Social Worker

Starting a career as a social worker can not only change your life for the better but also allow you to change the lives of others. Many people are making the choice to go back to college and start on a new, better career path. By choosing to join their ranks, you are making the choice to improve your family’s quality of life by earning more and being able to save more toward your retirement.

What is a Social Worker?

A social worker is a dedicated professional who works diligently to help people overcome their problems and live better lives. Many social workers help people navigate the welfare and government aid systems. They assist with determining eligibility and applying for benefits, but their help does not stop there. They also help families take steps to reduce their need for aid by referring them to job training programs, low-cost daycare, free counseling services, substance abuse programs, low-cost or free housing, and food assistance programs. They serve as mentors and advisors to help disadvantaged people better themselves and the lives of their children.

Not every social worker performs government aid-related services, however. Some choose to work with Child Protective Services to determine the fitness of a child’s home environment and make recommendations and arrangements for removing children from dangerous situations. They may also be required to testify in hearings to determine whether or not children should be returned to their homes after improvements have been made.

Other jobs for social workers include working in hospitals to arrange temporary housing for families of patients with long-term illnesses or to assist in applying for special insurance, social security benefits, or long-term care. Others may serve school districts to help poverty stricken families overcome difficulties. Those who work in school environments also serve as advocates for non-native English speakers, advisors in developing Individual Education Plans for students with special needs, and preliminary investigators in cases of abuse.

What Training is Required for a Social Worker?

At the minimum, social workers require a bachelor’s degree in order to gain employment. Alternatively, they may gain a master’s degree and licensure to become licensed clinical social workers. At this level, they are eligible for more positions, including that of a licensed therapist, and earn higher wages. Many people choose to get their social work degree through an online college education program and many schools even offer an online master’s degree in social work. If you choose to pursue a master’s degree, you will also be required to complete a period of supervised clinical experience.

Social work is a fast-growing field that is sure to remain in high demand for many years to come. By choosing to enter this worthy profession as a social worker, you are taking a step toward earning a great salary with a good benefits package. You are also making a choice to dedicate your life toward the goal of serving those in need and helping them achieve there hopes for a better life.