Social work is a professional activity that helps individuals, families and communities improve their wellbeing. It is a broad field with many different specialties, such as family counseling, child welfare and school social work.
Social workers are people who are passionate about helping others; they work in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, mental health clinics and social service agencies. In the United States, social work is a professional field that is regulated by state licensing boards. It is a regulated profession, which means that there are specific requirements that must be met in order to become a social worker.
After earning a degree and working in the field, social workers can advance their careers by pursuing MSW programs online at Cleveland State University to prepare for advanced social work practice. These programs cover a variety of topics that are essential for social workers, such as human behavior, social policy and research methods. With this flexibility, you can complete your degree at your own pace and from the comfort of your own home. If you want to make a difference in the lives of others and create a more just and equitable world, then a career in social work could be for you
Step by step process to becoming a social worker
There is no better time to become a social worker than now. Social workers play a vital role in society, providing much-needed support and care to vulnerable individuals and families. Whether you want to work with elderly individuals or children, the social work field offers many fulfilling employment opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social workers is expected to increase by 9% from 2021 to 2031. This has been attributed to high demand as hospitals around the country stoke demand for social workers to assist mental health patients, aging populations and substance abuse patients, in addition to helping those experiencing trauma and mental health with ESDM Therapy.
Before you apply for any social work job, you must meet education requirements and be licensed by the state you wish to work in. Here are six key steps you can follow to become a social worker in the United States:
Complete a bachelor’s degree
Most states require students to complete a bachelor’s degree in social work, typically through an accredited social work program. During the course of study, prospective social workers learn vital topics in social work such as social services, social work practice, case management, social policy and ethics. This will provide you with the knowledge and training needed to work in this field.
Choose a work specialty
Once you have completed your bachelor’s degree, it is time to choose a specific social work specialty. There are five different social work specialties currently recognized by the American Association of Social Workers (AASW), which are grouped into three categories:
- Clinical social workers provide family and group therapy to individuals with psychological disorders.
- Community practice social workers work with vulnerable populations or help prevent clients from becoming at-risk.
- Macro practice social workers are involved in community or public policy work.
Complete an internship
In order to become licensed as a social worker, you must complete a supervised internship with an approved agency. Your internship will provide you with valuable experience working in the field and offer you the chance to meet current and potential employers. Internships are typically completed in your state and last between six months to one year.
During your internship, you can gain valuable hands-on experience and learn how to help clients who are suffering from mental health disorders and addictions. You can also gain more experience by taking advantage of volunteer opportunities in social work organizations.
Pass the licensing exam
Once you complete your degree, you need to apply for licensure to become a licensed social worker in the United States. Your state board of social work, which is usually under the jurisdiction of a state department of health, human resources or public welfare, will oversee whether your education and training are acceptable for practice as a social worker.
Each state has its own licensing requirements that must be met before you are able to practice as a social worker in that state. This license is known as a Certified Social Worker (CSW) license or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). To become a licensed social worker, you must apply for licensure, complete the required number of continuing education units and pass an exam. The specific requirements vary from one state to another.
Complete an MSW program to earn a master’s degree
Having a bachelor’s degree or higher in social work is typically required in order to advance in your career. Earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree will help you to grow in your career as a social worker, giving you the opportunity to become an advanced practice social worker and counseling psychologist.
MSW programs are designed for students who have already earned an undergraduate degree in social work. This is a professional degree, which prepares students to take on leadership roles and provides training in advanced social work practice. Many people also pursue a MSW to become licensed as a clinical social worker (LCSW).
Find a social work position
Once you have obtained your license and completed an internship, you can begin searching for a job that suits your specific goals. Before being hired as a social worker, it is important to research the requirements and expectations of the job. This will ensure you are prepared to work with sensitive issues regarding human development and behavior.
Social workers can choose from a variety of careers within the field of social work. You can work in many different settings, including hospitals, retirement homes, schools, non-profit agencies, mental health care centers and similar institutions.
Get started with a career in social work
Social work is a dynamic profession that helps individuals to achieve their goals and dreams. Not only does the profession provide support for people who are struggling with mental or physical health problems, but it also gives them the tools to recover.
Keep in mind that each year the number of social work job openings increases. In addition, the demand for social workers is predicted to continue to increase as more people enter retirement. Now is a great time to begin your social work career by pursuing a degree in social work.
