Careers in Social Work
Social work is a profession concerned with promoting the well-being of people. It includes assisting individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities to achieve life-enhancing goals as they learn to cope with or shape the social and environmental forces affecting daily life.
Relevant coursework includes classes in sociology, psychology, urban problems, criminal justice, human development, social work methods, and field experience.
Careers in Social Work
- Community-based Social Worker
- Clinical Therapist
- Social Work Educator
- Hospital Social Worker
- Child Welfare Worker
- Public Health Social Worker
- Medical Social Worker
- Case Manager
- Geriatric Social Worker
- Counselor
- Non-profit Administrator
- Community Organizer
- School Social Worker
- Public Policy Advocate
- Refugee and Resettlement Social Worker
- International Social Work
- Library Social Worker
Graduate Schools for Social Work Majors
Social work majors may also decide to pursue a master’s degree. Here is a list of graduate schools that recent social work alumni have attended.
- Loyola University Chicago
- New York University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
Important skills to have a a social worker
- Passion for social justice
- Ability to advocate for equity and inclusion
- Strong cross-cultural skills
- Advocacy skills
- Courage to challenge injustice and to work for social change
- Creative problem solving
- Emotional maturity
- Listening skills
- Establishing trusting relationships
- Written/verbal communication
- Knowledge of a second language (especially Spanish) is helpful
Outlook for the social work field
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts higher-than-average (7 percent) job growth for social workers through 2032.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in May 2022 the median for annual earning for social workers in the following areas:
- $55,350 = all social work
- $60,280 = healthcare social work
- $51,240 = mental health and substance abuse social work
- $50,820 = child family and school social work
Visit The Aspire Center for more information on careers after Carthage