Social Worker

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Work Tasks

• Help people deal with problems through counseling or referrals to other services
• Help people who are homeless, unemployed, handicapped, abused, seriously ill, addicted, or in need
• Spot social problems and suggest ideas that can help make problems better
• May work in a certain field such as child welfare and family services, mental health, medical social work, or school social work
• Work for the government, the military, social service agencies, hospitals, nursing homes, mental health institutions, home health agencies, religious organizations, and departments of human resources, social services, mental health, housing, education, and jails
• Work with client files, reports, applications, policies, programs, regulations, and grants

Salary, Size & Growth

• $52,500 average per year ($25.25 per hour)
• A large occupation (609,100 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.7% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year degree in social work, psychology, or sociology
• Employers Prefer: A master's degree in social work for positions in health and school settings, and for clinical work
• Skills/Courses: College courses are specialized for advanced positions in administration, teaching, and research.
• Certification/Licensing: All states have licensing, certification, or registration requirements for social workers.