Salary/Degree Guides

Social Work & Social Services Career Guide: Salary and Degree Info

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Updated: September 26, 2024, Reading time: 50 minutes

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As one of the most exciting and rewarding careers, Social Work leads to a noble profession that contributes to society.

According to the International Federation of Social Workers, “Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people.”

Upholding the principles of social justice, human rights, and taking responsibility are some of the tenets of social services and social work. Social worker duties run the gamut from conducting therapies and counseling to policy formulation and analysis, advocacy, and even political intervention.

From healthcare social workers to school social workers and everything in between, there’s no doubt the effort put forth by a social worker is valuable and necessary.

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As of 2023, there were 751,900 jobs in the field of social services & social work. From 2023 to 2033, the employment rate is expected to rise by 7%, taking several specializations into account. This, in part, is driven by the increased demand for healthcare and social services professionals in state and local government agencies.

Overview

Do you aspire to be a licensed clinical social worker? If so, congratulations! A social worker is often an unsung hero who just doesn’t get enough credit for the important work they do. You can truly do good work through your choice to be a social worker. It’s highly rewarding to know that you have made a positive impact on someone’s life through social justice, reform, and development.

Check out our guide to learn your salary potential!

Grad School Center is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Social Work as a Degree

To become a successful professional, one must earn a degree in social work that delivers the right education and training.

Typically, a social work program enables students to define and discover new methods that can influence human behaviors and interactions. You also explore the causes of social behavior and the changing social patterns.

Most social work programs are designed to provide students with skills in social advocacy. These include courses covering human behavior, research methods, psychology, and social work practices.

Depending on the degree level, some social work courses can tackle clinical practice, behavioral treatment, adult psychopathology, and drug and alcohol abuse intervention.

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Aside from the coursework within the classroom, students are also expected to gain hands-on experience through field practicum or internships, such as working with individuals and other groups from human services agencies, individual and family services, local government agencies, and federal government agencies.

Types of Social Work Degrees

Social work degrees come in different levels: bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Each degree level comes with a unique curriculum and coursework. The outcome results in varying median salaries depending on the educational level.

Social work degrees also vary in difficulty and the length of time it takes to complete the program.

Associate Degree in Social Work

An Associate degree in social work can be completed in two years. The courses typically consist of an introduction to the discipline for foundational knowledge of the practice. The subjects of focus include sociology and psychology.

Unlike a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree in social work does not qualify you for social work practice. They, however, enable you to take on human services and support social work positions. The salary potential for social work assistant jobs is an average of $68,640.

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work

A bachelor’s degree in social work usually requires four years to complete. It is commonly the basic educational requirement for many social work jobs, as well as a minimum qualification for social work licensing and certification programs in most states.

This degree program prepares students for direct-service positions with a curriculum centering on essential individual and family needs and support, social welfare policy, casework planning, and intervention strategies. Most bachelor’s degrees require at least 400 hours of supervised field experience.

Some of the most popular courses for a bachelor’s degree in Social Work include foundations of social work practice, microhuman and mental health behavior in the social environment, research methods in social work, statistics for social workers, and diversity and oppression in a social work context.

With only a bachelor’s degree in social work, graduates can gain positions such as care consultants, child life specialists, child protective services workers, court-appointed special advocates, criminal justice social workers, in government agencies, or gerontology social workers.

The salary ranges for social workers vary greatly, depending on experience and the employment sector.

Master’s Degree in Social Work

To increase your chances of landing better career opportunities in social work, earn a master’s degree. This graduate program gives them excellent credentials for securing top-tier positions such as social work department supervisor or professor.

What sets it apart from a bachelor’s degree is that a master’s program requires students to complete many courses focusing on research. They are also required to complete intensive fieldwork.

This advanced social work degree usually takes two years to complete. It is a useful degree for those who want to attain specific positions in social work, including clinical, policy, and administration jobs.

Aside from the classwork, they are also required to complete a particular number of supervised hours, around 900, in the form of field instruction or internship. Some schools might require students to master a second language.

A master’s degree in social work can equip students with the necessary credentials to become certified social workers, clinical social workers, or a diplomat in social work and mental health.

Doctorate in Social Work

Focusing on research techniques and qualitative and quantitative analysis methods, a doctoral degree in social work takes around two to four years to complete. This advanced program is the terminal degree in social work and is designed to hone students for careers in leadership, educational institutions, and healthcare environments.

In this doctoral degree program, students focus on a narrow field of study and research. Ultimately, they should be able to present a well-researched dissertation, which is their ticket to graduation.

Those who have completed a doctoral program in social work can find opportunities as professors in accredited universities and executives within social work organizations. They can also take on positions that require them to conduct research and policy analysis as licensed social workers.

Social Work Specializations

As one of the most diverse professions today, social work has several specializations available for those who have earned the degree.

Some social workers, for example, specialize in child welfare and spend a lot of time dealing with children in foster homes, juvenile courts, and other family service agencies. Substance abuse social workers assist those battling drug abuse.

Social workers typically devote their time and energy to caring for all members of society, young and old.

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It can be overwhelming to choose one specialized area of social work, especially if one’s goals and interests are not yet clear. In our goal to help aspiring social workers, we feature some of the most common specializations:

Child and Family Social Work

In this specialized area, students are taught how to deal with children and family members who have been abused, suffering from mental or physical illness, exhibiting behavioral problems, or experiencing stress. They are expected to learn how to ensure the safety of children of all ages within their family units.

Social workers who specialize in this field provide a variety of services, including providing therapy for individual children or working with their families to secure resources. It is also part of their jobs to conduct training, serve on interdisciplinary teams, and testify in court.

