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| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 32 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 32 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 32 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 31 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 30 | 0.00% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $52,195 | $25.09 | +2.6% |
| 2024 | $50,889 | $24.47 | +3.9% |
| 2023 | $48,987 | $23.55 | +1.9% |
| 2022 | $48,073 | $23.11 | +4.1% |
| 2021 | $46,171 | $22.20 | +3.2% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 177 | 26% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 209 | 24% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 310 | 23% |
| 4 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 384 | 20% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 182 | 19% |
| 6 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,332 | 18% |
| 7 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 544 | 18% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 689 | 17% |
| 9 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,314 | 16% |
| 10 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 328 | 16% |
| 11 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 272 | 16% |
| 12 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,581 | 15% |
| 13 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 985 | 15% |
| 14 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 933 | 15% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 860 | 15% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 550 | 15% |
| 17 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,447 | 14% |
| 18 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 702 | 14% |
| 19 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 894 | 13% |
| 20 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 2,593 | 12% |
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $43,646 |
| 2 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $50,173 |
Ohio State University
Ohio University
Baruch College of the City University of New York
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Ohio University
Colorado State University - Pueblo
College of Saint Scholastica
University of Alaska Anchorage
Metropolitan State University
University of Indianapolis
Campbellsville University
Virginia Wesleyan University
Pennsylvania State University
Siena College
Nazareth College of Rochester
Emily McCave PhD, MSW, LCSW: Most people find social work to be incredibly rewarding, knowing that you are a facilitator of positive change, whether be within an individual, organization, or at a larger community or societal level. For many, being able to help people reach their full capacity is fulfilling. The amount of documentation we must complete in clinical settings is often what is liked the least.
Emily McCave PhD, MSW, LCSW: The need for social workers is high, particularly after the pandemic. A shortage of social workers means that there's an increasing demand in the field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics social work jobs are expected to increase 13% between 2020 and 2030.
Emily McCave PhD, MSW, LCSW: For clinical positions, which is what most social workers do, daily tasks typically include conducting assessments and providing individual, family, and/or group therapy to children and/or adults, while collaborating with other providers working with the client. There is also daily clinical documentation that needs to be completed.
Ohio State University
Human Development, Family Studies, And Related Services
Deanna Wilkinson Ph.D.: The best way to maximize your salary potential is to do your homework. Start with self-awareness. What can and will you be able to contribute to the organization that will help the organization achieve their goals. Be able to “sell” your strengths, fit with the position, and areas for future growth. It is important to have realistic salary expectations while also sharpen your negotiation skills. Research to find out what are people in similar positions making in your community.
Deanna Wilkinson Ph.D.: My advice to HDFS graduates beginning their careers is to seek out opportunities that align with your passions and will allow you to utilize your academic knowledge and skills to help children and families in meaningful ways.
Deanna Wilkinson Ph.D.: In the next 3-5 years, technology, diversity and inclusion, and problem-solving skills will become more important in the field of HDFS. The helping professions will play an important role as technology continues to reshape human daily life and social interactions.
L. Justin Wheeler: There are often salary discrepancies between settings – for example, hospital and government settings tend to have higher salaries than private nonprofit, community behavioral health, or education settings. Even so, within the same agency there can be higher earning potential in different programs, depending on many factors including demand and program funding source and type. Knowing your local market and opportunities is important, as is locating salary data for social workers and related fields. Pursuing skill development through training, supervised practice, and consultation in areas of interest can improve marketability.
L. Justin Wheeler: Technology including telehealth, electronic medical records systems, AI, practice evaluation data collection, and other areas will continue to grow and require ethical and proficient users. There will always be a need for social workers to help shape policies and legislation based on human needs and human rights, so leadership, advocacy, and facilitation skills are important. And as loneliness and behavioral health needs expand, the core relationship-building and problem-solving skills social workers learn will be in high demand.
L. Justin Wheeler: One of the best ways to improve skills, continue to learn, and access support is to work as part of a team – take advantage of opportunities for group supervision, peer consultation, and interprofessional collaboration.
