Top career options if you are a social worker
Do you want to help people but don’t want to spend years in school? Do you like being around people and have a knack for listening? Well, then maybe a career in social work is right for you.
Social workers help people with various issues, from mental health disorders to coping with the death of a loved one.
There are many different specialties within social work, so you can find the perfect career path that matches your interests and skills.
Social work – an overview
Social work is a profession that helps people achieve their fullest potential. Social workers work with individuals, families, and communities to help them cope with and solve problems. They also advocate for social change to improve the lives of their clients.
If you’re thinking about a career in social work, you probably have some questions. What do social workers do? Do they work with children? Do they work in hospitals? The answer is: it depends!
Social workers can specialize in various areas, from clinical social work to community organizing. There are also many different settings that social workers can work in, such as schools, hospitals, private practices, and more.
How to become a social worker?
Social workers must first obtain their BSW (Bachelor in Social Work) degree to start entry-level employment. This course of study may be completed at a traditional four-year institution or online.
Social workers are expected to be in high demand in the years ahead, faster than other jobs. With this in mind, now may be a great moment to take actions that will help you advance your social work career.
If you’ve already obtained your bachelor’s degree in social work, consider looking up options like cswe accredited MSW programs or online MSW programs degrees to help you take your career to the next level.
Master’s degree-holders in social work are eligible for many more job opportunities and can command higher salaries.
No matter what specialty or setting you choose, all social workers have one thing: the desire to help others. If you’re interested in a back bearing and gratifying career, read on to learn about the top career options for social workers.
The top careers for a social worker
Working with individuals is at the heart of social work. This can be done in a one-on-one setting, such as in private practice, or with larger groups of people.
Many social workers specialize in a specific population, such as children or the elderly. Others may choose to work with people who have a particular need, such as substance abuse disorders or mental health issues.
Community outreach worker
Have you ever met a situation where you didn’t know where to turn? Maybe you needed help finding a job or were struggling to make ends meet.
Community outreach workers are here to help. They connect people with the resources they need to improve their lives. Community outreach workers often work for nonprofit organizations or government agencies.
Social workers working as the face of the community must have excellent communication skills and deal with people from all walks of life.
School social worker
Do you love working with kids? Do you have a passion for education? If so, then a career as a school social worker might be the perfect fit for you.
School social workers assist students in overcoming barriers to learning. They also work with parents and teachers to create a supportive environment for all students.
School social workers must have a strong knowledge of child development and create positive relationships with students, parents, and teachers.
Clinical social worker
If you’re interested in a more unmediated approach to social work, you might want to consider a career as a clinical social worker.
Clinical social workers provide direct services to clients, such as counseling and therapy. They also work with families and communities to promote mental health and well-being.
To work as a clinical social worker, you’ll need a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from an accredited institution. You’ll also need to obtain your state’s social work board’s approval.
Eligibility worker
Many people require assistance with money, housing, and other such necessities. However, not everyone who needs help knows how to obtain it.
Eligibility workers check to see whether you are eligible for a specific program or service. Many are unaware that they may qualify for aid. Eligibility workers generally work for governments at the state, local, or federal level.
Eligibility workers must have a strong feeling for humanity and administrative abilities. They must also be very familiar with a variety of government assistance programs.
Juvenile court liaison
A juvenile court liaison is responsible for a lot of activity in the juvenile legal system. They work only in juvenile courts, not in adult justice systems.
It’s also worth noting that they operate under the court’s jurisdiction rather than attorneys, plaintiffs, or defendants. However, they frequently interact with various parties involved in particular cases.
They are also involved with paperwork and records management, assisting in keeping data organized and up on time.
Juvenile court liaisons must have organizational skills to maintain court records and other papers as orderly as possible.
They also require excellent communication abilities because they spend a significant amount of time engaged in conversations with others.
Foster care social worker
How often have you come across a news article or story about a child in the foster care system? While the media often portrays foster care negatively, there are many positive aspects to the system.
Foster care social workers play a vital role in ensuring that children in the foster care system are placed in safe and loving homes.
Foster care social workers must be able to work with children of all ages and their families. They must also have a strong knowledge of child development and create positive relationships with all parties involved.
Marriage and family therapist
Sometimes, people get into relationships and build families they can’t seem to get out of independently. That’s where marriage and family therapists come in.
Marriage and family therapists help people work through the issues in their relationships. They also work with families to help them build strong and healthy relationships.
Marriage and family therapists must have a master’s degree in clinical social work, counseling, or a related field. They must also be licensed by their state’s marriage and family therapy board.
Find a career you are passionate about
The listed professions are only the tip of the iceberg for potential social work career paths. With a degree in social work, the sky is the limit!
The most important thing is to find a career that you’re passionate about, which will positively impact the world. What are you waiting for? Start your search today!