This specialization involves various work settings. The most common is in government agencies, schools, residential care facilities, social service agencies, and adoption agencies.

School Social Work

For this specialization, social workers often serve as liaisons between students, families, teachers, and administration. They ensure there is seamless communication between all parties, which can result in better individual services for different student needs.

School social workers provide crisis intervention, personal and academic counseling, assessments, and sex education, all of which are integral in ensuring students have a fruitful academic career.

Practitioners in this specialized area are required to obtain a master’s degree. Students who wish to take up this specialization are expected to complete specific coursework in School Social Work. In their internship, they may be required to interact with school personnel and parents and provide direct services to students.

Clinical Social Work

This area of specialization requires an advanced degree, like a master’s in social work. Most types of clinical social work involve tackling mental health, psychological disorders, relationships, and family problems.

Clinical social workers are responsible for diagnosing, creating treatment plans, and providing counseling services to clients of all ages. They are also expected to give counsel to new or at-risk parents or testify on behalf of children and adolescents in child abuse court cases.

Medical social workers and clinical social workers can be assigned across a variety of settings, including substance abuse facilities, juvenile detention centers, prisons, nonprofit organizations, and mental health centers.

Elder Care Social Work

A typical job in many state and public agencies, social work for elder care involves assessments and evaluations for the elderly, counseling, and advocating for older adults suffering at the hands of their family members or caretakers.

Healthcare social workers specializing in this area can act as counselors or therapists, often dealing with the deteriorating mental health of the aging population.

Students who are interested in this specialization can use their bachelor’s degree or higher to be qualified. There are also specialization classes and undergraduate internships that can equip them with the right education and experience to work in this kind of setting.

Online vs. Brick-and-Mortar Social Work Degrees

Aspiring social workers have several options to get their degrees. It can be done the traditional way by attending a brick-and-mortar school or the flexible method of online learning. Advancements in technology have made the latter possible, with many colleges and universities offering online degrees in social work these days.

This option gives distance learners the chance to earn their degree in the comfort of their homes and at their own pace. The flexibility it affords them is a great help, especially for those who are juggling their family and career responsibilities along with obtaining a good education.

Online Social Work Degree

The most advantageous aspect of completing a degree online is that it offers more flexibility. Students can schedule their classes at the most suitable time, allowing them to pursue their careers while advancing their education.

What’s more, you can complete the program at your own pace, unencumbered by the need to attend on-campus classes. With a high-speed internet connection, you are set to go.

As for the cost, online programs, in general, can be cheaper than traditional ones. There are a few universities that offer social work programs at $15,000 per year. Thankfully, financial aid options are offered to students who wish to earn this degree online in the form of loans, grants, and even scholarships.

Since online social work degrees are flexible, the program length varies depending on the pace of the student. Generally, bachelor’s degrees can take as many as four years to complete, while graduate programs in Social Work can be completed within 2-3 years.

Just like the on-campus programs, the online curriculum offers courses that focus on providing communities with social support services and dealing with social work issues. Some schools may require internships.

Online programs take a lot of self-discipline to complete, as students are expected to take charge of their own academic experience. They have assigned online advisers that can guide them and answer their questions. But most of the time, they navigate on their own.

Some of the best schools offering social work degree programs online include the University of Utah, the University of North Dakota, the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Walden University, and the University of Southern California.

Brick and Mortar Social Work Degree

Still the most popular choice of many students, on-campus social work degrees possess a lot of advantages.

For students who thrive in the classroom environment, earning their degree in a brick-and-mortar format is the ideal route. They can learn more effectively through direct contact with their professors while forming connections with their fellow students.

Many state and public universities offer social work programs that are cheaper. It is possible to find a program that costs only around $10,000 per year. Highly competitive programs in prominent universities, however, could cost up to $30,000 annually.

The good thing about that, though, is the fact that many financial aid options are readily available at their disposal. Most colleges and universities offer low-cost student loans and scholarships that can considerably lighten many students’ financial load.

Since most campus programs adhere to specified schedules, completing the degree program usually takes four years for bachelor’s degrees and two to three years for graduate studies. Students, however, have the option to study full-time or part-time.

Campus programs curriculum still tackles Social Work and its many facets that can prepare students for their chosen careers. It can be easier for students because they have access to their professors and other faculty members when they need to discuss issues regarding materials and such.

Their professors are also there to keep them on track by providing rigid class schedules, minimizing the possibility of slacking off, and enabling them to complete the degree right on time.

The most notable schools offering on-campus programs include North Carolina State University and the University of Texas at Austin.

Financing Your Social Work Education

Earning a degree is a worthy investment. Social work degree programs are no different. They can help students navigate their career path in the field of social work, providing them with golden opportunities and maximizing their rewards.

It is not so surprising to find, however, that financial constraints can hinder many aspirants from reaching their goals.

Financing one’s education is challenging. College is expensive. Thankfully, many educational financing options are available for earning a social work degree on-campus or online.

Many universities have a list of scholarships, grants, loans, and other financial aid options available for their students. Students should explore the full range of funding opportunities at their disposal and submit the necessary application and requirements on time.

Scholarships

Often considered as financial rewards and the best form of financial aid, scholarships do not need to be paid back. However, the caveat is that they are mostly merit-based, meaning students can only avail of it if they are qualified. Most qualifications are based on academic performance.

The state and federal governments grant scholarships. Many such opportunities are also offered by private and nonprofit organizations and even academic institutions. These scholarships can vary from institution to institution.

There is also the American School Health Association Scholarship, which is available for applicants who major in Social Work, whether it is for undergraduate or graduate studies.

