Social workers accept positions in schools, hospitals, outpatient services, nursing care facilities and government agencies. Because they address the specific needs of their clients, social workers provide a variety of services depending on their chosen setting. From becoming a community health worker to a school social worker, a degree in social work will prepare you for a variety of careers.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupation Lookout Handbook: Social Work will add more than 100,000 jobs by the year 2022, which indicates a growth rate that is “faster than the average for all occupations.”
Below are some examples of viable career options with an social work degree, included are links to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics where you will find more information about each career’s outlook!
| Career | Median Salary | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Community Health Worker | $48,140 | 17% |
| Social and Community Service Manager | $69,600 | 15% |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $35,960 | 17% |
| Social Workers | $51,760 | 12% |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral and Mental Health Counselor | $47,660 | 23% |
For more career outlook information, visit Career Services.
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How Social Workers Are a Service to Society
Social workers help individuals, families and members of groups and communities restore their capabilities to function in society. The field of social work focuses on interactions between people and the societal institutions that impact a person’s ability to accomplish essential life tasks and realize goals. Social workers are trained to help people improve their developmental capabilities, problem-solving skills and coping mechanisms. Professionals in this field strive to create conditions that are conducive to attaining these goals.
Social Work’s Range of Engagement
Social workers connect people with systems and institutions that provide services, resources, support and opportunities for individuals and families. Licensed social workers have a broad array of career options such as:
- County human services: child welfare, adults, elderly, program manager
- Community nonprofit organizations: youth, families, women, ethnic groups, elderly, program manager
- Schools: special education, chemical dependency, mental health counseling, school social worker
- Medical: hospitals, hospice, clinics, long-term care, program management
- Criminal justice: probation, juvenile centers, truancy intervention, program manager
- Elderly: nursing homes, adult day centers, senior centers, program manager
- Chemical dependency: in-patient, out-patient, halfway houses, prevention, program manager
- Mental health centers: in-home, counseling, case management, program manager
- Tribal social services
- Social justice and social action
- Services for the developmentally disabled