Those involved in social work are generally employed by governmental social agencies, private charitable organizations, and medical institutions. Socials workers generally work with individuals to arrange for social services like individual and family housing, housing assistance both long and short term, emergency health care, food and clothing assistance, and other basic necessity assistance. The field of social work has expanded over the last two decades as more private special assistance organizations have been formed like food pantries, homeless shelters, and emergency assistance facilities that provide help for the disadvantaged in our society.
Strong Job Outlook for Social Work
The field of social work is expected to have excellent job growth over the next decade. For those going into the mental health or substance abuse social work field, growth of almost 20 percent can be expected between now and 2018. In the field of medical and public social work, it is estimated that there will be at least 22 percent job growth between now and 2018. This information has been gathered from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A few different trends will impact growth in the field of social work. The field of child and family social work will see growth as more caseworkers are needed to take care of family and child issues in communities. However, as state and local governments experience budget cuts due to down economics, those in this field could experience downsizing. The field of mental and substance abuse will experience a strong growth trend as more substance abusers get placed in treatment programs, instead of going to jail. The mental health social work field will experience growth as more health insurance companies turn to counselors and social workers to deal with mental health issues. Another trend that will cause growth in social work is a need for workers to assist America's aging population as the baby boomers start to retire and age.
Earnings Potential in Social Work
Social workers can make a good annual salary. The average salary for all those employed as social workers in the United States in 2008 was between $34,000 and $60,000. Those working in hospitals and medical areas made the best annual salaries. While those employed in individual and family service areas, made the least. This information was gathered from the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Strong Programs in Social Work
Many colleges and universities are now offering excellent bachelor's degree, 4 year, and master's degree programs in this field. Many of these social work programs are also offered online for convenience to students.
If you are interested in earning a degree in Social Worker, click here to request more information.
Social workers help people address and solve their problems. Much of their work includes working with clients with a disability, life-threatening disease, social problem or those that are unemployed, have a substance abuse problem, or are involved in domestic conflicts. They work with individuals in difficult circumstances and help them improve their life. They research, advocate, and plan for improved services and policies. Rather than working with various cases, some workers specialize in particular problems and their cases like child protective services, adoption, homelessness, domestic violence or foster care. Social work can be challenging but satisfying for professionals because they help clients work through and solve problems in their life.
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