Federal and Private Loans

The most widely available financial aid option, student loans from the federal government and private institutions, are pretty accessible to most universities and colleges in the country.

Federal loans require students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Loans from private institutions have their own set of rules and qualifications as well, often accessible through credit unions, banks, and loan or savings establishments. These loans come with fixed interest rates.

Loan Forgiveness Programs

Once students graduate, they can make use of loan forgiveness programs for social workers, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program.

In some instances, these programs require social work professionals to be employed full-time in their public service jobs.

Social Work Career Pathways, Information, and Outlook

Social work majors share the common desire to help others. Their career path leads to providing social services to the needy, from school social workers for children and teens to healthcare social workers for the elderly population.

They may provide services like advocacy and crisis response. Some social workers specialize in child, family, and school, while others focus on healthcare, mental health, and substance abuse. Clinical Social Workers also evaluate and treat behavioral, mental, and emotional conditions.

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 751,900 social workers are employed in the United States as of 2023. The majority of them specialized in helping children and families or worked in schools, while the smallest percentage worked as criminal justice social workers and forensic social workers.

By 2033, social work jobs are expected to grow by 7%, adding approximately 67,300 new jobs per year to the workforce for family agencies and the like.

Social work graduates with a bachelor’s degree can work in most social work fields, but if they want to take up specific positions like clinical social work, they will need to have a master’s degree and two years of post-master’s experience in a supervised clinical setting. They are also required to acquire a license in the state where they practice.

As of May 2023, the median annual salary for potential social workers was $58,380, but it can go lower or higher depending on one’s specialization and location.

10 Common Social Work Occupations

Child Welfare Social Workers

One of the most common social worker occupations, Child Welfare Social workers are responsible for investigating cases of child abuse or neglect. Their findings determine whether the child should remain in the home or move to a safer place temporarily or permanently.

They also provide support services to families, including child care, substance abuse treatment, parenting classes, and family counseling. In many cases, Child Welfare Social Workers witness in court and testify on a child’s behalf.

Although this profession requires a lot of time and effort because of limited resources and a usually demanding caseload, being a Child Welfare Social Worker is a fulfilling job.

Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree

Average Salary: $59,190

Direct-Service Social Worker

Primarily addressing the different cultural, social, health, and environmental issues for individuals and families, Direct-Service Social Workers have valuable contributions to society. They work in different settings and offer various services like child welfare, a shelter for the homeless, local community development, and even rehabilitation programs for the youth.

Social workers aim to help families and communities become functioning members of society and learn the art of self-sufficiency.

Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree

Average Salary: $58,380

Gerontology Social Worker

When people reach 65 years old, they are considered part of the aging population in the country. They are expected to represent 19% of the population by 2030.

A division of healthcare social workers and gerontology social workers ensures that seniors get the support and resources they need to freely and independently pursue their interests and enjoy activities.

It is their job to understand the mental and physical challenges of the aging population. They help the elderly avoid scams and abuse, get long-term care, obtain end-of-life planning, and combat depression and grief.

They act as the liaison between the seniors and family members. It is also possible for Gerontology Social Workers to deal with doctors, caregivers, medical centers, and nursing homes.

Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree

Average Salary: $67,283

Public Health Social Worker

Patients who need support when it comes to medical care can turn to public health social workers in hospitals, wellness centers, emergency rooms, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, and hospices. Their job is to ensure that patients are aware of their rights to public health.

They help with paperwork and decision-making and set dialogues with clients, caregivers, families, and other medical personnel.

Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree

Average Salary: $58,380

Mental Health Social Worker

Many individuals suffer from a wide array of mental, behavioral, and emotional problems. It is the job of Mental Health Social Workers to assess and diagnose mental disorders as well as develop treatment plans.

Most Mental Health Social Workers serve in psychiatric hospitals, community health centers, hospitals, and private practices. Some who begin their careers in mental health as social workers go on to earn their psychology or psychiatry degrees.

Educational Requirement: Master’s degree

Average Salary: $58,380

Hospice Care Social Worker

People who are at the end of their life due to severe and terminal illnesses need palliative care. Hospice Care Social Workers help clients and their families move through illness and death with compassion. They also help patients navigate the practical and emotional issues that come with the demise of a loved one.

Hospice Care Social Workers fill out an advance directive for patients, assist with funeral arrangements, and assess the emotional needs of both the patients and caregivers. They can also work closely with healthcare social workers to provide the best care.

Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree

Average Salary: $58,380

Research Social Worker

Research Social Workers primarily oversee social changes and uphold progressive social policies. They are responsible for exploring and compiling the best field and clinical practices, assessing governmental and administrative policies, and publishing their findings.

It is also part of their jobs to write grants, conduct demonstration projects, analyze census data, develop papers, testify at hearings, and deal with the media and policymakers.

Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree

Average Salary: $58,380

School Social Worker

School social workers are an integral part of the educational system. Children with personal issues tend to rebel and mess up in school. School social workers help parents and teachers listen carefully to these students and help them overcome their troubles.

Most of these students have problems at home that lead to negative emotions like pain, frustration, embarrassment, anger, and insecurity. These can translate to inappropriate behaviors at school, which can interfere with their learning. School social workers can help.

A licensed clinical social worker who helps troubled children with their educational requirements and offers behavioral interventions is an integral part of the education system. School social workers work in private clinics, in schools, or in other individual and family services.

Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree

Average Salary: $58,380

Substance Abuse Social Worker

The main job of substance abuse social workers is to help people with addictions and patterns of substance misuse.

