Social Work Careers AvailableSocial workers enjoy a variety of employment opportunities and career specializations. For instance, degree-holders can pursue careers in school social work, geriatric social work, or substance abuse social work. Although salaries vary by location, social workers earn around $48,000 per year. The field also boasts a large opportunity for growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that positions in social work will grow by 16% between 2016 and 2026, nearly 10% more than the projected growth for all occupations. This growth is partly due to a growing population in need of social services, including aging Baby Boomers and individuals suffering from addiction. Show
Social Work Careers Available by Degree Level
What Do Social Workers Do?Social workers help individuals, families, and communities combat difficult or stressful life situations. They work in rehabilitation centers, schools, hospitals, hospices, and correctional facilities, and often cooperate with professionals in other social service programs. They may help children with behavioral disorders, families in poverty, or victims of domestic abuse. No matter which community they serve, social workers provide care and advocate for their clients. Although some of their roles overlap, social workers provide different services than counselors. Counselors help individuals manage a specific issue such as alcoholism, divorce, or depression. Social workers provide a wider spectrum of services to a larger and more diverse clientele. In addition to one-on-one counseling, social workers help their clients access social services like hospice care, 12 step programs, or financial assistance. Social workers do not work as private therapists, although some social workers may perform individual counseling as part of their services. Why Pursue a Career in Social Work?Individuals interested in a meaningful, people-centered profession should consider a career in social work. In the most basic sense, social workers help others for a living. They serve at-risk or underserved individuals, communities, and organizations. Social workers help those in need achieve their goals, access social services, and identify treatment options. Many of their clients cope with mental health issues, behavioral disorders, addiction, eating disorders, and terminal illnesses. Social workers also serve couples going through a divorce, families trying to adopt children, and students struggling in school. The career paths for social workers are as diverse as they are rewarding. In addition to a growing number of job openings, the field also boasts a competitive salary higher than the average wage for all occupations in the U.S. Because social workers must complete continuing education credits in order to renew their state social work license, the career requires a commitment to a lifetime of learning. Many states require social workers to fulfill continuing education requirements in specific subjects like ethics, domestic violence, and suicide prevention. In this way, social workers remain up-to-date on current developments in the field. Where Can I Work as a Social Worker?Because social workers serve a diverse variety of populations, they work in many different settings and locations. Each social worker's place of employment depends on the industry in which they work and the population they serve. For instance, a mental health social worker may work in a psychiatric hospital or rehabilitation center, while a geriatric social worker may work in a senior living center, hospital, or community center. LocationsDuties, requirements, and benefits for social workers vary slightly in each state. Each state creates its own licensure requirements. Social workers also experience different salary potential and quality of life depending on the state or area in which they work. For instance, social workers living in small towns and rural communities tend to earn less than those living in cities, but they also face a lower cost of living. Social workers may also serve different communities depending on their location. States like Alaska, for example, serve a high number of rural and isolated communities, while other states serve a larger-than-average population of individuals suffering from narcotics addiction or alcohol abuse. Industries
Source: Payscale SettingsEmployer Types for Social Workers
Hospital Setting for Social Workers
Source: Payscale * The above two tables show average salaries for those with a master's degree in social work. Population TypesSocial workers help diverse populations ranging from individuals to entire communities. The list below does not represent a complete list of careers in social work, but rather provides a sampling of communities that social workers typically serve. Although some social workers specialize in one particular community or a type of problem, they should understand how to provide care and advocate for a wide spectrum of clients. Social workers should understand, prepare for, and express willingness to help anyone in need.
How to Become a Social WorkerAlthough the process of becoming a social worker varies from state to state, all social workers must complete a few fundamental steps. The first step to becoming a social worker is earning a social work degree. Jobs for social work graduates may include clinical social work or nonclinical social work. While some states allow social workers to earn a licence with only a bachelor's in social work (BSW), most states require social workers to hold a master's in social work (MSW). All clinical social workers in the U.S. must hold an MSW. A BSW typically requires four years of school, and an MSW requires an additional two years. Most MSW programs require an internship, fellowship, or fieldwork component, allowing candidates to acquire hands-on experience before applying for licensure in their state. In order to legally practice within each state, all social workers must first earn a social work license. The licensure process varies depending on the state, as do the types of licenses available. Social workers should research and understand the licensure requirements for the state where they hope to work. To earn a license, social workers typically complete an application, pay a fee, and pass an Association of Social Work Boards exam. The exams consist of 170 multiple choice questions and cost between $230 and $260. Clinical and independent practice licenses typically require two or more years of supervised professional experience. How Much Do Social Workers Make?Average Salary for Popular Social Work Careers
Source: PayScale and BLS Average Salary for Social Workers by Experience
Source: PayScale Learn More About Social Work CareersFAQs About Social Work CareersHow can I advance my career in social work?Social workers can advance their careers by obtaining relevant experience and earning high-level degrees. A master's in social work opens up many more doors than a bachelor's degree. Social workers with a master’s can conduct clinical work and run private practices. For individuals who hold a doctorate in social work, job possibilities include high-level administrative positions and university professorships. How can I be a better social worker?Continuing education helps social workers stay up-to-date in their field and improve their practice. Social workers can also consider joining a professional organization to connect with other professionals, attend conferences, and receive regular publications about social work. Is a master's in social work worth it?Social workers who want to practice clinically must hold a master's in social work. Beyond practicing clinically or opening an independent practice, MSW-holders also have a competitive edge over BSW-holders when applying for jobs. How much continuing education is required to maintain a social work license?The amount of continuing education a social worker must fulfill depends upon the state in which they work. Most states require at least 10 hours per year of continuing education courses. Some states also require specific courses in subjects like ethics or domestic violence. What degree do I need to be a social worker?Social workers typically need a master's degree, although some states allow social workers to earn a bachelor's-level license. Clinical social workers must hold a master's in social work. What can I do with my social work degree that isn't social work?Professionals with degrees and experience in social work move on to careers in education, consulting, human resources, and community service management.
What other occupations are related to social work?Similar Occupations About this section. What to do when you dont want to be a social worker anymore?10 jobs to consider when leaving the social work profession. Caseworker.. High school teacher.. Probation officer.. Paralegal.. Community manager.. Mediator.. Mental health counselor.. Human resources manager.. What field of social work makes the most money?Mental health and substance-abuse social workers had a median salary of $48,720. Child, family and school social workers had a median salary of $48,430.. Professional, scientific and technical services: $66,760.. Religious organizations: $68,960.. Junior colleges: $70,810.. |