Pros and Cons of Being a Social Worker

Social work can be a very rewarding career, but it can also be a difficult one. Social workers have the responsibility of helping people who are at their lowest, but this can also lead to problems like compassion fatigue.

Below, we break down some of the pros and cons of being a social worker, as well as key things to know about becoming a social worker.

Advantages of Being a Social Worker

Many people choose to go into the field of social work because it allows them to make a meaningful difference in the world. There are many different types of social workers, but all are committed to helping people.

There are also multiple advantages to choosing social work as a career. The job of a social worker is rarely boring, and there are also multiple opportunities to specialize in a field of social work that appeals most to you.

Additionally, there is room for advancement within the field of social work, meaning that you can work your way up through the ranks. Social workers are also in demand, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicting the job outlook for social workers will increase by 7% by 2032.

Drawbacks of Being a Social Worker

While there are many good things about being a social worker, there are drawbacks as well. Depending on your role and employer, social workers can have high caseloads and the job may be stressful.

Social workers may also work long hours or be on call. They also may witness situations that are traumatic or hard to process, which can further increase stress.

Types of Social Workers

There are many different types of social workers. Some common types of social workers include the following.

• Clinical social workers (CSWs), also called licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), are licensed social workers who can diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance abuse disorders.
• Child and family social workers specifically help families and children. They connect families to community resources and, when necessary, remove children from dangerous or unhealthy situations and temporarily place them in foster care.
• Healthcare social workers help patients navigate the medical system and adjust to healthcare conditions that may impact their quality of life. These social workers may do things like connect patients with community resources or help them transition to living in a nursing home.
• School social workers work with parents, students, and teachers within the school system to develop ways to help children succeed. They may help do things like develop independent education plans or help mediate student disputes.

Depending on the type of social worker you are, you may work in a variety of settings. Some social workers work for government agencies, while others work in private practice.

What Are Some of the Challenges Social Workers Face in Their Profession?

Social workers may face several challenges in their careers. These include long hours and high caseloads, although it depends specifically on the type of social worker and where they work.

Additionally, social workers can often be put in difficult situations. This means that they can be in physical danger, but it can also be difficult on their mental health as well.

Many social workers also become frustrated and disillusioned with the system that they work within, especially when dealing with heavy workloads. This can cause burnout and make it difficult to find passion within the work.

What Are the Potential Career Advancements for a Social Worker?

Many social workers start out in entry-level positions, like case workers. However, with the right education and work experience, they can move into more senior social worker positions, including management, or become a clinical social worker.

What Is the Most Rewarding Aspect of Working in Social Services?

For many who work in social services, the most rewarding aspect of the job is being able to make a positive impact in people's lives. Social workers often help people when they're in their most vulnerable positions.

How Does Being a Social Worker Impact Personal Life?

Being a social worker can impact your personal life in both positive and negative ways. As a positive, it can teach you to better relate to people and hone your social skills.

However, social workers may work irregular hours, like nights and weekends, and may need to be on call. This can make it hard to schedule time with friends and family. The compassion fatigue and burnout caused by the career can also make it difficult to have a fulfilling personal life.

Is Social Work Right for You?

Whether or not social work is right for you depends largely on the field of social work you want to go into and the type of person you are. Social workers often need to be:

• advocates for social justice
• compassionate
• good at working with people
• organized
• strong communicators

If that sounds like you, and you have a heart for advocacy and understand the difficulties you may face, a career in social work may be right for you.

How To Become a Social Worker

To become a social worker, you'll typically need a bachelor's degree in social work. Look for programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CWSE).

Licensed clinical social workers usually need Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees for licensure. Licensure also usually requires internships or other types of supervised training experiences.

Social Work Degree Programs

Several colleges and universities offer online bachelor's degrees in social work. These include:

• National University
• UMass Global
• University of Cincinnati
• University of North Dakota
• University of Tennessee, Knoxville