What is a Social Worker?
What is a Social worker? Social workers provide services that address societal problems and improve the functioning of individuals, groups, and societies. Through services like counseling and programs, social workers provide aid to those dealing with issues and hardships like abuse, addictions, or poverty.
They meet with clients to assess their needs and implement plans to improve their conditions and enable them to become better members of society. This can include assisting clients with finding housing, employment, treatment programs, educational training, and other types of social services. They also serve as advocates for vulnerable communities, develop service programs for at-risk populations, and act as liaisons between clients and third parties.
Social work spans a wide range of services so most workers focus on a particular area such as children, families, school, health, public policy, and substance abuse. Social workers often work in office environments during regular business hours, although it is not uncommon for them to work evenings and weekends or travel frequently to attend meetings, visit clients, or collaborate with other providers.
How to Become a Social Worker
Those interested in becoming social workers should earn at least a bachelor’s degree in sociology, social work, or a related social science. In these types of majors, students learn about social environments and human behavior, as well as how to apply that knowledge in social research, social services, and social practice. Common courses include human behavior and social environment, sociological theory, minority groups, community resources, sociological research methods, modern social problems, social psychology, criminology, and values and ethics.
Most employers like to see applicants who have gained experience and practical knowledge in internships or volunteer work within social services. Depending on which State one wants to work in, there may be licensing, certification, or registration requirements graduates must meet before practicing professionally. Most employers prefer to hire mature and objective applicants with advanced degrees and a wide range of experience. Many social workers start out in entry-level or assistant positions before advancing to positions within research, education, or private practice.
Social Worker Career Outlook & Salary
As society grows, the demand for social services tends to grow along with it. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of social workers is projected to increase by 16% within the next decade, with employment opportunities for social workers within mental health, substance abuse, and medical and public health increasing the most. This is due to an expanding elderly population that requires more health services, a higher number of substance abuse treatment programs, and the affordability of social services in comparison to psychological services.
While employment opportunities are expected to be good, competition for jobs should be expected in cities where there are a high number of degree programs in social work. Social workers who have advanced educations and specialized experience within a certain field like substance abuse or gerontology will have the best job opportunities. The Bureau reported that in May 2008 social workers within medical and public health services earned a median annual salary of $46,650, those within mental health and substance abuse services earned $37,210, and those within child, family, and school services earned $39,530.