Timothy Aubry: I don’t think people should try to maximize their salary potential. I think graduates should find a salary they can live on and prioritize finding a fulfilling job. If their primary concern is money, they are seeing the job as a means to something else, and the money itself is just a means to some other kind of satisfaction. They’ll be unhappy at work and try to make up for it by buying things they probably won’t have any time to enjoy—justifying the miserable job they have. I’d suggest finding a job that is not just a means to an end, but that allows you to feel happy while you are working, fulfilled in what you are doing. In that kind of situation, as long as you can pay the bills, you won’t care as much whether you’re making more than your neighbors and your friends, since you won’t be measuring the value of your life by how much money you make.
Timothy Aubry: I can’t really predict which skills will be important in the next 3-5 years, but that’s exactly why a liberal arts degree is a good bet. The reason I say that is that the liberal arts teach you to be flexible and open-minded, to rethink your assumptions continuously, to read new situations, and to adjust your ideas in response to new evidence. In other words, studying the liberal arts will prepare you to navigate an ever-changing job landscape and adapt to whatever demands and requirements come to prevail in the future. Rather than tie yourself down to one particular field or skillset, why not develop your mind so you can be prepared for all variety of challenges and possibilities?
Timothy Aubry: Try to think about what kind of job would be fulfilling and would allow you to do meaningful work that helps other people and not just think about what job will make the most money. Once you’ve decided on a field, be tireless and relentless in your search. Keep sending out cover letters, keep following up, keep trying. Don’t take rejections personally. It’s a hard market, and you have to search exhaustively in order to find a job that will truly make you happy.
Dr. Timmesha Butler-Davis PhD, LCSW: Social work encompasses a vast array of roles, making it challenging to pinpoint a specific day-to-day function. Social workers operate in a generalist capacity, providing direct services like therapy, case management, or client advocacy. Alternatively, they may engage in macro-level activities such as policy advocacy, organizational leadership, or education. A typical day might involve individual client sessions, documenting clinical notes, planning therapeutic interventions, or advocating on Capitol Hill. At its essence, social work strives to challenge social injustices and foster a more equitable society.
Dr. Timmesha Butler-Davis PhD, LCSW: Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of social work is its capacity for significant impact. Whether it's guiding someone through coping mechanisms in therapy or fostering empathy within marginalized communities, social workers play a pivotal role in effecting positive change. However, it's worth noting that the extensive documentation and writing required in this field are often perceived as less favorable aspects.
Dr. Timmesha Butler-Davis PhD, LCSW: One of the greatest strengths of social work lies in its versatility. Given the continual evolution of social norms and societal shifts, the field offers remarkable longevity. Despite being a relatively young profession, social work is in a constant state of growth and adaptation, inherently tied to the needs of the communities it serves.
Jennifer Shadik: Social work can be a challenging profession. We are often helping people who have experienced trauma or are going through extremely difficult situations. We are there to help them navigate these challenges, while building on their strengths and resources. Helping people through these challenging circumstances and seeing them grow and change is very rewarding. Building relationships with people, helping them learn new knowledge and skills, and advocating for social and economic justice are gratifying aspects of being a social worker.
Jennifer Shadik: There is a great need for trained social workers. Social work is a vast profession and you will find social workers practicing with children in schools, providing care for behavioral health or substance use disorders, as well as working in hospitals and hospice care. There are many jobs for trained and licensed social workers; the social work degree is very flexible, allowing social workers to work with a variety of populations and problems.
Jennifer Shadik: Social workers are involved in helping individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in a variety of ways. Depending on the specific job, they may provide education, mediate conflict, connect individuals and families to resources, provide therapeutic intervention, and/or develop policies to help at an individual or national level.
Pamela Richmond Ph.D.: Challenges social workers can face are high caseloads, not enough resources to assist clients and exposure to horrific aspects of humanity. Social workers enjoy being a part of the change process by recognizing the strengths and resiliency of individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Workers advocate for individuals that are marginalized and oppressed, ensuring they have a voice. They enjoy looking at solutions to problems and empowering others to make changes beneficial for their lives.
Pamela Richmond Ph.D.: Social workers are trained to understand and intervene on three levels—micro (individuals and families), mezzo (formal groups and organizations) and macro (community and the broader society). Given the challenges currently taking place nationally and internationally such as poverty, immigration, abortion controversy, societal racism/discrimination and the war in the middle east, social workers are trained to intervene and advocate for change on a variety of system levels.