They typically work in rehabilitation centers, juvenile and foster care facilities, health care centers, and community service agencies. Substance abuse social workers provide counseling and sequential crisis interventions.

Substance abuse social workers or counselors must have patience and compassion. They aim to help their clients attain long-term recovery. If adolescents need help, they may work closely with school social workers.

Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree

Average Salary: $58,380

Veterans Social Worker

This type of social worker offers services for veterans and their families. This includes advocacy, benefits assistance, medical referrals, bureaucratic navigation, and mental health therapy. The latter involves depression, PTSD, and drug and alcohol addiction.

Licensed social workers in this field are very important to our veterans.

Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree

Salary: Average salaries are based on the military system of rank and time in service, or approximately $58,380.

Other Social Work Occupations include:

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30 Highest Paying Social Work Careers

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Below, you will find a list of the most popular social work careers and their average salaries:

Director of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

As consumers become more and more particular with how corporations are giving back to the community, corporate social responsibility is now a significant consideration of many companies in the private sector.

Graduates of social work and their skill set will be a valuable addition to any company venturing into CSR projects that cover issues like health education, sustainable livelihoods in far-flung communities, and ending human trafficking.

Funding and budgeting (and consequently, compensation) for social workers in corporate fields are also less of a concern thanks to resources provided by big corporations, as compared to those working in the public sector; therefore, higher salaries are usually paid in this field.

Director of Corporate Social Responsibility Average Salary: $142,940

Social Work Academic / Professor

Working in academic institutions is also a well-compensated option for social work graduates, even though it involves further education and a somewhat long climb up the academic career ladder. For many colleges and universities, a master’s degree and a doctorate will be necessary to even get into the entry-level position of assistant professor.

Aside from developing social work curriculums and courses, holding classes, and mentoring aspiring social workers, constant research and publication are also a major part of the job.

Social Work Academic / Professor Average Salary: $66,005

Speech Pathologist

Speech pathologist positions usually require specialization through a master’s degree and a licensure examination, but it is one of the highest-paying opportunities for social workers.

Speech pathology involves the diagnosis of speech disorders, such as in children with cleft palates or stroke survivors with impaired verbal abilities, and the development and execution of individualized treatments that will enable patients to communicate better and more comfortably.

Speech Pathologist Average Salary: $92,630

School Social Worker or Counselor

School social workers or counselors aim to support the emotional and mental well-being and development of students through school programs, one-on-one counseling for students’ various concerns, or intervention in issues like bullying or even conflicts between students and teachers, to name a few. They are also expected to guide high school students in college applications and scholarships.

School social workers or counselors are also responsible for referring students to psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, or other mental health professionals for cases that may need more serious intervention.

Note that some schools may require a master’s degree or even a doctorate for this position. A social worker’s salary is commensurate to their education and experience; therefore, it can vary greatly.

School Social Worker or Counselor Average Salary: $53,926

Veteran Affairs (VA) Social Worker

Social workers can also explore working with veterans and their families, as well as homeless veterans, which have become a pressing issue in recent years. As many veterans experience depression and post-traumatic disorder after returning from their deployment, VA social workers create programs for their treatment and counseling.

They also recommend support groups or other methods to improve their mental, emotional, and physical health. They also support veterans in areas like financial or housing assistance, processing of benefits, or help during hospitalization, especially for elderly veterans.

Veteran Affairs (VA) Social Worker Average Salary: $85,592

Employee Assistance Program Counselor

Companies tap externally contracted social workers or create an in-house group to lead employee assistance programs. These programs ensure the mental and emotional well-being of their employees and improve their productivity and performance at work.

Employee Assistance Program Counselors provide support to employees dealing with issues that can affect their work performance, such as marital problems, health concerns, financial difficulties, work stresses, and substance abuse.

They also educate and advise employees on benefits or other forms of assistance for specific situations.

Employee Assistance Program Counselor Average Salary: $43,906

Non-profit Organization (NPO) Executive Director

Being the executive director of a non-profit organization means ensuring the execution of strategies toward its goals. Reporting to the organization’s stakeholders or Board of Directors, an NPO Executive Director also leads all marketing efforts and explores fundraising opportunities.

The majority of their workload will most likely focus on fundraising for their chosen community or sector. Executive Directors represent the organization in the media and the public.

Non-profit Organization (NPO) Executive Director Average Salary: $158,000

Social Science Researcher

Social science researchers contribute immensely to the development of social work as a profession. They ensure that practices in social work are up-to-date. They look into the current and changing needs of various communities or groups.

They gather and analyze data on areas where social work is prevalent, such as healthcare, education, and gender, through methods like surveys, face-to-face interviews, and case studies.

Social Science Research Average Salary: $71,105

Housing and Community Development Director

Both private and government sectors have worked together in recent years to improve housing for the homeless and people living in poverty and, in turn, improve the health and safety of these people by getting them off the streets.

Housing and community development directors lead housing programs that aim to end homelessness in a community. They develop processes and qualifications for those who intend to avail of free or subsidized housing.

Housing and Community Development Director Average Salary: $157,000

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Usually requiring a master’s degree in Social Work, licensed clinical social workers conduct diagnostics and evaluations of patients’ emotional and mental health and provide therapy and other courses of treatment for these patients.

They also assist in connecting patients to specialized professionals who can further support them in managing their specific issues.

As indicated in the job title, acquiring a license by passing a national examination is necessary, while other requirements vary from state to state.

Salary rates increase substantially when a clinical social worker is fluent in another language, especially in Spanish, as there is a higher demand for social workers within low-income Latino communities.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Average Salary: $94,158

Substance Use and Recovery Treatment Counselor

For patients who aim to achieve sobriety from drug or alcohol abuse and other addictions, substance use and recovery treatment counselors are a crucial part of their journey.

