21. Social Workers in Tech: Inside Content Policy at Spotify with Jerrel Peterson, MSW

What this episode covers

This week, we are excited to welcome Jerrel Peterson, MSW, to the podcast! He’s the Head of Global Content Policy at Spotify, and formerly held a trust and safety role at Twitter. Jerrel walks us through his journey from direct practice in mental health to landing a job in tech. We dive into what “trust and safety” means in tech, how his team develops interventions for content-related harm, and how his social work training helps him create safer online spaces. Jerrel also shares practical advice on how social workers can break into the tech space and translate their skills. Takeaways From This Episode: Why trust and safety work is a perfect fit for social workers Why social work skills (crisis management, systems thinking, advocacy) are in demand in tech The power of policy as intervention in online platforms Negotiation tips: base salary, RSUs, sign-on bonuses, and benefits Advice for social workers exploring tech careers: networking, LinkedIn outreach, and resume rewrites Why being bold matters in corporate spaces Mentioned resources: Check out https://socialworktowealth.com/podcast/21-social-workers-in-tech-inside-content-policy-at-spotify-with-jerrel-peterson-msw (the affiliated blog post) for the full list of resources mentioned in this episode and the unedited transcript. https://socialworktowealth.myflodesk.com/podcast (Social Work to Wealth Newsletter) — a newsletter for the social worker wanting to level up their career and money. Find Social Work to Wealth on: https://www.tiktok.com/@socialworktowealth (TikTok), https://instagram.com/socialworktowealth (Instagram), and https://www.youtube.com/@socialworktowealth (YouTube). Disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast and on any affiliated platforms is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Consuming this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice pertaining to your particular situation, consult one-on-one with an attorney.