Pamela Richmond Ph.D.: Social workers employed in a variety of diverse settings to include prisons, hospitals, child welfare, homeless shelters, nursing homes, substance abuse facilities, mental health facilities, community organizations and politics (and there are many, many more settings). The setting and the population of clients the social workers assist (children, youth, adults, etc.) will determine the specific day-to-day workload. However, general daily tasks completed regardless of the setting include interacting with clients/community constituents, responding to phone calls/e-mails, problem-solving, teamwork within the organization employed and/or with community constituents and documentation. Social workers entering the profession have fulfilled placement work during their educational training. Meaning, prior to graduation they have been placed in an agency working under the supervision of a social worker applying what they have learned in their coursework. As a result, when they begin their work as a social worker, they are ready to apply the knowledge, values and the skills they have learned to fulfill the tasks mentioned above.
Nancy Kelley PhD: The next 3-5 years may see some changes that will require certain skills to be even more important and prevalent in social work practice than ever before. One of the most pressing challenges social workers are currently facing is the extremely contentious political environment of the United States and the direct impact that has on equity and justice issues that have always been at the root of all social work efforts. The divisiveness that has been exacerbated in this country over the past several years has stifled social welfare policy efforts and has threatened social work education to effectively address longstanding and emerging social issues. Social workers will need to be especially adept at negotiating conflict embedded in divisive concepts and highly skilled to effect legislative change. This, combined with other unprecedented demographic and cultural changes, such as the aging of our population, increased cultural diversity and intersectionality within the U.S. population, and health and mental health crises, including illicit drug and addiction epidemics, make for extremely complex cases of vulnerable populations social workers serve. The level of knowledge and skill social workers must acquire and activate simultaneously, including trauma-informed approaches to be used cross-culturally, is immense. Another major need for advanced social work skills is with regard to the environment, including the effects of climate change on human conditions, and environmental justice. Some of these significant changes to the landscape of social work practice will force social workers to beef up their interprofessional and macro-practice skills. Lastly, I think the great unknown is related to technology--how to manage the digital ethics at the speed of technological advances will be essential to the field of social work.
Nancy Kelley PhD: Probably the first piece of advice I would give to graduates beginning their social work career is to keep an open mind-- one never knows what life might bring, so opportunities may arise that you weren't expecting. Every professional encounter provides an opportunity for experience and professional development that will inevitably advance one's career. Secondly, every professional experience, whether positive or negative, has take-aways and lessons learned so be prepared to find the silver lining in all you do. Third, don't give up; persistence and patience usually pays off in the long run when you are committed to a cause. Sometimes social workers undertake a lot of trial-and-error before successfully accomplishing our goals. Fourth, be sure to practice self-care; we cannot help other people if we do not care for ourselves first. We need to be able to 'practice what we preach,' so to speak, and give ourselves permission to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed. Lastly, remember that cultural competency is a life-long, career-long process. In order to expand our cultural competency, we need to continuously practice cultural humility when interfacing with diversity in all of its forms by embracing lifelong learning and self-reflection, mitigating power imbalances, and aspiring for institutional accountability.
