Social Worker

What a Social Workers Does

Social workers help families, special interest groups, individuals and children with serious issues affecting their daily lives, like poverty, a lack of education, and medical problems. They work for schools, nonprofit groups, governments and health care institutions, depending on their specialty. Often dealing with very upsetting behaviors and issues like child or domestic abuse or drug problems, social workers need to be compassionate without becoming too involved in their clients' lives. They work with legal professionals and law enforcement, teachers, parents, hospital workers and other caregivers to make sure that their cases and clients are safe and and getting the kind of treatment or care they need. Social workers take care of administrative tasks, pay home and site visits to health care centers, jails and other places, and write up reports for their supervisors, the courts and other authoritative institutions.

How to Become a Social Worker

Social workers need to have at least a bachelor's degree for entry-level work. Supervisors and social workers who work at schools and health care centers often need a master's degree in social work (MSW). But you can start your career with a bachelor's degree in a field like liberal arts. Tailor your major so that you take lots of courses in psychology, sociology, philosophy, history and related subjects. Taking some writing courses will also help you with organization and when writing reports. Also consider learning another language if you plan to work with groups of people who may not speak English. You will need to become licensed to work as a social worker, in any state. Check with your state for exact requirements and guidelines for certification. If you want to improve your career prospects or work in a health care or school environment, also consider getting your MSW.

Career Outlook for Social Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a faster than average employment increase through 2018 for this profession. As of 2008, social workers held 642,000 jobs in the United States, just over half of whom worked in health care and social assistance industries. Many other social workers worked for government agencies. Jobs are available in all cities and communities in the country, although the best job prospects will be in disadvantaged or troubled communities and in large metropolitan areas, where the population is higher. Through 2018, about 103,400 new jobs will be added to the overall profession, which is a 16% increase. Medical and public health social workers will see a 22% increase in employment; mental health and substance abuse social workers will see a 20% increase. The median annual wage of child, family and school social workers in 2008 was $39,530, and those who worked at elementary and secondary schools earned the highest average, at $53,860. The median annual wage of medical and public health social workers that same year was $46,650, and mental health and substance abuse workers earned $51,470.