Public welfare is designed to provide services and support for poor, disabled, ill, elderly, or juvenile clients.
Volunteer at homeless shelters, soup kitchens, battered women homes, literacy programs, or other social service agencies to get experience.
Supplement curriculum with course work in areas such as public relations, advertising, accounting, or management. Consider earning a business minor.
Gain management experience through internships, part-time employment, or leadership in relevant student organizations.
Complete an internship with a government agency.
Learn about the government application process and apply early as the process can take at least four to six months.
Four out of ten social workers work for the government.
Criminal/Justice Corrections
Counseling/Therapy
Rehabilitation
Youth services
Probation
Parole
Victim assistance
Drug prevention
Employers
Prisons and correctional facilities
Courts
Police departments
Probation and parole offices
Victim services organizations
Private treatment facilities
Youth services organizations
Strategies
Social workers in corrections focus on rehabilitation of clients.
Obtain experience by volunteering at a corrections facility or victims’ program such as a rape crisis center.
Gain experience as a juvenile probation officer; many states allow reputable citizens to serve as volunteer officers.
Become familiar with community services that include housing, remediation, job training, addiction treatment, child care, and transportation resources.
School Social Work
Counseling
Case management
Pupil personnel services
Student advocacy
Instruction
Assessment
Referral
Employers
Elementary and secondary schools
School districts
Head Start centers
Early intervention programs
Strategies
School systems may employ social workers to help students cope with and resolve emotional, developmental, or educational difficulties.
Gain experience with children at daycare centers, camps, Boys and Girls Clubs, and the like.
Volunteer with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Obtain state certification for work in a school. Research requirements in your state.
Plan to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including teachers, school counselor(s), school administrators, therapists, and others.
Clinical
Counseling/Therapy:
Individual, group, family
Assessment
Case management
Crisis intervention
Program planning
Employers
Community mental health centers
Psychiatric hospitals
Behavioral health systems
Drug/alcohol rehabilitation centers
Residential and day treatment hospitals
Employee assistance programs (EAP)
Schools
Family service agencies
Private or group practice
Strategies
Clinical social workers are found in a variety of settings that provide therapeutic counseling to clients.
Master of Social Work (MSW) is required.
Obtain licensure as an LCSW since many employers require licensure to practice.
Develop strong communication, listening, and organizational skills, along with a sense of empathy.
Volunteer with a local social service or non-profit organization to test interest in working with different populations or presenting problems.
Cultivate multicultural competence.
Administration
Management
Policy development
Planning
Supervision
Fundraising
Budgeting
Grant writing
Advocacy
Evaluation
Employers
Family service agencies
Child welfare departments
Social service agencies
State mental health departments
Employee assistance programs (EAP)
Probation and parole departments
Public welfare agencies
Public interest groups
Local, state, and federal government
Residential and outpatient hospitals/treatment centers
Strategies
Administrators are involved with planning, budgeting, public relations, marketing, supervising, operations management, fund raising, and other crucial responsibilities that keep an organization functioning.
Obtain an MSW and gain management experience.
Consider a minor in business during undergraduate education.
Participate in student organizations and pursue leadership roles to cultivate an understanding of motivational strategies and creative thinking skills.
Research and Education
Research
Teaching
Grant writing
Supervision
Employers
Colleges and universities
Research institutes
Research hospitals
Local, state, and federal government
Advocacy organizations
Strategies
Research provides data and statistics important in program implementation and policy development.
Doctor of Social Work (DSW) or Ph.D. usually required. Some teaching and administration positions may be available to MSW’s.
Gain research experience as an undergraduate by assisting professors with their work.
Complete an internship or graduate assistantship in a college setting to be competitive for jobs.
Develop strong communication and writing skills.
Acquire a solid background in statistics and research for higher education program development and evaluation.
Occupational
Counseling
Education
Wellness promotion
Organizational development
Assessment
Human resources
Employers
Larger corporations
Employee assistance programs (EAP)
Labor unions
Local, state, and federal government:
Department of Labor
Community agencies
Strategies
Occupational social workers help employees and employers to be more productive and satisfied.
Gain experience in a university or community career center while in school.
Earn a relevant certification such as Certified Employee Assistance Professional or Global Career Development Facilitator.
Supplement curriculum with course work in areas such as business that focus on efficient, creative, productive business models and management skills.
Healthcare
Case management
Counseling
Prevention and education
Program development
Administration
Research
Child life specialists
Hospice care
Rehabilitation
Wellness promotion
Employers
Hospitals
Community health centers
Outpatient clinics
Public health programs
Health maintenance organizations (HMOs)
Nursing homes
Group homes
Hospice
Veterans Administration hospitals
Home healthcare agencies
Strategies
Social workers in healthcare facilitate medical and emotional treatment of patients. They may focus on helping clients and their families cope with acute or terminal illnesses by providing psychosocial support.
Choose volunteer settings such as hospitals, the American Red Cross, or AIDS agencies to get experience.
Be prepared to work with multidisciplinary teams including doctors, nurses, health, and other mental health providers.
