social work as a career choice

Social Work as a Career Choice

Developed by: The National Association of Social

Workers (NASW) – California Chapter

Objective: To provide helpful information and resources regarding the social work profession, education, and careers

Social Work History

Celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 1998

Americans enjoy many benefits today that are a result of early social workers

Examples of Benefits: Civil rights, Medicaid, Medicare, unemployment insurance, disability pay, social security, etc.

Social Work’s Future

Currently 600,000 people hold SW degrees

According to the Dept of Labor, SW is one of the fastest growing careers in the US

SW is expected to grow 30% by 2010

State initiatives, legislation, and demographics trends impact the need for social workers

What Social Workers Do

Help individuals, couples, and families to overcome social and health problems such as poverty, mental illness, abuse and neglect, illness, domestic violence, addictions, eating disorders, etc.

Offer an unique approach because SW focuses on people’s problems in the context of their social environments

Largest Provider ofMental Health Services

In 1998, there were more than 190,000 clinically trained social workers

More social workers than psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychiatric nurses combined

SW considered one of five core mental health professions

Common Work Activities

Providing services to address social, emotional, and economic needs

Referring clients for appropriate professional or community services

Developing resources, programs, and social policies to address unmet needs

Common Work Activities

Coordinating and working with governmental, private, civic, religious, and business organizations to combat social problems

Assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health and emotional problems

Researching, planning, and developing social and health policies and programs

Important Personal Qualities

A desire to make a difference

Good interpersonal communication

An ability to be non-judgmental

An appreciation of human diversity

Personal Integrity

Important Personal Qualities

Willing to make challenging decisions

A commitment to social justice

An ability to relate empathically

A respect for others’ privacy

A genuine concern for others

Social Work Employers

Schools Hospitals Mental Health Clinics Senior Centers Jails and Prisons Private Practice Military Civic and Social

Organizations

Universities Associations Corporations Government Elected Office Public Agencies Private Agencies Business

Examples of SW Specialties

Mental Health Disaster Relief Foster Care Crisis Intervention Gerontology Child Abuse Substance Abuse Family Planning

Corrections Private Practice SW Research Planning & Policy Occupational SW Domestic Violence Medical SW Public Welfare

Social Work Career Websites

For more on SW specialties and career information, visit these websites:

http://www.socialworkers.org/pressroom/features/general/profession.asp

http://www.socialworkers.org/profession/factsheet.htm

The Occupational Outlook Handbook also gives details about social work careers at http://www.bls.gov under “occupations”

NASW 5-Minute Video

Demonstrates how social workers make a difference every day

Features three social workers working in three distinct areas of social work

Provides a snapshot of what SWs do

See video at www.HelpStartsHere.org

Educational Requirements

Must have a social work degree from a college or university program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

For a nationwide list of accredited SW programs go to http://www.cswe.org

Social Work Degrees

BSW prepares for generalist entry-level work

MSW prepares one for more advanced clinical practice (Required to do psychotherapy)

DSW or PhD prepares for research or teaching at university level

BSW Curriculum

Components include general and supportive liberal arts and sciences and the social work curriculum foundation, which includes fieldwork

Focus is on understanding how people function in relation to their environment and enhancing relationships

MSW Curriculum

Curriculum based on the study of human behavior and the social environment, social policy and practice, and social work research, which includes an internship

Emphasizes social justice, the value of human diversity, and empowerment of people and communities

Generally offers areas of concentration

Doctoral Curriculum

Designed for experienced SWs

Course works emphasizes qualitative and quantitative analysis methods

Leads to teaching, research, leadership roles, or self-employed private practice as a psychotherapist

Stipend Programs

Often funded through public sources

Meet work force needs in specific fields

Stipends are educational awards to assist with costs such as tuition, books, and living expenses

The student must work for a period of time in the field of specialization

CA Stipend Programs

Title IV-E Child Welfare Program (BSW and MSW students)

Mental Health Program (MSW students) Provides up to $18,500 per year for

education expenses for students who commit to working in field after graduation for a specific timeframe

Visit: http://calswec.berkeley.edu

Loan Forgiveness Programs

Allow graduates to repay educational loans by working in a designated area of service for a specified time

Majority of programs require applicants to have a clinical social work license

More information in Financial Aid Resource for SW Education found on www.naswca.org under “Career Center”

Clinical Social Work

Purpose is to diagnose and treat biological, psychological, and social disability and impairment (includes mental and emotional disorders and developmental disabilities)

Requires a license, which requires a MSW degree, 2-3 years of post-graduate clinical experience and passage of one or more licensing exams

Social Work Licenses

Every state has its own licensure regulations and laws

Some states require licenses and/or certification for BSWs, MSWs and LCSWs (Licensed Clinical Social Workers)

For a comparison guide of specific state requirements, visit www.aswb.org

California’s LCSW

In CA, BSWs and MSWs can work without being licensed or certified

There is only one SW license in CA– Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW)

Is able to provide psychotherapy Requires MSW, a minimum of 2-years post-

graduate clinical experience, post-graduate classes, and passing two state-specific exams

CA’s Largest SW Employers

# 1 – California Counties In 2006-2007 (April to April), 50% of counties

had SW positions available accounting for 664 positions

# 2 – California StateOne reason is the need for additional SWs in the correctional system and the mental health system (due to the Mental Health Services Act MHSA)

California’s SW Shortage

Due to several factors, CA is currently and will face a shortage of BSWs, MSWs and LCSWs

Some of the reasons for the demand: In 2006, poverty was at 12.8%

Daily, 361,000 persons are homeless Annually, domestic violence impacts 119,850

Social Work Salaries

Salaries are based on the following:

Type of degree Years of professional experience Licenses, credentials, certifications Area of specialty Geographic location Type of setting (for-profit, non-profit,

government)

Examples of 2007 Salaries

LCSW with 2+ yrs of experience -- California’s average salary is $63,775 -- Nationwide average salary is $49,591

Medical Social Work with 2+ yrs -- MSW Nationwide $48,461 - $57,508 -- BSW Nationwide $39,707 - $47,235

Websites for Salary Info

Monster Salary Center http://salary.monster.com/

Career Builder Salaryhttp://www.cbsalary.com

CA Labor Market Information (LMI) http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/

Additional SW Resources

Career Development and Job Search

For more information and resources related to the SW profession, educational requirements, financial aid resources, career choices, salaries, job search strategies and resources, visit www.naswca.org under “Career Center”

Online Resources

National Association of Social Workers www.socialworkers.org

NASW-California Chapter www.naswca.org

International Federation of SW www.ifsw.org

Online Resources

Council on SW Education (CSWE) www.cswe.org

Association of SW Board www.aswb.org

CA Society for Clinical Social Work www.clinicalsocialworksociety.org

Online Resources

The New Social Work Magazine

www.socialworkers.com

Social Work Associations and Organizations

www.socialworkers.org/swportal/swo1/