Job Description of Social Workers:
Social workers help clients function the best way they can in their environments. They help them deal with their relationships and solve personal and family problems. Social workers may assist those who have life-threatening diseases or social problems.
Employment Facts for Social Workers:
Social workers held about 595,000 jobs in 2006. Most work in health care and social assistance industries, as well as in state and local government agencies. The majority of social worker jobs are in cities and suburbs.
Educational Requirements for Social Workers:
The minimum educational requirement for social workers is a bachelor's degree, usually in social work (BSW). Other majors, such as psychology, sociology, and related areas, may allow one to get an entry level job in social work. An advanced degree, e.g., a Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW) is required for many positions. Those who want to teach in a university setting or do research must have a doctorate degree in social work (DSW).
Other Requirements for Social Workers:
All states and the District of Columbia require social workers to be either licensed, certified or registered. Requirements vary by state and apply to practice and use of professional titles. Those who want to work as social workers must have the following characteristics: emotional maturity, objectivity, and sensitivity to people and their problems, and the ability to handle responsibility, work independently, and maintain good working relationships with clients and coworkers.
Advancement for Social Workers:
With related work experience and an advanced degree, a social worker may move up to a position as supervisor, program manager, assistant director, or executive director of a social service agency or department.
Job Outlook for Social Workers:
Employment of social workers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2016.
How Much Do Social Workers Earn?:
Median Annual Earnings for Social Workers (U.S., 2006)
- Child, Family, And School Social Workers: $37,480
- Medical And Public Health Social Workers: $43,040
- Mental Health And Substance Abuse Social Workers: $35,410
- All Other Social Workers: $43,580
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much social workers currently earn in your city.
What Do Social Workers With Different Specialties Do?:
- Child, Family, And School Social Workers provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families. Some work with senior citizens. Others work in employee assistant programs helping workers cope with job-related problems or personal problems that can affect their jobs.
- Medical and Public Health Social Workers provide pyschosocial support to those affected by chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. They work with patients, families, and caregivers.
- Mental Health And Substance Abuse Social Workers work with people with mental illness or substance abuse problems, such as abuse of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. Services they provide include individual and group therapy, outreach, crisis intervention, social rehabilitation, and training in skills of everyday living.
- Social Work Planners and Policymakers develop programs to address such issues as child abuse, homelessness, substance abuse, poverty, and violence.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Social Workers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos060.htm (visited July 7, 2007).
