Social Worker
Career Research
What They Do
- Help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives
- Identify client's needs, weaknesses, and problems
- Develop plans to improve patient's well-being
- Follow up with clients to ensure they have improved
Work Environment
Social workers are employed in many different places, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and even schools. They typically work in offices or other work space, but they could also visit a client's home if needed. The typical work load for social workers can be either comfortable or stressful depending on the situations. Full-time hours are typical as well.
This Could Be You: The Many Faces of Social Work
Job Requirements
At the least, a bachelor's degree in social work is necessary. A bachelors degree could get someone a common entry-level job, however, if an individual wants to specialize in a certain branch more schooling would be required. Most training programs for social workers require an internship. Also, a social workers license is needed for anything beyond an entry-level job: this requires a master's degree in social working and a minimum of 2 years of supervised clinical experience after graduation.
Important Skills
A strong sense of compassion is needed, for social workers work with stressed people who are in difficult situations in their life. Being able to easily communicate, comfort, and talk to clients is extremely necessary as well. Listening skills are also needed to effectively analyze situations and help them. Problem solving and time management are also important side skills to have.
Salary
The median annual salary for the general social worker was roughly $44,200, with an average hourly pay of $21.25. There are around 607,300 employed in this field with the job outlook at 19%.