Social Work
Enhance the well-being of vulnerable populations and disadvantaged communities. Social workers provide meaningful service to the community as practitioners, leaders, and social justice advocates.
- A master’s degree is widely recognized as the industry standard in the field of social work since it’s a requirement for clinical positions that require licensure in most states. However, entry-level and other non-clinical jobs are available with a bachelor’s degree.
- Social workers can practice with a bachelor's or a master's degree. Licensing would be an additional option. Licensed clinical social workers (LSCW) must have a master’s degree and two years of post-graduate experience in a supervised clinical setting. LSCWs must also be licensed in the state in which they practice.
Professional positions held by graduates:
- Case manager
- Children's Services Worker
- Community organizer
- Director of social services
- Forensic social worker
- Geriatric social worker
- Health care administrator
- Health educator
- Hospital social worker
- Industrial social worker
- Medical, hospice social worker
- Organization administrator
- Prevention program social worker
- Probation or parole officer
- Psychiatric, mental health social worker
- Public & Behavioral Health social worker
- Researcher
- School social worker
- Social policy analyst
- Colleges and universities
- Community mental health clinics
- Community-based agencies
- Correctional facilities
- Hospitals, primary care settings, and clinics
- Intimate partner violence programs
- Military bases
- Nursing homes
- Private practice
- Public child welfare agencies
- School districts
- State and local governments
- Substance use clinics
Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for social workers are expected to grow faster than average: 7% in the next 10 years.
Average median wage
- Social Workers: $69,340 CA, $58,380 US
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers: $93,200 CA
Social justice
Social workers want to improve society and help people lead safer and healthier lives.
Compassion
Social workers frequently work with people who are in stressful situations. They must have empathy to develop strong relationships with their clients.
Interpersonal skills
Social workers should be able to work with people from a variety of different backgrounds including various sexual orientations, socioeconomic status, race and ethnicities. They must be culturally sensitive when interacting with clients.
Communication skills
Social workers must be able to communicate clearly with clients. They need strong oral and written communication and listening skills to address individual, family, and community concerns.
Organizational skills
Social workers help manage multiple clients and often help them with completing paperwork, documentation, and referrals to community resources.
Problem-solving
Social workers join with clients to problem-solve and find practical and effective solutions. They must be able to solve problems in high-stress situations.