Attend local support groups to begin to understand the impact of illness on the person, family, and other support systems.
Community Organization
Program and community development
Advocacy
Politics
Education
Planning
Employers
Advocacy organizations
Development corporations
Community centers
Local, state, and federal government
Political associations
Strategies
Social workers in this area work with existing organizations to improve conditions for specific groups, enhance quality of living, and involve community members in the political process.
Get involved with grassroots causes and community agencies.
Participate in local government and gain knowledge about city planning.
Volunteer with local organizations that work with specific groups such as homeless people, immigrants, or refugees to learn more about advocacy work.
Gerontology involves working with older adults, healthy or ill, and their families.
Get involved with programs or organizations designed for senior citizens.
Gain Social Work credentials oriented toward gerontology.
Supplement curriculum with coursework in lifespan development and aging.
Become familiar with community resources ranging from medical to transportation.
Child Welfare
Case management
Advocacy
Intervention
Supervision
Employers
Local, state, and federal government including:
Department of Children’s Services
Public and private child welfare agencies
Adoption agencies
Foster care organizations
Child daycare centers
Strategies
Child welfare social workers strive to ensure the safety and well-being of children through treatment of the whole family.
Volunteer at daycares, child shelters, camps, YMCA, Scouts, or other agencies that aid youth.
Gain licensure as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) after graduating from a master’s program in Social Work.
Acquire knowledge about local/national government procedures in reunification procedures.
Plan to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including lawyers, parents, foster care representatives, and other various government employees.
Become familiar with community resources such as child care, job training, and parenting classes.
Developmental Disabilities
Case management
Program planning and evaluation
Research
Policy development
Advocacy
Employers
Community residential homes
State and local agencies
Medical facilities
Schools
Colleges and universities
Strategies
Social workers in this area help people with disabilities to adjust and to lead productive lives.
Volunteer at camps for people with disabilities, daycares, schools, or hospitals to gain experience.
Become familiar with human development and issues specific to disabilities and accommodations.
Obtain specialized training in areas such as sign language or assistive technology for additional opportunities.
Seek knowledge of assessment procedures and therapeutic recreational activities.
International Social Work
Humanitarian services
Advocacy
Education
Wellness promotion
Development: economic and community
Disaster/Disease relief
Volunteer coordination
Program administration
Clinical practice
Policy development
Research
Employers
International Inter-Governmental Organizations (IGOs) such as United Nations Economic and Social Council and the World Health Organization
International Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Federal government agencies with an international focus, [e.g., Peace Corps and United States Agency for International Development (USAID)]
Country-based service agencies
International aid and relief organizations
Foundation programs
Nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations, (e.g., Vital Voices or Habitat for Humanity)
Private voluntary organizations
Humanitarian organizations, (e.g., International Red Cross and CARE)
Religious organizations, (e.g., World Vision)
Multi-national corporations
Strategies
Social workers in the international arena identify social problems, make recommendations for social programs and implement change. They work on solutions to problems including educational, environmental, health, human rights injustices, business and agricultural.
Learn one or more foreign languages.
Plan to study, volunteer, or intern abroad more than one time if possible.
Seek cultural experiences on campus and get involved with the international student population.
Join relevant student organizations such as Amnesty International and gain leadership roles.
Participate in an international service learning experience or go on a mission trip.
Learn about federal job hiring procedures, and apply for a government internship to increase chances of finding a full-time position.
Join professional organizations such as National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the specialty practice section of Social and Economic Justice and Peace.
Research the international organization’s/agency’s structure and function.
Develop good working knowledge of international humanitarian law.
Demonstrate your depth of dedication, willingness to adapt, and coping mechanisms to combat stress and difficult situations.
Develop skills in the areas of organizing groups, efficiency, and the ability to calm people.
Consider earning a graduate degree in Social Work or related area to open more advanced job opportunities.
General Information
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) prepares individuals for entry-level direct practice.
Master of Social Work (MSW) is necessary to provide therapy and for advancement to supervisory or administrative positions.
Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) or Ph.D. usually required for positions in teaching, research, and administration. Advanced degrees are desirable for some clinical positions and private practice.
Complete a degree from a college or university program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Programs include practical field experience.
Most states require licensure, certification, or registration. Contact the state board directly or the American Association of State Social Work Boards (ASWB) for information.
The National Association of Social Workers offers many specialized credentials that Social Workers can earn. Research these options after choosing a specialty area.
The field practicum is used to determine suitability for this profession and to provide exposure to various practice settings and clients.
Candidates should possess empathy for others, an appreciation for diversity, and an interest in social change.
Social workers serve a range of client systems (individuals, families, groups, communities) as they attempt to enhance social functioning.
Social work is unique given its dual focus on the person and the environment.
Join a social work organization while in school and seek leadership positions.
Look for ways to impact your community and get involved with local organizations and issues.
Update your resume as you acquire new accomplishments, skills, knowledge, and interests.
Learn a second language to better communicate with immigrant or migrant populations (particularly helpful in certain areas of the United States).
Note: Much of this information was adapted from Choices: Careers in Social Work by the National Association of Social Workers.
