Career Outlook with a Degree in Social Work

When choosing a career, one of the most important things you can do is pick something you’re passionate about. And if helping others is what you care about most, then a career in social work may be the perfect fit for you. 

In this article, we will discuss who is a social worker, what it takes to become a social worker, and what the future holds for social workers. 

Who is a Social Worker?

A social worker is a professional who helps individuals, families, and groups with issues in their everyday lives. Social workers also work with people who have mental health issues, developmental disabilities, drug addictions, chronic illnesses, or anyone else who is going through a difficult time. The duties of a social worker vary depending on their job title and setting, but they all have one goal in common: to help their clients improve their lives. 

What do you need to become a social worker?

Most social workers can start their careers with just a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW). However, in order to grow in the field, they must pursue a higher degree. A Master’s degree (MSW) is the perfect springboard for climbing the career ladder. There are multiple programs that allow students to schedule their studies around work commitments. 

Moreover, there are online MSW programs no GRE requirements available that also waive off the previous GPA score, allowing students to pursue their degree and move a notch up in their social work career. 

Job outlook for a career in Social Work

Social work is a profession that continues to grow, with employment expected to increase by 11 percent between now and 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In particular, the BLS projects higher-than-average job growth for seven types of social work. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Substance abuse social workers

Substance abuse social workers help people who are struggling with addiction. They provide counseling and support, connect clients with resources, and advocate for better access to treatment. Most substance abuse social workers have a Bachelor’s degree in social work, although some have a related degree, such as psychology.

The duties of a substance abuse social worker can vary depending on their work setting. For example, those who work in outpatient clinics may provide individual and group counseling, while those who work in hospitals may coordinate care for patients with substance abuse disorders.

The job outlook for substance abuse social workers is positive, with an expected growth of 19% from 2019 to 2029. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. Salaries for substance abuse social workers vary depending on their education level, experience, and location. However, the median annual salary for all substance abuse counselors is $46,650.

2. Psychotherapy services social workers

Psychotherapy services are one of the main duties of a social worker. They work with individuals, families, and groups to help them cope with problems in their lives. 

Additionally, they may work in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, and private practices. The duties of a psychotherapist include assessing patient needs, developing treatment plans, and providing counseling and therapy services. They may also provide MFT services. 

Median salaries for psychotherapists are around $50,000 per year, and the job outlook is positive due to the increasing demand for mental health services. Psychotherapy is an important service provided by social workers that can help individuals overcome challenges and improve their overall well-being.

3. Child and family social workers

Child and family social workers help children and families who are coping with a variety of issues, including abuse, neglect, poverty, mental health problems, and divorce. They assess families’ needs, connect them with community resources, and provide counseling and crisis intervention. 

Child and family social workers may also advocate for children’s rights in the child welfare system. Most child and family social workers work in public or private social service agencies.

Some work in hospitals, schools, or government agencies. The median annual salary for child and family social workers is $45,780. Job growth for child and family social workers is expected to be much faster than average in the coming years.

4. School social workers

School social workers are licensed professionals who provide a range of services to students, families, and school staff. Duties typically include working with students with emotional or behavioral problems, providing counseling and crisis intervention services, and developing programs to prevent school violence. School social workers also often work closely with families to help them overcome obstacles that may interfere with their child’s education.

Salary levels for school social workers vary depending on experience and location, but the median annual salary for all social workers was $61,230 in 2018. Job growth for social workers is expected to be much faster than average in the coming years due in part to increasing awareness of the importance of mental health services in schools. Most school social workers are employed by public school districts, but some may also work in private schools, hospitals, or community organizations.

5. Healthcare social workers

Healthcare social workers are employed in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They help patients navigate the healthcare system and connect them with the resources they need. Healthcare social workers also provide counseling and support to patients and families. Duties may also include case management, discharge planning, and administrative duties. 

Most healthcare social workers have a Bachelor’s degree in social work, although some positions may require a Master’s degree. The median salary for healthcare social workers is $56,200 per year. Job growth for healthcare social workers is expected to be 13 percent from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Conclusion

A career in social work can be an incredibly rewarding and satisfying job. Not only do social workers have the opportunity to help people, but they also benefit from job security and good wages. With the field forecasted to continue growing, now is a great time to pursue a degree in social work and start your journey toward making a real difference in the lives of others. 

If you’re passionate about helping people, consider a career in social work! You’ll be able to make a real impact on those around you. Plus, with employment projected to grow steadily over the next decade or so, now is an excellent time to pursue your degree and start working towards your dream career. Take the time to research your options, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful and fulfilling career in social work!