Social work generally involves helping individuals handle challenges and cope with problems that arise in their everyday lives. Additionally, social workers tend to adopt prevention principles to not only fix problems but also ensure that they are unlikely to arise in the future.
One reason social workers are so valuable is their versatility. These professionals can work with several individuals in a variety of settings.
It is possible to find social workers in schools or human service agencies.
In the following article, we break down what it means to be a social worker and what candidates looking to enter this profession can expect during their careers. We don’t just stop there; we also explore the specific steps needed to start a social worker career and some licensing and certification requirements that are considered useful in the profession.
What is Social Work?
Social workers perform several important duties, all geared toward helping people prevent and handle problems/challenges. For instance, social workers may work with a group or members of the same family to identify issues and prescribe solutions.
Typically, the process starts by identifying individuals, groups, or communities that need assistance. The social worker then assesses the specific group’s needs by identifying its challenges, strengths, and possible support networks.
Furthermore, these professionals can help make much-needed changes and adjustments while also advocating for more resources for the challenged group or individual.
There are several specialties in social work, including:
- Child and Family Social Work — which helps protect vulnerable children and members of a family in need of services such as food stamps and housing.
- School Social Work helps improve students’ social development or academic performance.
- Healthcare Social Work — which helps individuals overcome challenges to their health, such as illnesses and diseases.
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Work — which helps people overcome addictions and cope with mental illnesses.
How to Become a Social Worker
The following are the steps needed to become a successful social worker.
Developing Fundamental Qualities
Even before receiving technical training, aspiring social workers should usually develop some important qualities that will help them throughout their careers.
One of these is communication skills. Social workers are expected to be able to talk to clients and provide effective help. Listening skills and compassion are also vital.
Other relevant skills include interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and problem-solving skills.
Technical Training
Aspiring social workers are expected to be technically sound. This means that they must have a clear understanding of how the human mind works and how to communicate with people to analyze and come up with unique solutions to unique challenges.
In most states, a master’s degree is the basic educational requirement for a social worker license. It is also possible to begin a professional career in some social work specialties with only a bachelor’s degree (such as non-clinical social work).
Importantly, candidates are expected to get this degree from a program accredited by the right organizations. Usually, this is the Council on Social Work Education, but of course, it may vary from state to state.
Supervised Experience
Before they meet the licensure requirements, social workers are expected to complete supervised training and experience. This helps them practice what they have been taught in a training program and develop real-world familiarity with their duties before they take on a professional position.
The duration of clinical training and supervised experience expected of a prospective social worker will vary from state to state. Some are okay with one year, while some may require multiple years.
Social Work Licensure & Certification Requirements
Although the specific licensure requirements for social workers vary from state to state, all states require clinical social workers to receive a license.
For those who are going to be working in a non-clinical seeing, a license may be optional.
In states where social workers are expected to receive a license regardless of clinical or non-clinical, the basic educational requirement is typically a master’s degree in social work. As mentioned earlier, candidates must also ensure that they attend an accredited program and complete supervised clinical experience after graduation.
Each state typically has a licensing exam that candidates must pass before they receive their license. Candidates should also be prepared to pay some fees, including examination registration fees, licensure fees, and renewal fees.
Social Work Salary & Career Outlook
The annual average salary of a social worker varies based on their specialty within the profession. Generally, though, social workers in the median category can expect to earn an annual average salary of $58,380 without focusing on a particular specialty.
The highest-paid in the top 10% take home an annual average salary of $94,910, while the lowest earners still manage an annual average salary of $38,400.
As for specialties, healthcare social workers earn an annual average salary of $62,940, mental health and substance abuse social workers manage an annual average salary of $55,964, and school and family social workers earn an annual average salary of $53,940.
The specific work environment also matters. For instance, social workers who work with local governments (excluding hospitals) make an annual average salary of $64,550, while those who work in educational services make around $62,980 in annual average salary.
Professionals who work with the state government manage around $54,600.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 7 percent growth in the employment of social workers between 2023 and 2023, which will result in 67,300 new jobs every year during this period.
Of course, the specific projections will also vary by specialty. Child, family, and school social workers will enjoy a 5% increase in employment, while healthcare workers will enjoy a 10% increase.
Mental health and substance abuse social workers will experience a 12% increase, while all others will experience a 5% increase.
