Social workers strive to help individuals, families, groups, and communities solve their problems. They also work to increase and improve the community resources available to people.
Depending on the nature of the problem and the time and resources available for solving it, social workers may choose one of three approaches or a combination of them-casework, group work, or community organization.
In casework, social workers interview individuals or families to identify problems. They help people understand and solve their problems by securing appropriate social resources such as financial aid, education, job training, or medical assistance.
In group work, social workers work with people in groups, helping them to understand one another. They plan and conduct activities for children, teenagers, adults, older persons, and other groups in community centers, hospitals, and nursing homes.
In community organizations, social workers coordinate the work of political, civic, religious, and business groups working to combat social problems. They help plan and develop health, housing, welfare, and recreation services.
Many social workers provide direct social services and work for public and voluntary agencies such as state and local departments of public assistance and community welfare and religious organizations. Others work for schools, hospitals, business, and industry. Some social workers are in private practice and provide counseling services on a fee basis. A related job is rehabilitation counselor.
Places of Employment and Working Conditions
Social workers are employed throughout the United States, usually in urban areas.
Most social workers have a 5-day, 35- to 40-hour workweek. Evening and weekend work are sometimes necessary.
Qualifications, Education, and Training
A social worker must be sensitive, have concern for the needs of others, be objective and emotionally stable, and be willing to handle responsibility.
A college preparatory course in high school should provide as broad a background as possible. Volunteer work or a part-time or summer job in a community center, camp, or social welfare agency are good experience.
A bachelor's degree in social work (B.S.W.) or a major in sociology or psychology can prepare the student for some positions in this field, but the usual requirement is a master's degree in social work (M.S.W.). Those with only a bachelor's degree have limited promotion opportunities.
The M.S.W. degree is awarded after two years of specialized study and supervised field instruction. A graduate degree plus experience are necessary for supervisory and administrative positions; research work also requires training in social science research methods.
A Ph.D. is usually required for teaching and for top administrative positions.
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) grants certifications and the title ACSW (Academy of Certified Social Workers) to members who qualify.
Forty-six states require the licensing or registration of social workers. Requirements usually include specified experience plus an examination. Social workers employed by federal, state, and local government agencies are usually required to pass a civil service test before appointment to a position.
Potential and Advancement
Job opportunities should continue to be good. It is probable that the number of degrees being awarded in this field will not keep pace with the increasing number of social work positions. Job opportunities will continue to be plentiful in rural areas and small towns.
Advancement in this field depends on experience and advanced education.
Income
Salaries for social workers vary by the type of agency and the geographic region. They are highest in large cities and in states with large urban populations.
