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Social work is a fast-growing field that requires a commitment to helping others. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for social workers is promising, with an estimated 9% increase in employment opportunities projected from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

This growth is expected to result in approximately 74,700 job openings each year, on average, over the next decade. The majority of these opportunities will arise from the need to fill vacancies left by workers who change professions or leave the workforce.

It’s also a rewarding career path, with plenty of room for growth both professionally and personally. If you’re considering pursuing social work after graduating from school, there are a few things you should know about getting started on this path.

Below we’ll discuss how to become a social worker, what it means to be one, and some steps to take if you want to pursue this career path after school.

Research Different Types of Social Work

According to Everyday Health, the National Association of Social Workers states that social workers support individuals in dealing with everyday problems, improving their relationships, and resolving personal and family issues.

While they can diagnose mental health conditions and provide talk therapy, social workers are not authorized to prescribe medication for mental health treatment. What sets social workers apart from other mental health professionals is their specialization in assisting clients who experience disabilities, life-threatening illnesses, or social issues like inadequate housing, substance abuse, domestic conflicts, and unemployment.

Researching different types of social work can help you figure out what type of role is right for you. The field is broad, and there are many different areas of specialization within it.

Spend some time researching the different types of careers available in the field so that you can get a sense of what might interest you most or fit with your strengths and interests. The different types of social work include clinical, community, school, public health, and even more specialized areas like gerontology (elderly care).

Each type has its own requirements and training requirements. Knowing what they are before applying will help ensure that your resume gets noticed by potential employers.

Choose a Degree Program

Once you’ve decided on a career in social work, the next step is to choose a degree program. Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, so this is an important decision that will influence your career trajectory for years to come.

You’ll want to look for accredited programs that offer coursework in areas relevant to social work (e.g., psychology). Some schools also offer dual degrees with other disciplines, such as criminal justice or public administration. These could give you additional skills depending on what type of job opportunities interest you most.

It’s also important to understand not just what kind of school you attend but how long it takes. Many people go into debt paying off student loans and may not be able to afford to take too many years off before starting their careers after graduating from college or university.

Get Experience Through Internships or Volunteer Work

While in college, seek out internships or volunteer opportunities to gain experience in the social work field. This will help you build your resume and make connections in the industry.

Internships are also a good way to get experience. If you can find an internship that matches up with your interests, it can be a great way for students to gain valuable hands-on knowledge while they’re still studying at school.

Both internships and volunteer work are good ways for students who want to pursue careers in social work after graduation to get their foot in the door at organizations within their local community. And both types of opportunities can be done on your own time.

Consider a Master’s Degree

When you’re looking for jobs as a social worker, you may find that many employers require or prefer candidates with a master’s degree. While this can make it more difficult to get hired, it also opens up opportunities for higher-level positions and better pay.

If this sounds like something that appeals to you, consider pursuing an online master’s in social work (MSW) or another related field, such as counseling or clinical psychology.

For your master’s degree, you can consider joining an online program, such as an online master’s in counseling, that can offer flexibility and convenience for individuals who may have other commitments or are unable to attend a traditional on-campus program.

A master’s in counseling provides the necessary education and training to become a licensed counselor, with the ability to help individuals, families, and communities cope with mental health challenges. Graduates in this field can work in various settings, including schools, healthcare organizations, and private practice, and have opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries.

Online programs from accredited universities like the one from St. Bonaventure University offer the same curriculum and resources as on-campus programs. This will help individuals gain the necessary knowledge and skills to become licensed professional counselors.

Get Licensed or Certified

Once you’ve graduated from school, it’s time to start getting licensed or certified. In some states and types of social work, this is required before you can practice.

Licensing is different than certification. Certification is a voluntary process that helps professionals prove their knowledge and skills through an exam or other assessment tool (like continuing education).

Licensing involves completing specific steps like passing tests and training programs to receive government permission to work as a professional within their state’s borders.

According to Forbes Advisor, the requirements for licensure may differ based on the state, employer, job position, and responsibilities. To obtain licensure as a clinical social worker, in addition to fulfilling state-specific requirements, one must hold a Master of Social Work (MSW), have acquired professional training and experience for several years, and pass the national exam. Obtaining licensure is a prerequisite for providing clinical services.

Some states require both licensing and certification, while others only require one or the other. But regardless of which route you take, you must do some research on what each entails before making any decisions about your career path.

Network With Professionals in the Field

The first thing you should do is network with professionals in the field.

Conference attendance, joining professional organizations, and reaching out to social work professionals in your area are all great ways to make connections and learn about job opportunities. Ask them for advice, ask them for a job, or even just ask for referrals so that you can get started on your career path as soon as possible.

Apply for Entry-Level Positions

Once you have your degree and relevant experience, start applying for entry-level social work positions. Look for job openings at social service agencies, non-profits, or government organizations, and tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills and experience.

If this is the first time that you’ve applied for a job in the field of social work (or any other field), it may be helpful to ask friends who work in the industry if they can offer advice on how best to present yourself in an interview setting. They might tell you things such as “be honest” or “showcase all of your interests.”

Continue Learning and Growing

As a social worker, you need to be constantly learning and growing. Social work is an ever-evolving field that requires constant updating of skills and knowledge. You should stay abreast of the latest research findings, trends in your area of practice, best practices for working with clients or patients, etc.