Nancy Kelley PhD: Unfortunately, everyone needs money and has bills to pay. Social work historically has been at the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to salaries, regardless of education level, professional licensure, etc. Oftentimes, social workers have felt the need to concede to making a difference over making money as if 'making a difference' and fulfilling our passion through our livelihood makes up for inequitable wages. I do think that sometimes it is true that social workers are overworked and underpaid. Even with one of my 'tips' for earning more money being to supplement your salary by taking on extra opportunities like consulting or having a private practice on the side or being an independent grant writer for nonprofits. However, that may help maximize earnings and be a great way to utilize diverse skill sets of a social worker and help to build your professional networks, it also perpetuates stress and the feeling of being overworked. So, that may not be an appealing option. A better strategy to maximize salary potential when starting your social work career, is to be assertive and learn the art and skill of negotiation. We (especially women and social workers) are not usually very good at selling ourselves and getting others to see our value. However, if you are able to emphasize your experiences and education and be comfortable with that, it will serve you well when navigating the job market. Before you get to that point however, I suggest taking advantage of whatever educational opportunities are available to you. For example, if you are working on your BSW, find a way to earn a minor or a certificate that will complement and supplement the BSW, such as a certificate in gerontology or a minor in criminal justice. Having some area of specialized training and education can give you an edge in the labor market. Likewise when working on an MSW-- is there an opportunity for a dual degree program or to adjunct your MSW with a certificate or other kind of specialized credential? Again, that opportunity will likely not present itself again and may very well increase your earning potential. Another strategy to help increase your salary is to be an active member of professional organizations; this gives you easy access to continuing education opportunities and for keeping up with the literature. Staying current with developments in the social work field and your particular area of practice can make you more valuable to employers and lead to higher salaries. Another strategy is to think outside the box-- there are a lot of social work jobs that might have alternative titles and have higher salaries attached to them, especially positions that might be more administrative or leadership positions-- for example a 'development director,' 'program coordinator,' 'community outreach specialist,' 'clinical supervisor,' 'social services director,' 'program evaluator,' 'quality assurance/improvement manager,' or the like. Additionally, looking for social work positions outside of the nonprofit world can also be a way to have higher earnings. More and more corporations and businesses are hiring social workers. Such positions might be something like being a social worker in an Employee Assistance Program or at a Student Counseling Center on a college campus or it could be a position with a corporation assisting with their corporate giving goals and efforts to give back to the community through community service of some kind-- social workers are good at organizing fundraising events and creating partnerships with nonprofits to help populations in need or specialized causes. Social workers are also hired by organizations such as United Way or Community Foundations who grant funds to nonprofit organizations and these entities often have opportunities for higher pay. Nowadays, social workers can be found in various nontraditional settings, such as hospital and healthcare systems, school systems, and government agencies, which often have higher salaries and more competitive benefits.
Dr. Michele Sneed DSW, LGSW: Social work is known for its versatility. The day-to-day activities can greatly vary depending on the work setting. Certain core responsibilities can be identified among social workers across various contexts. These include things such as; conducting assessments, advocating for clients' rights and needs, offering support and counseling, engaging in community outreach efforts, and documentation, among other duties. Although tasks may differ, the fundamental aspects of social work underscore the profession's commitment to promoting well-being, social justice, and empowerment for individuals and communities.
Dr. Michele Sneed DSW, LGSW: The profession of social work is experiencing a remarkable surge in employment opportunities, with projections indicating above-average growth. This combined with the profession's flexibility, competitive wages, and sense of fulfillment makes social work a wonderful career path.
Dr. Michele Sneed DSW, LGSW: The concern frequently voiced by social workers is the documentation aspect of their work. While acknowledging its crucial role in accountability and transparency, social workers often find documentation to be time-consuming and tedious. This stems from the perception that excessive time spent on paperwork detracts from the meaningful interactions they could be having with the individuals and communities they serve.
University of Alaska Anchorage
Social Work
Matthew Cuellar: Understanding how to use AI, balancing ethics in a changing and increasingly diverse world, and incorporating fresh and new perspectives in to old and unchanged processes within rigid climates. Respect and understanding of all voices is and will continue to be key to effective social work practice, education, and scholarship.
Matthew Cuellar: Pave a road that involves work you love to do. Maximizing salary potential is not just about making more money. It is about striking the optimal life/work balance for compensation that a given individual finds acceptable to meet their unique needs.
Matthew Cuellar: Be familiar with licensure and/or other professional requirements and keep your long-term goal in focus. Network as much as possible, and be open to different perspectives and ideas that you might not be familiar with. Choose a path that involves working within your passion, and be proud to be a change agent for the people you represent.
Monica Bies: It can make sense to have a salary range in mind and do not hesitate to negotiate. Although it may feel uncomfortable, it is a regular and accepted practice. A new social worker might also ask about various roles and opportunities for growth and advancement within the agency.
Monica Bies: I can’t emphasize enough the importance of consistent and supportive supervision that allows one to continue to expand knowledge and skills.
Monica Bies: An ability to incorporate anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices and policies that advance equity in all settings in which we live and work.
