Information Provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Child, Family, And School Social Workers
About 9 out of 10 child, family, and social workers were in health care and social assistance industries, as well as State and local government agencies. While a bachelors degree is the minimum requirement, a masters degree in social work or a related field has become the standard for many positions. Competition for jobs is expected in cities, but opportunities should be good in rural areas.
On average, Child, Family, and School Social Workers
earn $ 37,480 per year.
Job Opportunities for Social Services Careers are
expected to:
Increase faster than average.
General Social Work
Juvenile Corrections
Youth Services/Administration
Educational, Vocational, and School Counselors
Social work is a profession for those with a strong desire to help improve peoples lives. Social workers assist people by helping them cope with issues in their everyday lives, deal with their relationships, and solve personal and family problems. Some social workers help clients who face a disability or a life-threatening disease or a social problem, such as inadequate housing, unemployment, or substance abuse. Social workers also assist families that have serious domestic conflicts, sometimes involving child or spousal abuse. Some social workers conduct research, advocate for improved services, engage in systems design or are involved in planning or policy development. Many social workers specialize in serving a particular population or working in a specific setting.
A bachelors degree in social work (BSW) is the most common minimum requirement to qualify for a job as a social worker; however, majors in psychology, sociology, and related fields may qualify for some entry-level jobs, especially in small community agencies. Although a bachelors degree is sufficient for entry into the field, an advanced degree has become the standard for many positions. A masters degree in social work (MSW) is typically required for positions in health settings and is required for clinical work as well.
Social workers held about 595,000 jobs in 2006. About 5 out of 10 jobs were in health care and social assistance industries and 3 out of 10 are employed by State and local government agencies, primarily in departments of health and human services. Although most social workers are employed in cities or suburbs, some work in rural areas.
Association of Social Work Boards
Council on Social Work Education
National Association of Social Workers
