Social Work Careers Information
Social workers wear a number of hats but in general they help clients cope with disorders, illnesses, interpersonal, and social problems. They work in a variety of settings such as schools, assisted-living facilities, hospitals, religious institutions, prisons, clinical facilities, and individual homes.
Social Work Careers & Degrees
- Colorado Technical University - Undergraduate: Undergraduate - Online
Social workers assess the presence of disorders or problems and counsel the clients to help remedy the issues at hand. Matters they address include child abuse, marital problems, teenage pregnancy, truancy, substance abuse, homelessness, poverty, and coping with chronic or terminal illnesses. Social workers also play an active role in communities through identifying community needs and helping to fix and manage social programs.
Social Work Careers Path
A bachelor’s degree in psychology is a typical path for a social work career. However, employers are increasingly requiring a master’s degree in social work.
Social Work Careers: Compatible Personality Traits
Emotionally mature, objective, empathetic, patient, strong communication skills, nurturing, good listener. Must enjoy working directly with people and have a desire to help others.
Social Worker Interview
Learn from a long social work career. Learn more from a Social Worker…
Social Work Careers: Salary Expectations
The median annual earnings of social workers is approximately $35,000, with the middle 50% earning between $28,000 and $45,000. On average, social workers with 1-4 years of experience earn $36, 350 and those with 5-9 years of experience earn $40, 340.
Social Work Careers: Job Outlook
Job opportunities are expected to increase 18-26% through 2014, largely in reaction to the growing senior population and aging baby boomers. Social workers with a background in gerontology will face increasing employment opportunities in assisted living communities, nursing homes, and hospices.
There will also be a growing need for substance abuse specialists as substance abusers are increasingly sentenced to seek treatment. Competition for jobs in major cities will rise but opportunities in rural areas should be more plentiful.
Social Work Associations and Resources
Council on Social Work Education
Slightly off the Footpath
