Social Work as a Career Choice
Developed by: The National Association of Social
Workers (NASW) – California Chapter
Objective: To provide helpful information and resources regarding the social work profession, education, and careers
Social Work History
Celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 1998
Americans enjoy many benefits today that are a result of early social workers
Examples of Benefits: Civil rights, Medicaid, Medicare, unemployment insurance, disability pay, social security, etc.
Social Work’s Future
Currently 600,000 people hold SW degrees
According to the Dept of Labor, SW is one of the fastest growing careers in the US
SW is expected to grow 30% by 2010
State initiatives, legislation, and demographics trends impact the need for social workers
What Social Workers Do
Help individuals, couples, and families to overcome social and health problems such as poverty, mental illness, abuse and neglect, illness, domestic violence, addictions, eating disorders, etc.
Offer an unique approach because SW focuses on people’s problems in the context of their social environments
Largest Provider ofMental Health Services
In 1998, there were more than 190,000 clinically trained social workers
More social workers than psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychiatric nurses combined
SW considered one of five core mental health professions
Common Work Activities
Providing services to address social, emotional, and economic needs
Referring clients for appropriate professional or community services
Developing resources, programs, and social policies to address unmet needs
Common Work Activities
Coordinating and working with governmental, private, civic, religious, and business organizations to combat social problems
Assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health and emotional problems
Researching, planning, and developing social and health policies and programs
Important Personal Qualities
A desire to make a difference
Good interpersonal communication
An ability to be non-judgmental
An appreciation of human diversity
Personal Integrity
Important Personal Qualities
Willing to make challenging decisions
A commitment to social justice
An ability to relate empathically
A respect for others’ privacy
A genuine concern for others
Social Work Employers
Schools Hospitals Mental Health Clinics Senior Centers Jails and Prisons Private Practice Military Civic and Social
Organizations
Universities Associations Corporations Government Elected Office Public Agencies Private Agencies Business
Examples of SW Specialties
Mental Health Disaster Relief Foster Care Crisis Intervention Gerontology Child Abuse Substance Abuse Family Planning
Corrections Private Practice SW Research Planning & Policy Occupational SW Domestic Violence Medical SW Public Welfare
Social Work Career Websites
For more on SW specialties and career information, visit these websites:
http://www.socialworkers.org/pressroom/features/general/profession.asp
http://www.socialworkers.org/profession/factsheet.htm
The Occupational Outlook Handbook also gives details about social work careers at http://www.bls.gov under “occupations”
NASW 5-Minute Video
Demonstrates how social workers make a difference every day
Features three social workers working in three distinct areas of social work
Provides a snapshot of what SWs do
See video at www.HelpStartsHere.org
Educational Requirements
Must have a social work degree from a college or university program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
For a nationwide list of accredited SW programs go to http://www.cswe.org
Social Work Degrees
BSW prepares for generalist entry-level work
MSW prepares one for more advanced clinical practice (Required to do psychotherapy)
DSW or PhD prepares for research or teaching at university level
BSW Curriculum
Components include general and supportive liberal arts and sciences and the social work curriculum foundation, which includes fieldwork
Focus is on understanding how people function in relation to their environment and enhancing relationships
MSW Curriculum
Curriculum based on the study of human behavior and the social environment, social policy and practice, and social work research, which includes an internship
Emphasizes social justice, the value of human diversity, and empowerment of people and communities
Generally offers areas of concentration
Doctoral Curriculum
Designed for experienced SWs
Course works emphasizes qualitative and quantitative analysis methods
Leads to teaching, research, leadership roles, or self-employed private practice as a psychotherapist
Stipend Programs
Often funded through public sources
Meet work force needs in specific fields
Stipends are educational awards to assist with costs such as tuition, books, and living expenses
The student must work for a period of time in the field of specialization
CA Stipend Programs
Title IV-E Child Welfare Program (BSW and MSW students)
Mental Health Program (MSW students) Provides up to $18,500 per year for
education expenses for students who commit to working in field after graduation for a specific timeframe
Visit: http://calswec.berkeley.edu
Loan Forgiveness Programs
Allow graduates to repay educational loans by working in a designated area of service for a specified time
Majority of programs require applicants to have a clinical social work license
More information in Financial Aid Resource for SW Education found on www.naswca.org under “Career Center”
Clinical Social Work
Purpose is to diagnose and treat biological, psychological, and social disability and impairment (includes mental and emotional disorders and developmental disabilities)
Requires a license, which requires a MSW degree, 2-3 years of post-graduate clinical experience and passage of one or more licensing exams
Social Work Licenses
Every state has its own licensure regulations and laws
Some states require licenses and/or certification for BSWs, MSWs and LCSWs (Licensed Clinical Social Workers)
For a comparison guide of specific state requirements, visit www.aswb.org
California’s LCSW
In CA, BSWs and MSWs can work without being licensed or certified
There is only one SW license in CA– Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW)
Is able to provide psychotherapy Requires MSW, a minimum of 2-years post-
graduate clinical experience, post-graduate classes, and passing two state-specific exams
CA’s Largest SW Employers
# 1 – California Counties In 2006-2007 (April to April), 50% of counties
had SW positions available accounting for 664 positions
# 2 – California StateOne reason is the need for additional SWs in the correctional system and the mental health system (due to the Mental Health Services Act MHSA)
California’s SW Shortage
Due to several factors, CA is currently and will face a shortage of BSWs, MSWs and LCSWs
Some of the reasons for the demand: In 2006, poverty was at 12.8%
Daily, 361,000 persons are homeless Annually, domestic violence impacts 119,850
Social Work Salaries
Salaries are based on the following:
Type of degree Years of professional experience Licenses, credentials, certifications Area of specialty Geographic location Type of setting (for-profit, non-profit,
government)
Examples of 2007 Salaries
LCSW with 2+ yrs of experience -- California’s average salary is $63,775 -- Nationwide average salary is $49,591
Medical Social Work with 2+ yrs -- MSW Nationwide $48,461 - $57,508 -- BSW Nationwide $39,707 - $47,235
Websites for Salary Info
Monster Salary Center http://salary.monster.com/
Career Builder Salaryhttp://www.cbsalary.com
CA Labor Market Information (LMI) http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/
Additional SW Resources
Career Development and Job Search
For more information and resources related to the SW profession, educational requirements, financial aid resources, career choices, salaries, job search strategies and resources, visit www.naswca.org under “Career Center”
Online Resources
National Association of Social Workers www.socialworkers.org
NASW-California Chapter www.naswca.org
International Federation of SW www.ifsw.org
Online Resources
Council on SW Education (CSWE) www.cswe.org
Association of SW Board www.aswb.org
CA Society for Clinical Social Work www.clinicalsocialworksociety.org
Online Resources
The New Social Work Magazine
www.socialworkers.com
Social Work Associations and Organizations
www.socialworkers.org/swportal/swo1/
