or clients about my beliefs through my tattoos?
• How would this employer respond to a new and visible tattoo once I’m hired?