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Social workers work with all kinds of people and often specialise in a specific field of work. For example: autism and learning disabilities; children in need and child protection; criminal justice and forensic social work; court services; dementia; domestic abuse; fostering, special guardianship and adoption; children’s residential; hospital ...
Social workers protect children and adults with support needs from harm. From helping keep a family under pressure together to supporting someone with mental health problems, social work is a varied, demanding, often emotional and very rewarding career.
What social workers do. The job of a social work professional is varied but always aims to improve people’s lives. People with lived experience. BASW connects with many people with lived and living experience of social work services who continue to enrich our work.
Social work is an academic discipline and practice-based profession concerned with meeting the basic needs of individuals, families, groups, communities, and society as a whole to enhance their individual and collective well-being.
- Overview
- What Is a Social Worker?
- What Does a Social Worker Do?
- Where Are Social Workers Employed?
- Salary Information
- How to Become a Social Worker
- Social Worker Specialty Areas
- Job Outlook for Social Workers
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A social worker is a mental health professional who works to improve the lives of vulnerable populations. They work with individuals and communities to overcome challenges and effect social change.
Social work is an exciting career area that is highly related to psychology. Are you looking for a career that is rewarding yet challenging? Do you want to contribute to society by helping people overcome difficulties and improve their lives? Social work fits this description, which is why many psychology undergraduates opt to pursue it.
While many individuals who work in this field start by earning an undergraduate degree in social work before moving on to graduate school, some psychology majors opt to switch to a social work master's program after earning their degrees.
At a Glance
Social workers help vulnerable people with a wide range of issues, from finding secure housing, applying for community services, and providing mental health treatment. Most social workers have a master's degree and may specialize in mental health/substance use, child/family/school services, or public health.
So what exactly is a social worker? These mental health professionals help people with a broad range of issues, including psychological, financial, health, relationship, and substance abuse problems. Learn more about what social workers do, the educational requirements, and the projected job outlook for the field.
The field of social work utilizes social theories to understand human problems, to help improve people's lives, and to improve society as a whole.
Social workers:
•Act as advocates for their clients
•Promote social welfare
•Educate clients and teach them new skills
•Link clients to essential resources within the community
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about half of all social workers are employed as child, family, and school social workers, a trend projected to continue through 2032.
Areas where social workers often work include:
•Individual and family services: 17%
•Ambulatory healthcare services: 14%
•Local government, excluding education and hospitals: 14%
•State government, excluding education and hospitals: 13%
Salaries can vary based on various factors, including geographic location, educational background, and specialty area.
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that the median annual wage for social workers as of 2022 was $55,350. The lowest 10% made less than $36,600, and the highest 10% made more than $87,300.
According to the National Association of Social Workers, those just starting out in their career with an undergraduate degree in social work earn a mean income of $31,327 per year. Those with a Master's degree typically average a mean income of $44,418.
The U.S. Department of Labor reports the following median yearly earnings for different specialty areas in social work:
•Child, family, and school social workers: $50,820
•Mental health and substance abuse social workers: $51,240
In order to become a social worker, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree is the minimum requirement. However, some individuals with psychology, sociology, and education degrees are able to find entry-level jobs in social work.
If you are interested in providing therapy services, then a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is required. Are you interested in teaching at the university level or conducting research? Then you will need to earn a doctorate degree in social work (DSW).
Medical and Public Health Social Workers
Those specializing in medical or public health social work offer psychosocial services to individuals, families, and groups affected by acute, chronic, and terminal illnesses. These services might involve: Providing psychological counseling Connecting clients with resources in the community Helping families who are caring for a sick loved one
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Child, family, and school social workers work with children and families. Some work in school settings to help children with academic, social, and emotional issues. Others may work with foster children, help arrange adoptions, and assist single parents. Some specific tasks they may perform include: Helping families access housing Connecting families with services such as childcare, benefits, or food stamps Intervening when children are experiencing abuse or neglect Assisting with arranging foster care or adoptions
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Mental health and substance abuse social workers assess and treat individuals suffering from mental health problems or addiction and substance abuse issues. Social workers in this specialty area may provide: Crisis counseling Individual therapy Group therapy Skills education Psychosocial rehabilitation services
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that social work careers will grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. While employment opportunities in urban areas are predicted to be more competitive, the Department of Labor suggests that job demand will also be good in rural locations.
“Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work.
Social work is a profession that is dedicated to helping people with their personal, emotional, mental and spiritual needs. Social workers help people to achieve their full potential and live self-directed lives.