Substance abuse social workers and counselors work with people struggling with addictions and provide them with treatment, resources, coping techniques, and support groups that can help them in their recovery.

Substance use and recovery treatment counselors also work to educate friends and family members of recovering addicts about addiction and how they can support loved ones as they move toward sobriety. Employers include public and private hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and even prisons and juvenile detention centers.

Substance Use and Recovery Treatment Counselor Average Salary: $51,859

Medical Discharge Planner

Medical discharge planners develop healthcare and support plans for patients who are about to be discharged from a hospital setting. The goal of discharge planners is to ensure that patients remain in good health through recommended practices and follow-up services after their hospitalization.

Discharge planners do not develop these plans alone, as they are required to work closely with the patient’s family members, doctors, dietitians, etc., to ensure holistic and medically sound recommendations for the patient’s recovery and improvement.

Medical Discharge Planner Average Salary: $83,000

Healthcare Social Worker

Healthcare social workers or medical social workers specifically support people who are dealing with major illnesses or diseases by providing services and resources (e.g., doctors, specialty hospitals, medical equipment) suited for their health issue or condition, providing valuable information on their rights as patients, or by assisting them in securing funding or finances for their medical bills.

Overall, healthcare social workers communicate closely with their patients to determine their individual needs and find ways for those needs to be met.

Healthcare Social Workers Average Salary: $67,430

Clinical Coordinator

Clinical coordinators are in charge of managing the everyday operations and other administrative aspects of a variety of healthcare facilities. They must work to ensure that industry standards and government regulations are consistently met and hire appropriate and qualified personnel.

Managing the facility’s budget is also part of their responsibility, as well as keeping patient records and ensuring the availability of equipment and medication. Social workers interested in becoming clinical coordinators may first need experience in a clinical or healthcare setting to qualify for the position.

Clinical Coordinator Salary: $57,602

Social Policy Analyst

Social policy analysts, as is apparent in their name, analyze existing or even upcoming legislation and policies on public health, poverty, crime, homelessness, etc., created by the government and determine if they are appropriately implemented.

They also look into policies’ effectiveness through various methods, including analysis of data, and recommend changes or courses of action if needed.

Social policy analysts can also serve as consultants when policies are being drafted, as part of their job is also to find solutions to pressing social issues and not just analyze existing solutions.

They can also promote and raise awareness of social service programs among the community through the media and other channels.

Social Policy Analyst Average Salary: $82,012

School Counselor

School counselors are required to have at least a master’s degree in school counseling. Trained in child and adolescent psychology, they closely work with students so that they can help them enjoy a safe learning environment and, therefore, excel well in school.

Although they usually meet with students individually, they also organize group sessions, workshops, and school assemblies.

School counselors are in charge of designing, implementing, evaluating, and enhancing comprehensive school counseling programs. When stressful incidents happen in schools, such as the death of a fellow student or a disaster, they are usually the ones who conduct crisis interventions for students.

School Counselor Average Salary: $58,824

Hospice Care Social Worker

Hospice care social workers have the difficult job of making the end-of-life process as smooth a transition as they can.

Their work is mostly to coordinate care within hospice facilities. They are in charge of providing hospice services that give patients the best possible care, including the arrangement of medical services as well as the availability of emotional, psychological, and spiritual care.

Hospice care social workers provide talk therapy and other counseling services whenever they meet their patients personally. They mostly work with terminally ill patients and their loved ones.

Hospice Care Social Worker Average Salary: $81,000

Military Social Worker

Military social workers undergo specialized training that enables them to learn the qualifications needed to work with military clients.

Their main purpose is to assist members of the military, veterans, their spouses, their children, and the support staff whenever they have trouble living their daily lives. The difficult challenges in the military that require the help of a social worker include deployment anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and re-adjustment to civilian life.

The responsibilities of military social workers include care for military personnel and their families, the connection of military members to programs, and communication with other members of the military.

Military Social Worker Average Salary: $45,192

Mental Health Counselor

Mental health counselors help their clients cope with emotional, psychological, and even dependency disorders. Some examples of the struggles they encounter and help with are drug and alcohol addiction, marital and family problems, as well as stress and anxiety.

The usual duties of a mental health counselor include outpatient mental health services, mental health assessments, counseling, referrals, and intervention services. They process paperwork and documentation, following federal and state guidelines.

Mental health counselors usually treat routine mental health problems, but they also face serious mental health illnesses.

Mental Health Counselor Average Salary: $75,386

Marriage and Family Therapist

The role of marriage and family therapists is not an interaction with only one individual but the relationships of the people within the marriage and family units.

As families are usually diverse and challenging, marriage and family therapists employ various psychological techniques and tools to help the families and couples under their wing.

One of these methods is cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a conventional therapy method used among clients. A marriage and family therapist encourages clients to discuss their emotions and experiences.

The professional guides them in making decisions and helps develop strategies to improve their behavior.

Marriage and Family Therapist Average Salary: $68,730

Certified Addiction Counselor

Certified addiction counselors help rehabilitate drug or alcohol dependents/addicts. They identify the behaviors related to their addictions and counsel their clients in either individual or group settings.

They also conduct crisis counseling sessions or introduce the tools needed to start over. Their work environments include rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and private organizations.

Other than directly helping their clients, they also speak with the family members who are affected by the addiction of their clients. They teach prevention programs through community outreach as well.