Lynell Cooper MSW, LCSW: Learn to negotiate effectively for salaries and consulting fees. Understanding your value and being able to articulate it convincingly can significantly impact your income.
Lynell Cooper MSW, LCSW: Being empathetic will enhance your ability to connect with clients, while resilience will help you manage emotional stress effectively. Fostering a lens of cultural humility will serve as a conduit to success and effectiveness.
Lynell Cooper MSW, LCSW: Social workers will need to collaborate across different fields such as healthcare, education, and legal services. Skills in teamwork, communication, and coordination will be essential. Social workers should envision themselves as an asset in every business sector.
Campbellsville University
Social Work
Dr. Kimberly Mudd-Fegett DSW, MSSW: Social Work is a very large field; therefore, the practice of Social Work varies greatly depending on which field you enter. Overall, nearly all areas of Social Work include working with individuals who are facing some form of crisis or life challenge. Social Workers work to assist in providing education, assistance and most importantly empowerment. Social Workers are trained professionals who work from a set of ethics that govern their professional standards to respect, empathize and value all individuals. Most all Social Workers enter the professional because they feel called to assist and make a difference in the life of others.
Dr. Kimberly Mudd-Fegett DSW, MSSW: The best thing about being a Social Worker is the ability to serve, assist and empower other individuals who are facing challenges within their life. Although this can be very overwhelming, at times the rewards this can provide, and self-fulfillment is hard to put into words. One of the greatest challenges of Social Work is maintaining adequate self-care and knowing that you can impact or help all individuals. This can be extremely challenging and overwhelming, particularly for new workers. One must ensure that they have adequate supervision, education, and resources to protect their wellbeing or burnout is highly likely.
Dr. Kimberly Mudd-Fegett DSW, MSSW: Social Workers are needed everywhere as there are always people in crisis. Currently, child protection workers are desperately needed. In this field of practice Social Workers work directly with children and families that are impacted by child maltreatment issues to keep families together. There is a misconception that child protective workers strive to remove children, and this is untrue. Their mission is to work tirelessly to keep children in their homes safely and remove risk factors while highlighting their protective factors. Additionally, in this field of Social Work foster parents are trained, certified, and mentored to ensure that foster children receive adequate care when biological or relative care is not possible.
Virginia Wesleyan University
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
Dr. Jennifer Slivka: Before you graduate, complete at least one internship in the field. These internships can often lead to full-time positions, especially in the non-profit sector. The more experience you have, the more you can negotiate in terms of salary.
Dr. Jennifer Slivka: Be open-minded, flexible, and patient. Our recent GWSS graduates secure jobs in a number of related fields that might not spring to mind when new graduates think of GWSS careers (e.g., political campaigns/staff, higher education, non-profits, law, publishing, business, and even sexual assault prevention and victim advocacy for the Navy). These are in addition to more traditionally associated GWSS careers, such as domestic abuse and trafficking shelters for women and children, LGBTQ+ outreach services, and counseling centers. As with most first jobs in the field, you need to think of them as learning experiences that can enhance the knowledge and skills you learned in college, while also providing you the necessary professional experience to move forward in the field.
Dr. Jennifer Slivka: Because of its interdisciplinary nature, Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies already offers students diverse perspectives that prepare them for the multi-faceted, complex viewpoints they will encounter in graduate study and in the workplace. In particular, soft skills will become even more important. These skills include communication, critical thinking and problem solving, empathy, collaboration, community-building, leadership, and adaptability. The field is dynamic, so being able to continue to learn and grow after graduation is a necessity.
Dr. J. Lendrum PhD: If possible, seek out internships during your undergraduate career to build your resume and portfolio. Through internships, cultivate your social skills and social networks because it's through our informal social networks that we find opportunities for jobs, scholarships, and other opportunities.
Dr. J. Lendrum PhD: It will become increasingly important to use non-violent communication skills and empathy that you practiced and developed in your academic programs. As the world becomes more diverse, tapping into the cultural competency skills will also become increasingly useful.
Dr. J. Lendrum PhD: Trust yourself and follow your passions. It is possible to find a meaningful career that aligns with your core interests and values.
