Social Work
A major in social work prepares students for generalist social work practice. Entry-level baccalaureate positions are found in family service agencies, hospitals, court systems, nursing homes, government agencies, rehabilitation clinics and other settings.
Social workers strive to assist individuals to function more effectively within society. They counsel, refer and advocate for their clients, and propose needed changes in societal institutions such as health care, education and housing.
The social work major, with its required course work and field experiences, also prepares students to enter Master of Social Work (MSW) programs or other graduate programs. The MSW is generally required for supervisory or administrative positions, for research, and for specialization in mental health services.
The student contemplating a career in social work should consider whether she/he possesses the traits of emotional maturity, objectivity, warmth, compassion, and a genuine desire to help those who are in some way disadvantaged tackle their problems. The social worker also needs to be comfortable working as part of a team as well as independently.
OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Child welfare caseworker
Community organizer
Community planner
Counselor for older adults
Drug/alcohol rehabilitation counselor
Family caseworker
Family counselor
Medical social worker
Mental health worker
Outreach worker
Program director
Welfare caseworker
Youth counselor
*Positions may require additional education and/or licensure.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Employment of social workers is expected to increase by 22 percent during the 2006-16 decade. The growing elderly population and the aging baby boom generation will create greater demand for health and social services, resulting in rapid job growth among gerontology social workers. (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos060.htm)
POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS
Children's protective services
Community centers
Community mental health agencies
Facilities for older adults
Family service centers Hospitals
Local, state and federal government
Residential programs for the mentally or physically handicapped
Shelters for the homeless
Social service agencies
Women's services - domestic violence Youth service agencies
SOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Books (* denotes books available in the Career Center Library)
- *Eberts, Marjorie & Gisler, Margaret. Careers for Good Samaritans and Other Humanitarian Types, Lincolnwood,
IL: VGM Career Horizons, 1998.
- *Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance, Vol. 4, Chicago, IL: Ferguson Publishing Co., 2000.
- Garner, Geraldine O. Careers in Social & Rehabilitation Services, New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2008.
- Perry, Philip A. Opportunities in Mental Health Careers, Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Horizons, 1996.
- Wittenberg, Renee. Opportunities in Social Work Careers, Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Books, 2003.
Professional Associations
NASW: National Association of Social Workers, 750 First Street NE, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20002-4241, http://www.naswdc.org.
Web sites