How To Become a Social Worker: 4 Steps

<p><table border="0"> <tr><td><img src="/cimages/multimages/2/4_optimized.png" alt="how to become a social worker" /></td></tr> </table> </p> <p>Social workers help others to navigate and prevent various kinds of problems they may experience in life. For example, social workers help people process trauma and grief, manage disabilities, overcome addiction, and more. </p> <p>With such essential and incredibly complex tasks, social workers require specialized education and state licensure. For those hoping for a career as a social worker, it can feel overwhelming. </p> <p>Read on for more information about social workers and some general steps to follow to become one. </p> <h2 id="section---HowToBecomeASocialWorker">How To Become a Social Worker</h2> <p>Here are some broad steps to follow to become a social worker. </p> <h3 id="section---CompleteYourBachelorSDegree">Complete Your Bachelor's Degree</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most social workers are required to have either a bachelor's or master's degree. The first step in pursuing a career in social work is to enroll in and complete a bachelor's degree program. </p> <p>There are many different degrees that can be completed by aspiring social workers. One of the most common is a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Bachelor_of_Social_Work_Online_and_Campus-Based_Program_FAQs.html">Bachelor of Social Work</a> program, or BSW. </p> <p>However, many choose to complete other degrees in related fields. Some other common options are psychology, sociology, and more. </p> <h3 id="section---BeginEntryLevelWork">Begin Entry-level Work</h3> <p>Many social workers in training begin gaining experience while completing a bachelor's degree. This can be done through internships, observation of practicing social workers, or other opportunities. </p> <p>Gaining experience such as this while completing a degree can help future social workers determine which areas they are most drawn toward and what specializations within the field they would like to pursue. </p> <p>After graduating, begin exploring job openings described as 'non-licensed social work'. These are positions that can be filled even by individuals who have not yet obtained licensure within their state. </p> <p>Non-licensed work is a great way to build experience. Non-licensed employees will often work alongside other social workers assisting them with their caseload. This can include things like administrative work, research, working with non-clinical clients, and more. </p> <h3 id="section---CompleteYourMasterSDegree">Complete Your Master's Degree</h3> <p>While many working in social work have only a bachelor's degree, it is very common to go on to graduate school and complete a Master of Social Work degree, or MSW. </p> <p>Perhaps the clearest benefit of getting an MSW degree is that it increases the skills and knowledge base of graduates. This allows them to provide greater care and become more proficient at their job, which is helping others. </p> <p>Additionally, as many employers prefer candidates with master's degrees, attending graduate school for social work makes applicants more competitive in the job market. This increases the chances of landing quality positions. </p> <p>Along with increased competitiveness, obtaining an MSW also increases earning potential. With increased job opportunities comes increased salaries, as well as other benefits like career specialization and flexibility. </p> <h3 id="section---AchieveStateLicensure">Achieve State Licensure</h3> <p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/Licensed_Clinical_Social_Worker_Training_Program_and_School_FAQs.html">Social worker license</a> requirements vary by state. Aspiring social workers should be mindful of the licensing requirements in their state and be sure to plan their studies and career paths accordingly. </p> <p>Nearly all states require the completion of a certified education program, such as a master's degree for example, and an examination to be completed. </p> <p>Even if a state does not require social workers to be licensed, it can still be a good idea to complete the licensure process. It will be an indication of skill to potential employers and lead to potential job offers and other career benefits. </p> <p>Check with your state's regulatory board to make sure everything is in line with licensing requirements. </p> <h2 id="section---DifferentKindsOfSocialWorkerJobs">Different Kinds of Social Worker Jobs</h2> <p>Social workers are needed in many specialties and environments. Check out some of them below. </p> <h3 id="section---MentalHealthAndClinicalSocialWorker">Mental Health and Clinical Social Worker</h3> <p>One of the most common types of social worker are those who offer mental health services. These licensed professionals provide counseling to those in a variety of circumstances, whether it be coping with mental illness, trauma, or something else. </p> <h3 id="section---SubstanceUseSocialWorkers">Substance Use Social Workers</h3> <p>These social workers help people to recover from their struggles with substance use, such as alcohol or drug use. They work with individuals or groups in a variety of settings. </p> <h3 id="section---SchoolSocialWorkers">School Social Workers</h3> <p>School social workers work within the education system. They assist children with various educational and developmental needs. Social workers employed at schools often work as school counselors or in other roles. </p> <h3 id="section---CorrectionsSocialWorkers">Corrections Social Workers</h3> <p>A corrections social worker is a social worker who is employed by the corrections system. They will work within corrections facilities and other places like rape crisis centers or courts. </p> <h3 id="section---DisabilitiesSocialWorkers">Disabilities Social Workers</h3> <p>These are social workers who work with individuals with disabilities. These could be physical or mental disabilities that create difficulties in daily life. Social workers can help these individuals with various aspects of their lives. </p> <h2 id="section---StartYourSocialWorkerJourneyToday">Start Your Social Worker Journey Today</h2> <p>In this article, we have covered the steps on how to become a social worker. We have also described some of the common types of social workers. Now that you know more, start your social worker journey today.</p>