You know social workers, perhaps you even want to become one – but what do they do? Well, let’s take a closer look at the role of a social worker.
What Does A Social Worker Do?
The role of a social worker involves helping people to cope with their everyday life and to solve problems which they encounter. The specific type of employment for a social worker will determine in which capacities they provide assistance. Social workers who come from a clinical background may even be involved in diagnosing disorders which fall into emotional, mental or behavioral categories, as well as treating these conditions. In simple terms, a social worker helps people and tries to make a positive difference in their life.
Helping Field
We often categorize social work into the helping field. There are various settings where social workers can seek a position. For social workers who are employed at hospitals, their role involves helping the families of patients who need to make challenging decisions, while social workers who may be employed to carry out state investigation may work with families who are coping with some type of domestic conflict. Non-profit organizations may also have social workers working along with them to develop programs for areas such as poverty, abuse, homelessness and so forth. It is more than clear that social workers have varying job opportunities.
What Type Of Salary Can A Social Worker Expect?
The annual salary which a social worker receives can vary based on the type of employment that they engage in and where they live, but the average salary is just over $44,000. This figure is lower than other comparable professions and the figure is not on the steady rise. In fact, in recent years there has been a decrease in the salary for social workers.
Education Requirements Needed To Become A Social Worker
Bearing in mind that there are various job opportunities in the field of social work, the education requirements also vary. That being said, most jobs require a Bachelor’s degree. Clinical social worker positions ask for a master’s degree as well as 2 years supervised experience which must be within a clinical setting. Licensing is also necessary for the state where the social worker is to be employed.
A Look At Job Growth
Whilst the salary figure has been on the decrease, the number of available jobs has been on the increase. It is expected that employment in this field will grow by over 15% in the next 10 years. This means that there will be an increase in job opportunities for social workers.
A Real Passion To Help
Social work is one of the few professions that actually provides a personal and emotional reward. For people who have a passion for others, this is a career which they are often urged to pursue. However, before a decision is made it is a good idea to consider the pros an cons. The career path that you decide on is a massive decision and one that you need to consider carefully.
The Bottom Line
There is pretty much a balance between the pros and cons of social work. If you love helping people you likely won’t be too upset by a lower salary. With a positive job outlook and the chance to really make a difference, becoming a social worker could be the right career path for you.
If you’re interested in a career as a social worker then check this post from Social Care Solutions
