Social Worker

Job Summary:
Social workers help people solve social, financial, and health problems. Social workers often specialize in treating certain types of clients. Regardless of their specialty, social workers have common tasks. When they get new clients, social workers ask them questions to identify their problems and needs. They collect any other information, such as employment or medical records, they will need. Social workers may arrange for medical or psychiatric tests for some clients. Social workers then create plans for helping clients. They monitor clients' progress towards solving their problems and revise plans as needed. All social workers work closely with other health care and social service providers. They supervise social and human service assistants. In addition, social workers keep detailed records of test results, conversations with clients and treatment plans. They prepare reports for schools, courts and other agencies.

Qualification:
You must have at least a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) to work in this field. However, you need a master's degree in social work (MSW) for most jobs. Colleges and universities offer programs in social work. For your bachelor's degree, you should take courses in social work, psychology, sociology, and social anthropology. Master's degree programs prepare you to choose a field of practice, such as child welfare or school social work. You should take classes that develop your skills in clinical assessments, caseload management, and counseling. During your training you participate in an internship in which an experienced social worker supervises your work with clients. You need a doctorate (Ph.D.) in social work or a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) to teach at the college level.

Salary Range:
Nationally, the median wage for social workers varies by the area of specialization. In the area of school, child and family, the monthly median income is $2,750 or $15.84 hourly. In medical and public health, the monthly median income is $3,030 or $17.50 hourly. Mental health counseling can get you a median income of $2,420 or $13.96 and also in the area of Substance abuse the median income is $2,490 or $14.36 an hour.

Prospects:
Experienced social workers can advance to working as program managers or assistant directors. They usually need a master's degree for these positions. Experienced social workers can also teach or consult. Some social workers go into private practice.