What Types of Jobs Can You Do With a Social Work Degree?
Graduates with a degree in social work have a wide variety of career options available to them. Social workers work in the public and private spheres, in nonprofits, businesses, government agencies and schools. They assist individuals and families live fuller and better lives by providing counseling and assistance in accessing help. People with social work degrees often advocate for change to remedy social problems and conduct research.
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Mental Health
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Social workers can work in mental health facilities as therapists or in nonprofits/programs that support those who are recovering from substance addiction. They may also help persons with mental health disorders find and keep jobs or provide instruction for everyday living. They may work in in-patient or out-patient care facilities.
Children and Families
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Someone with a social work degree can work with children and families in a state's health and human services department or at the local government level to provide assistance with parenting classes, facilitating adoptions and investigating child abuse allegations. Social workers may also work in hospitals or hospices to assist patients' families. Some social workers may work with children and their parents in a school environment, assisting students with behavioral and other problems. A social worker can also work as a nursing home director or in a nonprofit organization providing services, writing grants or conducting community outreach.
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Teaching, Research and Policy-Making
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Social workers with advanced degrees can teach at the college level. Those with extensive field experience can provide an important perspective on working as a social worker to students. Social workers also work in communities to effect positive change for social problems. Social workers may also conduct research into social problems that affect individuals and communities as a way to heighten awareness of particular issues.
Degrees and Certifications
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Many states require social workers to have licenses or certifications to work as certain types of social workers. A social worker who has met state qualifications for a certain level of social work is called "licensed clinical social worker." Significant supervised work experience is required in addition to educational requirements to obtain this designation. Social workers who have at least a master's degree and who have met state standards can work as therapists.
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