Certified Addiction Counselor Average Salary: $59,672

Corrections Social Worker

Corrections social workers assess and evaluate the inmates in the facility. They conduct interviews and psychological tests of the inmates and their families to analyze their tendencies, intelligence, and behavior.

This enables Corrections Social Workers to create a rehabilitation plan for the inmates. Other than interviews and tests, they also usually conduct programs such as educational programs that help prepare the inmates for when they return to society.

In general, corrections social workers help inmates survive the difficulties in prison and prepare them to go back to the community once they are free to go.

Corrections Social Worker Average Salary: $76,266

Child Welfare Social Worker

Child welfare social workers make sure that their clients’ well-being is socially, physically, psychologically, and emotionally sound.

They are mostly found working for government-run agencies that focus on child welfare. However, they can also be seen in non-profit community organizations, foster care, and adoption or child advocacy agencies.

Their responsibilities include regular home visits, protection of children from abuse, neglect, and maltreatment, investigation of allegations of such abusive behavior, and assessment of a parent or guardian’s ability to provide care.

Child welfare social workers must also be thorough as they are in charge of complete documentation of their case files and the performance of other administrative tasks.

Child Welfare Social Worker Average Salary: $76,266

Education Outreach Coordinator

Education outreach coordinators provide domestic violence prevention and early intervention work. They conduct activities in the youth and service providers, community outreach, and public education.

Some of their essential duties include educating and training adult professionals on teen violence through workshops and seminars, researching violence found in the home as well as in the different youth sectors, and developing materials for volunteers and community members whenever there are outreach programs or community events being organized.

Education Outreach Coordinator Average Salary: $54,948

Community Organizer

Community organizers are in charge of organizing and managing members of a community. The sample organizations are mostly a part of faith-based organizations, grassroots campaigns, fundraising groups, or political lobbying groups.

They either work indoors or outdoors, but their job mainly demands high levels of interaction with others and the community as a whole.

They conduct discussions, meetings, training, and welcome activities for recruits. Their duties include organizing public awareness campaigns, building support systems and rapport among the community and its leaders, and recruiting new members to the organization.

Community Organizer Average Salary: $56,429

Housing Support Specialist

Housing support specialists are in charge of providing collaborative intensive coordination and client needs assessment to grant-funded clients.

They are the ones who give support service strategies to clients who have struggled in the past because of homelessness, mental health challenges, and housing instability. Their ultimate goal is to ensure health, mental health, housing, and job stability for their clients.

They determine their client’s needs by conducting outreach and assessment to provide useful referral services. They also help their clients further through intensive case management and the development of goal-oriented service plans.

Housing Support Specialist Average Salary: $58,974

Adoption Counselor

Adoption counselors provide assistance and support to birth parents, adoptees, adoptive parents, and foster families during the adoption or foster care process.

Their primary purpose is to help the parties involved in the adoption or foster care situations by giving the members the counseling and emotional support they need to get through it.

Whenever there is a newly formed family because of adoption, adoption counselors make sure that this new family is adapting well.

Not only that, but they also check on the birth parents to make sure they are coping well with the separation from their child. They also provide information, counseling, and support to adults who were adopted as children.

Adoption Counselor Average Salary: $32,494

Youth Social Worker

Youth social workers play a crucial role in the youth welfare system. Their primary purpose is to protect children from situations and people that can bring them harm.

They are always available for prevention and intervention when it comes to protecting at-risk children against abuse or neglect. Youth workers ensure the children’s medical needs, mental health, and need for a safe home.

Youth social workers need to possess empathy, patience, an organized mind, self-awareness, and other personal skills vital when dealing with at-risk children. As the point person for their clients’ (the children’s) case plan, youth social workers need to monitor the progress after interventions and services are done.

Youth Social Worker Average Salary: $76,266

Street Outreach Social Worker

Street outreach social workers help people with mental illness or who are undergoing homelessness to have access to housing, social services, and health. They need to possess primary case management and assessment skills.

These skills are usually acquired through post-secondary education, experience in psychiatric/mental health services, or other community programs. The primary duties of street outreach social workers include supporting the homeless individuals in the community.

They also find ways to develop and maintain relationships with the community and find ways to improve the services they provide. It is also part of their responsibilities to secure the records, reports, and statistics needed for the maintenance and function of their programs.

Street Outreach Social Worker Average Salary: $68,000

Child Advocate

One of the primary purposes of child advocates is to secure the social and psychological well-being of children under their care and their families.

Child advocates usually work in the criminal justice system, and they are in charge of cases of abuse and neglect. Ultimately, they work with the courts and authorities to make sure that their client, the child under their care, is provided with the best attention that he or she deserves.

The main responsibilities of child advocates include assessment of the state of the child and his or her family, making sure that the child’s needs, medical, and social history are adequately documented and communicated, being on top of things regarding the child’s case within the state adoption database, and being present in all the court hearings.

Child Advocate Average Salary: $61,000

Part-time Social Worker Jobs

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Social Work Case Manager

A social work case manager conducts assessments of clients and their families. Based on these assessments, they will be able to identify the needs and arrange, coordinate, and monitor several services from different providers to serve the clients.

Providers may include state and local social service agencies as well as nonprofit organizations. Some of them hire social work case managers part-time, an opportunity that many social work graduates can take advantage of.

Social Work Case Manager Average Salary: $70,000

Housing Counselor

There are opportunities for part-time housing counselors. This job involves conducting financial capabilities and pre-purchase housing counseling and credit counseling services.

They assist clients who are planning to buy a home by providing education, guidance, and referrals tailored to clients’ circumstances. They also develop action plans that can help clients achieve their housing goals.

