The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 25 percent growth in social worker positions between 2010 and 2020, which is considerably higher than the 14.3 percent average growth rate for all occupations. To begin a career as a professional social worker, the National Association of Social Workers reports you must have a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral level degree combined with a specific amount of supervised fieldwork. Once you have achieved this, you may find employment helping children, families, senior citizens or virtually anyone in need of help.
If you have a heart for children, a social work degree can lead to a career helping infants, older children or teens in a number of capacities. Adoption agencies employ social workers to screen potential adoptive families and to counsel pregnant women considering an adoptive placement. Foster care agencies and Child Protective Services agencies hire social workers to ensure children are in safe homes, as well. In addition, many youth organizations employ staff to work with homeless, at risk or disabled children and teens.
Justice and Corrections
Social workers who want to help rehabilitate people with criminal histories can find careers in correctional facilities, court systems, police departments and programs serving victims of crimes. Jails and prisons hire social workers to help teach inmates life and relationship skills or to provide resources for those approaching release. Courts employ social workers to counsel people on parole or probation, helping them find work, fight addictions and change negative behaviors. Social workers employed by police departments and victim programs may provide crisis counseling, act as expert witnesses or assist officers and attorneys during investigations and trials.
Medical and Mental Health
People who are sick, injured or dealing with mental illness often require a team of professional care providers, including social workers. Careers are available in hospitals and nursing homes, mental health systems, community agencies and school- or employer-run programs. Social workers in these positions typically provide support and resources to patients and their loved ones, including evaluation of patients' current and ongoing states, relevant therapy and help finding long-term treatment or assistance.
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health
Social workers can help children, teens and adults live with and overcome emotional, behavioral or substance abuse issues. Careers exist within school systems, child welfare agencies, treatment centers and other health-care settings. Social workers in these positions can help diagnose problems, develop treatment plans and provide necessary therapy and support for patients and their families. In addition, they often provide information regarding available resources, such as housing, education and employment assistance.
2016 Salary Information for Social Workers
Social workers earned a median annual salary of $47,460 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the low end, social workers earned a 25th percentile salary of $36,790, meaning 75 percent earned more than this amount. The 75th percentile salary is $60,790, meaning 25 percent earn more. In 2016, 682,000 people were employed in the U.S. as social workers.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Social Workers
- USC School of Social Work: The Five Most Popular Social Work Careers
- Illinois State University School of Social Work: Frequently Asked Questions
- National Association of Social Workers: Social Work Profession
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Information Included in the OOH
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook: Social Workers
- Career Trend: Social Workers
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