James Andrews LCSW, LICSW, BCD: Although most people have very varied and complex reasons for entering the field of social work, we all have bills to pay. Therefore, the ability to maximize one’s salary potential is critical and involves strategic planning and negotiation. The first couple of jobs one holds can have tremendous influence on subsequent career trajectory. In my view, the most important thing to understand in a job search and the interview process it involves is this: You are interviewing those who are hiring at least as much, if not more, than they are interviewing you. It is critical to understand this point: You are interviewing the agency or company to determine if it is a place you wish to associate with and work. This may seem counterintuitive as the whole point of the job interview is to convince an employer you are the right person for the job. Yet, their interview of you as a candidate is actually secondary to your decision that the agency is a place where you wish to exchange your time and talents for income. Secondly, negotiate confidently. When offered a job, negotiate your salary (and other benefits and perks) and do not hesitate to ask for what you want. You should be prepared with data to support your request and be willing to discuss benefits and other compensation options like bonuses, stock options, or professional development opportunities. Do your homework! Come prepared understanding the typical salary range for the position and location. Websites like Glassdoor and Payscale can provide valuable insights. Knowing your worth and ask for it! A former professor of mine taught me that the only question to which absolutely know the answer to is the question you never ask; that answer is always no. Other actions the new graduate should engage in is to highlight what makes you unique as a person and has a job candidate. Emphasize unique skills, experiences, and achievements that set you apart from other candidates. This could include internships, certifications, or successful projects. Pursuing and obtaining certifications that are highly regarded in social work can make you more attractive to employers and justify a higher salary, such as certification and training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These strategies and tactics are not exhaustive. However, their implementation in one’s job search can position you for a successful and rewarding career, maximizing both your professional growth and earning potential.
James Andrews LCSW, LICSW, BCD: It is always dangerous to attempt to predict the future; even as little as 3-5 years. However, there are a few skills sets and knowledge areas I would recommend new graduates consciously focus upon for development. First and foremost, I would identify digital literacy and cybersecurity knowledge as critical over the next five years. The recent pandemic had at least one positive outcome: it accelerated and propelled society’s acceptance of virtual platforms and environments across multiple industries. And social work is no exception. Developing proficiency with digital tools and platforms including an understanding of cybersecurity, social media and telehealth technologies will be critical for new social workers. It may surprise some folks to hear this, but such proficiency extends to data analysis and interpretation. I’m not saying social workers need to learn computer programming. However, the rapid emergence of various types of artificial intelligence to assist and enhance people’s ability to analyze and make sense of data will only become increasingly important. Skills and knowledge in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence as they apply to clinical services will be highly sought after. Another area I see as becoming increasingly important over the next five years is the cultivation of interdisciplinary knowledge and practice. The combining of expertise from multiple fields can lead to innovative solutions. This involves one’s own knowledge as well as the ability to foster cross-disciplinary relationships and collaborations. For example, knowledge in both technology and business management can give one an edge in pursuing leadership roles that require strategic decision-making.
James Andrews LCSW, LICSW, BCD: Completing the MSW and graduating as a professional social worker is exciting and can be overwhelming. There are some general areas of professional development that I would strongly recommend new social workers entering the workforce focus on addressing. The first (and in many ways perhaps the most important) is to actively network. Connect with peers and mentors by building and maintaining professional relationships through joining professional organizations and attending industry events such as conferences and other professional events. Join your state chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and become active; don’t just pay your dues every year. Contact the chapter office and volunteer for a committee and run for a volunteer leadership position. Get involved! Next, be adaptable! If the social service field is characterized by any one quality, it is change. Cultivating the ability to grow, adapt to new technologies, methodologies, and work environments will be crucial to one’s career success. Not only does the quality of flexibility makes one a valuable employee and prepares you for unexpected challenges and opportunities, but it is also a central trait needed for those who desire to open their own clinical practices one day. Related to adaptability is the practice of continuous learning. Social work and the larger industry of social services ever evolving, so it is imperative that new graduates embrace the idea that even though they have graduated, they must always be students, ever learning and developing new skills. This involves a commitment to lifelong learning which involves pursuing certifications, workshops attendance, and staying updated with the latest industry trends and technologies through independent reading and research. This not only keeps your skills relevant but also demonstrates your commitment to professional growth. And finally, and too often ignored, is the importance of developing and cultivating what are called “soft skills”. Skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management a(and others) are essential. For the successful social worker. Such soft skills complement one’s technical abilities and are highly valued by employers. And in many ways are what will enable a person to advance in their career.
