SOCIAL WORKERS

Nature of the Work

Social workers help people.  They help individuals cope with problems such as inadequate housing, unemployment, lack of job skills, financial mismanagement, serious illness, disability, substance abuse, unwanted pregnancy, or antisocial behavior.  They also work with families that have serious conflicts, including those involving child or spousal abuse. Often, social workers provide concrete information such as: Where to go for debt counseling; how to find child care or elder care; how to apply for public assistance or other benefits; or how to get an alcoholic or drug addict admitted to a rehabilitation program. 

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for most positions. Besides the bachelor's in social work (BSW), undergraduate majors in psychology, sociology, and related fields satisfy hiring requirements in some agencies, especially small community agencies. A master's degree in social work (MSW) is generally necessary for positions in health and mental health settings.  Jobs in public agencies may also require an MSW.  Supervisory, administrative, and staff training positions usually require at least an MSW.  College and University teaching positions and most research appointments normally require a doctorate in social work.

In 1993, all States and the District of Columbia had licensing,
certification, or registration laws regarding social work practice
and the use of professional titles. 

Job Outlook

Employment of social workers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005.  The number of older people, who are more likely to need social services, is growing rapidly.  In addition, requirements for social workers will grow with increases in the need for and concern about services to the mentally ill, the mentally retarded, and individuals and families in crisis.  Many job openings will also arise due to the need to replace social workers who leave the occupation.

Earnings

The median earnings of social workers with MSW degrees were $30,000 in 1992, according to a membership survey of the National Association of Social Workers.  For those with BSW degrees, median earnings were $20,000 according to the same survey. In hospitals, social workers who worked full-time averaged about $30,850 in 1993. Salaries ranged from a minimum of about $25,600 to a maximum of nearly $38,700. Social workers employed by the Federal Government averaged $41,400 in 1993.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting the following organizations:

National Association of Social Workers, 750 First St.  NE., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20002-4241.

National Network For Social Work Managers, Inc., 6501 North Federal Highway, Suite 5, Boca Raton, FL 33487.

An annual Directory of Accredited BSW and MSW Programs is available for $10.00 from:

Council on Social Work Education, 1600 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314-3421.