Housing Counselor Average Salary: $64,000

Child Care Social Work

It is possible to work part-time in daycare centers, nonprofit organizations, and local community centers that cater to children as a recreation assistant or camp counselor. This job does not require too much effort and is perfect when you are trying to further your education.

Child Care Social Work Average Salary: $76,266

Teacher Assistant

Teacher assistant positions are often offered as part-time jobs. It is their job to assist the teachers in grading and classroom duties as well as help kids with their lessons. This position is common in elementary and secondary schools.

Teacher Assistant Average Salary: $39,000

10 Unique Social Worker Careers

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Community Service Manager

Known for its promising employment outlook, the field of community service is a lucrative career for many graduates of social work. As community service managers, they are expected to coordinate and supervise social service programs and community organizations.

Community service managers are also responsible for directing and leading staff who provide social services to the public. They can work in a variety of social and human service organizations, dealing strictly with children, older adults, veterans, and the homeless.

Community service managers must recruit, hire, and train new staff.

Average Salaries: $84,000

Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance abuse social workers play a crucial role in their clients’ lives. They work with individuals who are addicted to drugs or alcohol throughout the various stages of their recovery process.

Substance abuse social workers evaluate each client to determine the background and severity of their addiction and help them plan out their road to recovery.

Substance abuse social workers teach substance abusers the mechanisms for healthier behavior that can replace their dependence on drugs and alcohol. Substance abuse counselors are often found in mental health and substance abuse centers or hospitals.

Average Salary: $58,060

Probation Officer

Probation officers, unlike your typical social worker, supervise people who are sentenced to probation by the court. They are responsible for guiding the offenders in their rehabilitation process. Usually, they work with assigned clients, prepare detailed reports for the court, investigate offenders, and provide the information to the judge.

Sometimes, they are also tasked to conduct random drug tests, monitor their clients’ whereabouts, and interview the people closest to their clients like their family and friends.

Average Salary: $56,253

Forensic Social Worker

Closely connected to the legal system, forensic social workers apply social work theories to real-world issues faced by the legal system. Social workers typically, in this field, apply their knowledge to questions and concerns about the law or legal policies.

They deal with both criminal and civil cases, which can include termination of parental rights, juvenile and adult justice services, corrections, and mandated treatment. It is their job to assist individuals of all ages with cases such as child custody, juvenile arrest, elder abuse, divorce, civil disputes, and imprisonment.

They often work closely with medical social workers.

Average Salary: $79,000

Bereavement Counselor

Bereavement counselors help people who are dealing with grief from the loss of a loved one, relationship, home, or job.

For them to go through the grief process and reach the point of acceptance, bereavement counselors are there to counsel and comfort individuals who are suffering from loss and help them cope with the grief that comes with it.

Unlike other social worker fields, this job requires bereavement counselors to obtain a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate.

Average Salary: $62,532

Group Home Worker

Those who have acquired a bachelor’s degree in the field can find job opportunities as group home workers. This type of work does not explicitly involve social work. Even unlicensed workers are qualified to assist the residents of a group home. They help with daily interactions, transport arrangements, and counseling.

Average Salary: $44,000

Program Coordinator

Program coordinators are expected to ensure that a diverse population is provided with quality services. It is their responsibility to coordinate, participate in, and monitor the activities and functions of a social services program.

Unlike social services managers, program coordinators deal with larger and more complex applications. It requires a flexible work schedule.

Average Salaries: $63,000

Adoption Counselor

Adoption counselors help adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive families understand and cope with the emotions that come with adoption. They usually offer counseling sessions and give talks to schools or other professionals like caseworkers and guidance counselors.

Parents who are considering adoption may ask for the help of adoption counselors. The latter is also there during the period of transfer between the birth and adoptive parents.

Average Salary: $57,000

Social Policy Analyst

Some social workers found their calling in government agencies and consulting firms as social policy analysts. It is their job to ensure the policies intended to counter-press social issues like hunger, poverty, and diseases are run efficiently.

They examine these social problems by gathering data. They are also expected to propose plans that can help fix those problems.

Average Salary: $112,000

Crisis Intervention Counselor

Often trained as mental health professionals, crisis intervention counselors help people who are in distress. It involves dealing with people who are in danger of harming themselves or others. They support those who are undergoing crises like terror attacks and natural disasters.

It is their job to help their clients deal with grief, loss, and bereavement. They may work in a variety of settings, from mental health clinics to humanitarian aid organizations. Higher salaries can be expected with additional training or degrees.

Average Salary: $32,404

Top Travel Social Worker’s Salary and Career Options

Military Social Worker

It is common for active military service members to face social, emotional, psychological, and familial challenges. It is the job of military social workers to help them manage these difficulties by providing counseling and support to the servicemen and their families.

Because most active military personnel move around from base to base, it is expected that military social workers get to travel a lot for this kind of job. They are often under the medical and mental health departments.

Average Salaries: $76,266

Clinical Social Worker

A specialty practice area of social work, clinical social work focuses on assessing,  diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental and emotional disorders, as well as other behavioral illnesses.

Clinical social workers usually offer individual, group, or family therapy. To qualify for the job, they need to be licensed or certified at a clinical level.

Clinical social workers who want to work abroad, they can volunteer for non-profit organizations, especially those specializing in helping out immigrants, refugees, and trafficked youths. Knowledge or sometimes fluency in a foreign language might be required.

Average Salaries: $94,158 or more

International Social Worker

Many international organizations like UNICEF and Save the Children, among many others, need social workers who can offer their services abroad.

