what is a social worker?

Working as a social worker is a demanding profession that involves working with families and institutions to advance social impacts. As a social worker, you promote social change, developing and empowering communities. Sometimes you advocate for civil rights, raising awareness on issues such as mental health and child abuse.

The goal of social workers is to encourage change, whether social, environmental or political. As a social worker, you typically try to empower overlooked communities, focusing your work on people who suffer oppression and discrimination or those who are living in poverty.

There are different types of social work. Micro social work involves working intimately with families and in one-on-one settings. Some examples include substance abuse counseling and mental health services.

Mezzo social work involves larger institutional settings, such as hospitals and prisons. As a correctional social worker, for example, you work with prisoners on different levels. This could be ensuring they get adequate mental healthcare services, counseling or basic necessities such as air conditioning during heat waves. In a hospital setting, medical social workers help families and patients cope with major illnesses, such as cancer.

Finally, there is macro social work. Here, you work with government institutions to help change policies and laws that affect communities, such as homelessness and healthcare.

Would working as a social worker suit your advocacy skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a social worker role.

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average social worker salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of a social worker in the U.S. is $55,350 per year or $26.61 per hour. Those with experience and additional skills can earn more. Salaries differ depending on the kind of social work you do and the city you work in. Medical social workers earn higher salaries, in general. In Los Angeles, a medical social worker earns about $48 per hour.

Aside from basic wages, social workers can also earn various benefits in their compensation package. For instance, some institutions provide transport allowance, medical insurance and pension benefits to workers.

factors affecting social worker salary

Your salary as a social worker depends on the company or institution you work for and its size. For instance, large companies pay more than small institutions. Aside from size, your compensation package depends on whether the company is public or private as well. Social workers employed in the private sector are likely to earn more than social workers working for government institutions. Working in big cities with a high cost of living also increases your salary prospects compared to working in small towns with a low cost of living.

Wondering what you can earn as a social worker? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary checker! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of a social worker is.

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types of social workers

Social workers work in different environments. There are clinical health social workers, who help treat mental health issues, and there are child welfare social workers who investigate cases of child abuse or neglect. Other types of social workers include substance abuse counselors. This work involves people who are struggling with addiction issues. There are criminal justice social workers, too, who help prisoners reintegrate into society and find jobs. Finally, some geriatric social workers help the elderly find housing, get healthcare services and plan for the end of their lives.

Smiling male and female having a conversation, outside.
Smiling male and female having a conversation, outside.
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working as a social worker

If you love championing people's rights and helping them improve their well-being, working as a social worker will be fulfilling. Here are some daily duties and responsibilities.

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social worker skills and education

There are various education and licensing requirements for social workers:

  • bachelor's degree: For entry-level positions, social workers typically need a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. This degree teaches the principles and ethics of social work.
  • master's degree: If your bachelor's degree did not focus on social work, you may choose to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Besides gaining more in-depth knowledge about the principles of social work, there are clinical training requirements.
  • licensing: The highest license for social workers is the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). To receive this license, you must have thousands of hours of supervised practice. Some of this practice includes assessments, diagnoses, research and evaluations. After amassing the required amount of hours, social workers must then pass the exam from the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB).
  • continuing education: It is often a requirement for social workers to complete continuing education hours in order to maintain their license.

Besides a core education, social workers must also have specific skills to excel at their jobs. These include:

  • good listening skills: Social workers need to listen attentively to their clients.
  • compassion: It is important for social workers to connect with their clients and express caring and compassion.
  • problem-solving skills: Social workers must help their clients solve problems, find resources and overcome obstacles.
  • trauma training: Social workers should have specific training on how to approach trauma cases.

skills and competencies

Social workers need various competencies to keep up with the demanding profession. Some of these include:

  • empathy: As a social worker, you should have the ability to understand your clients' experiences and step into their shoes. That way, you can accurately determine their needs and provide the best support.
  • communication: Good communication skills are vital for social workers since they need to communicate with various people. You should know verbal and non-verbal cues to understand your clients better. When advocating for your client's rights, it is crucial to communicate concisely with care providers and colleagues.
  • critical thinking: As a social worker, you need to evaluate each case from the information gathered and interviews with clients. The skill also helps you determine the best resources to assist your clients.
  • patience: Social workers need the patience to handle complex cases or assist clients who need longer periods to make progress. Patience also helps you avoid making mistakes that lead to poor outcomes.
  • collaboration and teamwork: Social workers often have to collaborate with other professionals, such as healthcare professionals, therapists and teachers. By collaborating with other professionals, you can ensure your clients are getting the best services.
female smiling close up
female smiling close up
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FAQs about working as a social worker

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about social workers.

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