If you are considering a career in social work, there are many factors you need to consider. Social work is an incredibly rewarding career for anyone who likes to help others and it offers a relatively good starting salary. Becoming a social worker does require intensive study and a bachelor’s degree, but knowing that you have made a difference in someone else’s life makes it all worth it.
What Does A Social Worker Do?
Social workers help individuals and families manage problems they encounter in their everyday lives. They conduct client assessments, connect clients with social service resources, and counsel clients on creating or improving their coping skills. Clinical social workers roles go further, including treating clients who might have either mental or behavioural issues. A clinical social worker must have a master’s degree in social care and they are able to diagnose disorders and provide therapy to individuals or groups. Clinical social workers also create treatment plans for their clients and coordinate with healthcare professionals on treatment approaches.
Social Worker Salary
A social worker’s salary can vary depending on their education and experience. Clinical social workers with a master’s degree typically earn higher salaries than those with a bachelor’s degree. A social worker can increase their salary by earning an advanced degree, pursuing an in-demand specialty, or adding professional certifications in their field.
Becoming A Social Worker
There are some education requirements social workers must complete before they can apply for licensure. With that in mind, we are going to take a look at the steps needed to become a social worker.
Complete A Bachelor’s Degree
To become a licenced social worker, a bachelor’s degree is needed. You should take courses in social services, case management, and social work practice.
Choose A Social Work Specialty
You will also need to choose a social work specialty in an area like healthcare, school social work, mental health, or children and families. This will help you build specialised knowledge and stand out in the job market.
Complete An Internship
Part of the social worker education requirements is an internship. This could include placements in social service organisations, schools, or government agencies.
Earn A Professional Certification
Both clinical and non-clinical social workers need a license or certification to practice. While the requirements might be different depending on where you live, they typically include an accredited social work degree, passing scores on social work examinations, and completing supervised practice hours.
Contact Tempest Resourcing
To learn more ways to stand out in the jobs market in times of COVID-19, contact Tempest Resourcing today and speak with a job recruitment specialist who can answer any questions you might have.
If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to share it on your favourite social media sites.