While their work is similar to that of domestic social workers, where they get to deal with individuals, communities, minorities, and the impoverished, international social workers are often required to take international studies and language as additional skills.

They learn about the country of their destination and gain a better understanding of the complex issues.

Average Salaries: $76,266

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I earn a Social Work degree?

The field of Social Work is one of the most rewarding experiences. This occupation contributes significantly to the betterment of society, from fighting social injustice to alleviating suffering through counseling and working on solutions.

Students in the job market seeking to build their careers as Social Workers wonder if obtaining a degree in the field is worth the investment. The simple answer is YES! Social Work requires specialized training and a specific set of skills.

Students can gain a base of theoretical knowledge through academic discipline, which is valuable when they need to make difficult decisions.

Most Social Work entry-level jobs require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or a related field like Psychology and Sociology. This undergraduate degree allows students to obtain the fundamental knowledge and foundational skills that are integral to Social Work.

Many universities combine academic classes and lectures with practical experience in social organizations, institutions, or care facilities. They are introduced to different types of Social Work, from working with children and families to people with physical or mental disabilities.

With a degree, students will be able to build their knowledge and skills to help them prepare for the real world. It is an excellent credential that will enable them to work in different social services organizations.

Other specific areas like clinical Social Work require a master’s degree, and most graduate schools need an undergraduate prerequisite. If students need to be licensed by the state, they might also be required to earn a master’s degree first to be eligible. A master’s degree can also prepare them best for leadership and direct practice roles.

Earning a degree will give Social Workers better employment opportunities and higher starting salary grades. It also ensures they receive the necessary training that can sharpen their skills and competencies to become competent Social Workers in the job market.

Highly sought-after Social Workers have outstanding credentials that can give them the means to enter key leadership positions and advance their careers, perhaps to open their own private practices. Most of the time, the jobs available to them and opportunities for advancement depend on their educational attainment.

Putting it into perspective, one can look at the pay gap between social and human service assistants who only acquired a high school diploma or associate’s degree and a Social Worker who earned a bachelor’s degree. The latter can earn as much as $46,890 per year as opposed to the former’s median pay which is only around $31,810 per year.

To maximize their potential, it is a good idea to earn a degree in Social Work and consider further education in the form of graduate studies.

Who is the best fit to earn a Social Work degree?

Regardless of your career level, whether you are beginning entry-level positions or you are highly experienced, a heart for helping others is a must! So, it’s safe to say… not all people are suitable for a career in Social Work. This field can be demanding and complex.

Many people suffer from burnout and disenchantment. Before jumping into this career track, students need to find out whether they would make an excellent social worker.

To become a social worker, aspiring students must understand the nature of their work. It involves hard work, commitment, and sacrifice. They are responsible for protecting vulnerable people from abuse, neglect, and harm.

They also promote good mental health… and must maintain it themselves, as being a social worker can take a toll on one’s mental health as well.

They need to know the characteristics of a good Social Worker to help them become more effective at their jobs or to open their own private practices.

Generally, social workers must possess the following: compassion, listening, and organizational skills.

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Since social workers often deal with people who struggle in life, compassion is a valuable trait in feeling a sense of empathy for those who need help. They will feel empathy and understanding, which will enable them to help their clients address the issue and find solutions.

Listening is another fundamental skill for many social workers. They can only help their clients more effectively if they listen and understand their clients’ situations. Each person has a different need that requires a tailored solution.

Of course, most social works require superb organizational skills. Social workers have to deal with a large caseload, with some handling more than 20 cases at once. Being organized can help Social Workers manage their time and energy so they can provide the necessary services for their clients.

Social workers typically can also use these skills:

How can one apply for Social Work degree programs?

Before one can enter the school of their choice to become a licensed clinical social worker and enroll in a Social Work degree program, there are steps that they need to go through.

The application and admission process can be overwhelming for many but knowing what they need to do can help a lot in increasing their chances of being admitted to a reputable institution.

High school students who have already made up their minds about pursuing a career in the Social Work field can prepare early on.

There are classes that they can take in high school that can help them get ready for college-level courses needed for a bachelor’s in Social Work. They can give careful attention to subject areas like communication, psychology, and language. Math and science are also important.

Accredited Social Work programs have a rigorous set of standards that aspiring students must meet. Generally, students need to review their GPA, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and volunteer experience.

Most schools also require students to meet the program’s outlined objectives, which they can demonstrate through their statements, references, and admission interviews.

Interested students can increase their chances of admission with a high GPA. Most schools require a GPA of at least 3.5.

For those who aim to be admitted to a master’s degree program, it is vital to earn an undergraduate degree from an accredited school. Just like a bachelor’s degree, a statement of purpose and a letter of recommendation are required.

The application process might assess a student’s commitment to Social Work values, sensitivity, and experience in the field. Many accredited Master’s in Social Work programs favor applicants with volunteer or professional work experience.

Although the process varies in each learning institution, students should keep in mind that there are application deadlines they must strictly adhere to. Most schools set February as the application deadline for the fall term and November for spring.

Although some universities can still accept applications after the deadlines, students might not be given priority consideration for merit scholarship awards.

Many schools are now giving students the convenience of completing their application forms online, although offline supplemental materials like transcripts and letters of recommendation might need to be delivered via mail or in person.

Key Takeaways

As you embark on your career as a social worker, whether beginning at one of the many entry-level positions or in an advanced position such as a licensed clinical social worker, rest assured, your career choice is admirable, important, and necessary for the betterment of others.

If you are on a school search or looking at trusted partner programs for your social work career, do your research. We here at Gradschoolcenter.com hope this comprehensive guide to social work is helpful to you! Get started today!

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