Siena College
Social Sciences
Elisa Martin Ph.D., MSW: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the need for social workers will grow faster than many other professions, which means finding employment upon graduation will not be a problem.
Elisa Martin Ph.D., MSW: Social workers are committed to creating a more socially just world through social change. People who are invested in helping others find social work values resonate and pursue their careers with passion. That said, social work is a demanding profession, and it is important to take care of yourself so you can stay committed to the work without burning out.
Elisa Martin Ph.D., MSW: The beauty of the social work profession is that the skills you learn from your degree can be applied in a range of settings and populations. Depending on your interest, you could be working with children, youth, adults, older adults, or in an area of interest like domestic violence, homelessness, child welfare, gerontology. The work you do could be one-on-one, with small groups, running programs within an organization, and/or working in communities.
Erin Cole DSW, LCSW: There is a phrase that sometimes comes out in social work that we are "in it for the outcome, not for the income." This is true but also, we deserve a livable wage. I already see graduates starting at higher salaries so I think this is trending in the right direction. With that said, I think the best way to maximize salary potential is to build your resume with trainings and certifications, beyond the degree, to show that you have something extra to offer compared to another new graduate. There are so many courses available online to get certified in specific interventions.
Erin Cole DSW, LCSW: When you're looking for jobs, don't look for a forever job. Find something that seems like a good fit right now. The pressure for it to be forever is too much. Do it for as long as it feels right and move on when it doesn't. Also, remember that being a new graduate is an asset! You are more current on trends in social work, literature, and evidence-based practices than many seasoned professionals. You add value to the setting and should not minimize that by falling back on being new in the field.
Erin Cole DSW, LCSW: Understanding trauma has become a necessary and foundational skill in social work. This is going to continue being important and we will continue working with more and more people who have trauma histories. Practitioners need evidence-based interventions for trauma that include cultural and identity affirming components. With so little research in this area, I suspect a skill that will become important is the ability to adapt evidence-based interventions to meet the needs of the individual being served while maintaining the initial integrity of the intervention.
Dr. Dexter Voisin: Social work is a diverse profession, and social workers engage in a wide variety of roles from clinicians, policy analysts, community workers, advocates, child welfare workers, mental health counselors, and many others.
Dr. Dexter Voisin: There is a robust demand for social workers, and it is one of the fastest-growing professions in the country. Many states are not able to fill the growing demand for social workers to respond to the growing demand for mental health and substance abuse counselors.
Dr. Dexter Voisin: I think there is a lot of misinformation about what is social work. Many persons have a very narrow view of social workers that they remove children from homes as “baby snatchers” or work with income assistance. However, social work is much broader than these roles.
Cynthia Peters MSW: When people hear the word social worker, they immediately think about the folks that take children from their families due to some report of abuse. They have a tendency to immediately not like what they think is social work. Social Work is so much more than working for DCS. What I like about Social Work is that there are so many jobs/careers you can walk into and utilize the skill you learned about the profession. Your job title does not need to be Social Worker. I know a social worker that is the Director of Public Works; Recreation Coordinator; Minister; Assistant to in the Governor's Office; Victim Advocate; Management Assistant; Council person; Governor; Senator. The sky is the limit to what career or job a social worker can do.
Cynthia Peters MSW: It is a good profession to enter now, due to the need for social workers in some of the jobs that I mentioned in the previous question. Social Workers can provide a different perspective on service delivery. Meeting the clients where they are at; developing relationships with the community; advocating for client services; writing grants; monitoring grants; brokering services......
Cynthia Peters MSW: Social Work is a profession that can be in many places: hospital, university, government agencies, fire departments, court systems, homeless shelters, behavioral health facilities, schools, private practices, non-profit agencies, hospice care, senior programs, just to name a few. So depending on where a social workers find a job will determine what they do on a day to day basis.