Social Worker Duties and Responsibilities:
Social workers help people and their families adjust to problems in their lives such as serious illness, child abuse, substance abuse, mental illness, handicaps, juvenile delinquency, and anti-social behavior. Often they must help people accept situations that cannot be changed. Frequently they work with the underclass, including the homeless, chronically unemployed, and mentally ill. Most social workers work for the government in offices, hospitals, clinics, prisons, or the courts. Some also work in nursing homes, group homes, schools, or businesses. Their duties often include:
Interviewing and counseling individuals, families, and groups.
Assessing needs and developing response plans.
Referring clients to professional or community services.
Coordinating responses between civic, religious, governmental, and other organizations.
Average Salary: $20,000 - $42,000
Educational Requirements:
Students should prepare for a career in social work by taking challenging high school courses, especially in English, science, and math.
Some organizations may allow a social worker to practice with a bachelor's degree in social work, however most (including all health and mental health) positions require a graduate degree. Clinical positions require additional licensing after the completion of one or two year supervised internships.
For More Information:
Council on Social Work Education
1600 Duke St., Suite 300
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 683-8080
National Association of Social Workers
750 First St. NE, Suite 700
Washington DC 20002
(202) 408-8600
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