Social Worker Career
How to Become a Social Worker
Social workers help people manage the everyday issues of their lives, including:
- Personal and family relationships
- Disabilities and other medical problems
- Inadequate housing
- Unemployment
- Substance abuse
- Domestic violence
Some social workers become administrators and planners who:
- Conduct research
- Advocate for social services
- Manage programs
- Design systems
- Plan public policy
Social workers help the vulnerable
Government agencies and other healthcare and social assistance providers employ social workers. Social workers often serve specific populations. The end goal is always to help those most in need, with the understanding that intervention and prevention may help avert difficulties before they spiral downward.
Child, Family and School Social Workers
Child, family, and school social workers promote the well being of families and the academic success of children. They also help arrange adoptions, foster care placements, and services for senior citizens. Job titles in this specialty include child welfare social worker, family service social worker, child protective services social worker, occupational social worker, and gerontology social worker.
Medical and Public Health Social Workers
Medical and public health social workers provide psychological and social support services for people with medical conditions. They counsel patients and may arrange for home services. Hospitals, nursing and other care facilities, social service agencies, and local governments employ medical and public health social workers.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Mental health and substance abuse social workers, also known as clinical social workers, evaluate and treat clients through individual and group therapy, outreach, crisis intervention, rehabilitation, and life skills training. They work for hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers, family services agencies, and local governments.
Social Work Administrators
Social work administrators, planners, and policymakers develop and run social service programs. They identify needs, raise funds, write grant proposals, and develop legislative and other solutions.
Education Required
A master’s degree in social work (MSW) or a related area is the standard credential for social workers, especially those working in health settings and doing clinical work. A bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for a direct service position, such as caseworker.
Certification
All states have licensing, certification, or registration requirements. Certification by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is an additional, voluntary credential. Social workers with MSWs may qualify for the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW), the Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW), or the Diplomate in Social Work (DCSW) credential.
Career Outlook
Job prospects for social workers are favorable. The retirement of the baby boomer generation will create a huge need for social workers. Opportunities for social workers specializing in gerontology and substance abuse is particularly good.
Salary Information
Earnings for the middle 50% of social workers in 2006 are:- Child, family and school social workers: $30,000 - 49,000
- Medical and public health social workers: $34,000 - 54,000
- Mental health and substance abuse social workers: $28,000 - 46,000
- All other social workers: $33,000 - $56,000