To be successful as a social worker after graduation (or even while still in school), you must make time for continuing education opportunities such as webinars or conferences where you can learn new skills and techniques from experts in their fields. Social workers should also take advantage of training opportunities offered by their employers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we hope that this article has helped you understand the steps you can take toward becoming a social worker. We know it’s not always easy to make decisions about your future, but with some research and planning ahead of time, your path will become clearer.

What career do you want to pursue after passing out of high school? Most students won’t bat an eyelid before naming top-tier professions, such as software development, data analytics, business management, and so on.

But what if you want to tread off the beaten path while creating a substantial impact in society? In that case, a career in social work might be the right choice for you.

Social work is a noble profession that focuses on helping individuals and communities overcome life’s challenges. With a degree in social work, you can build a successful career and become an agent of change in your community.

This article will explore six career paths, discuss the required qualifications, and highlight the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in these roles.

Importance of a Degree in Social Work

The extensive coursework and hands-on experience provided by a bachelor’s and master’s program in social work can help you acquire the specialized knowledge and skills needed to succeed in various roles. Acquiring a degree not only signifies your dedication to your profession but also showcases your comprehensive knowledge of the intricate aspects of social work to potential employers and clients.

In recent times, online master degrees have gained popularity owing to their flexibility and ease of access. Online programs like the one offered by Spalding University allow students to pursue their degree while working full-time or managing other responsibilities. It means that students can continue gaining practical experience in the field while advancing their education.

Also, Spalding University’s curriculum emphasizes the importance of ethical and culturally competent practice. The university ensures that the students are equipped to effectively work with diverse populations and gain specialized knowledge in trauma-informed care, child welfare, and addiction.

Furthermore, pursuing this online degree can be a cost-effective option, as it eliminates the need for commuting or relocating to school. Additionally, many online programs offer the same education and resources as on-campus programs, including access to internships, research opportunities, and networking events.

1. Public Policy Advocate

According to Social Work License Map, social work has been practiced in the United States for over 100 years. It has been around for a long time, and becoming a public policy advocate is one of the top career paths available to you. Of course, you will need to complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work to pursue this profession.

Public policy advocates work to create positive change in society by influencing the development and implementation of government policies and programs.

In this role, you will be able to work with legislators, policymakers, and community leaders to identify areas where policies can be improved to better serve vulnerable populations. You will also raise awareness of social issues and advocate for policy changes that address those issues.

2. Community Outreach Specialist

According to Glassdoor, the expected yearly salary for a Community Outreach Specialist in the United States is $54,994, with an average pay of USD 43,685. It indicates that the vital role they play for the community requires a lot of effort, and so is the reward for their services.

These specialists focus on building relationships and partnerships with community organizations, agencies, and stakeholders to address social issues. They also help to improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations.

As a community outreach specialist, you will work closely with community leaders and organizations to identify and develop programs that meet those needs. You will also be responsible for building relationships with community members and raising awareness of social issues through education and advocacy.

3. Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit managers are responsible for overseeing the operations of nonprofit organizations that provide services to vulnerable populations.

In this role, you will manage budgets, raise funds, hire and train staff, develop and implement programs, and build relationships with stakeholders. You will have to ensure that the organization adheres to all relevant laws and regulations.

Your success in this position will depend on your proficiency in leadership and management, as well as your capacity to collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. You must also have a deep understanding of social issues and the ability to develop and implement programs that address those issues.

4. Clinical Social Worker

A licensed clinical social worker can provide therapy and counseling services to individuals, families, and groups. They are trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders and help clients develop coping strategies to overcome life’s challenges.

You will work directly with clients to assess their needs and develop treatment plans. You may also provide crisis intervention, facilitate support groups, and work with clients to develop and implement aftercare plans.

In order to excel as a clinical social worker, you possess exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities, as well as the aptitude to foster trusting connections with clients. You must also deeply understand mental health disorders and their impact on clients’ lives.

5. School Social Worker

School social workers play a crucial role in supporting students’ emotional and social well-being in K-12 schools. They work with students, parents, teachers, and other school staff to address social, emotional, and behavioral challenges that may impact students’ academic performance.

You will provide individual and group counseling to students, facilitate conflict resolution, and advocate for students’ rights and needs. You will also collaborate with other school staff to develop and implement programs that promote positive social and emotional development.

To be successful, you must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Also, it requires establishing trusting relationships with students, parents, and school staff.

6. Community Organizer

Community organizers are trained to mobilize individuals and groups to address social, economic, and political issues that impact their communities. They work to bring people together, build relationships, and develop collective strategies to address their community’s challenges.

As a community organizer, you will work with community members to identify shared concerns and develop strategies to address them. You will also build relationships with stakeholders, such as community leaders and government officials, to advocate for policy changes that benefit the community.

To be successful as a community organizer, you must have the ability to build relationships with diverse groups of people. You must also understand community dynamics and the factors that impact social change.

The Field of Social Work Offers Several Career Opportunities

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, there were around 708,100 social workers in the country. Between 2021 and 2031, it was estimated that the field of social work would expand by 9%.

It indicates that they have a variety of career paths available to them, and that increases once you hold a degree in social work. It’s all with the common goal of advocating for change and improving the lives of individuals and communities.

Each career path requires a unique set of skills and knowledge, but a degree provides the foundation necessary to succeed in any of these roles. The best part is that you have the opportunity to positively impact society and create meaningful change in the lives of those you serve.