General Information:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) prepares individuals for entry-level direct practice.
- Master of Social Work (MSW) is necessary to provide therapy and for advancement to supervisory or administrative positions.
- Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) or Ph.D. usually required for positions in teaching, research and administration. Desirable for some clinical positions and private practice.
- Complete a degree from a college or university program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Programs include practical field experience.
- Most states require licensure, certification or registration.
- The field practicum is used to determine suitability for this profession and to provide exposure to various practice settings and clients.
- Candidates should possess empathy for others, an appreciation for diversity and an interest in social change.
- Social workers serve a range of client systems (individuals, families, groups, communities) as they attempt to enhance social functioning.
- Social work is unique given its dual focus on the person and the environment.
- Note: Much of this information was adapted from Choices: Careers in Social Work by the National Association of Social Workers.
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA Employer.
Explore Possible Careers Pathways in Social Work:
Public Welfare: Areas & Employers
Areas – Public Welfare
- Administration and Planning
- Case Management
- Program Evaluation
- Policy Setting
- Research
Employers
- Public welfare agencies
- Private social service agencies
Public Welfare: Strategies
Descriptions/Strategies
- Public welfare is designed to provide services and support for poor, disabled, ill, elderly or juvenile clients.
- Volunteer at homeless shelters.
Criminal Justice / Correction: Areas & Employers
Areas – Criminal Justice/Correction
- Counseling/Therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Probation
- Parole
- Youth Services
- Victim Assistance
Employers
- Prisons and correctional facilities
- Courts
- Police departments
- Probation offices
- Victim services organizations
Criminal Justice / Correction: Strategies
Description/Strategies
- Social workers in corrections focus on rehabilitation of clients.
- Obtain experience by volunteering at a corrections facility or victims program such as a rape crisis center.
School Social Work: Areas & Employers
Areas – School Social Work
- Clinical Social Work
- Pupil Personnel Services
- Student Advocacy
- Instruction
Employers
- Elementary and secondary schools
- School districts
- Head start centers
- Early intervention programs
School Social Work: Strategies
Descriptions/Strategies
- School systems may employ social workers to help students cope with and resolve emotional, developmental or educational difficulties.
- Gain experience with children at daycare centers, camps or Scouts.
Child Welfare: Areas & Employers
Areas – Child Welfare
- Case Management
- Advocacy
- Intervention
Employers
- Public and private child welfare agencies
- Adoption agencies
- Foster care organizations
- Child daycare
Child Welfare: Strategies
Descriptions/Strategies
- Child welfare social workers strive to ensure the safety and well-being of children through treatment of the whole family.
- Volunteer at daycares, child shelters, camps, YMCA, Scouts or other agencies that aid youth.
Gerontology: Areas & Employers
Areas – Gerontology
- Advocacy/Intervention
- Counseling
- Case Management
- Programming
- Public Policy
Employers
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Senior centers
- Assisted living
- Hospice
Gerontology: Strategies
Descriptions/Strategies
- Gerontology involves working with older adults, healthy or ill and their families.
- Get involved with programs or organizations designed for senior citizens.
Clinical: Areas & Employers
Areas – Clinical
- Counseling
- Therapy
Employers
- Community mental health centers
- Psychiatric hospitals
- Residential and day treatment hospitals
- Employment assistance programs
- Schools
- Family service agencies
- Private practice
Clinical: Strategies
Descriptions/Strategies
- Clinical social workers are found in a variety of settings that provide therapeutic counseling to clients.
- Master of Social Work (MSW) is required.
Administration: Areas & Employers
Areas – Administration
- Management
- Policy Development
- Planning
Employers
- Family service agencies
- Child welfare departments
- Social service agencies
- State mental health departments
- Employee assistance programs
- Probation departments
- Public welfare agencies
- Public interest groups
- Local, state and federal government
Administration: Strategies
Descriptions/Strategies
- Administrators are involved with planning, budgeting, public relations, marketing, supervising, operations management, fund raising and other crucial responsibilities that keep an organization functioning.
- Obtain an MSW and gain management experience.
Research and Education: Areas & Employers
Areas – Research and Education
- Research
- Teaching
Employers
- Colleges and universities
- Research institutes
- Local, state and federal government
- Advocacy organizations
Research and Education: Strategies
Descriptions/Strategies
- Research provides data and statistics important in program implementation and policy development.
- Doctor of Social Work (DSW) or Ph.D. usually required.
Occupational: Areas & Employers
Areas – Occupational
- Counseling
- Education
- Wellness Promotion
- Employee Assistance
- Organizational Development
- Human Resources
Employers
- Businesses
- Corporations
- Employee assistance programs
- Labor unions
Occupational: Strategies
Descriptions/Strategies
Occupational social workers help employees to be more productive and satisfied.
Developmental Disabilities: Areas & Employers
Areas – Developmental Disabilities
- Case Management
- Program Planning and Evaluation
- Research
- Policy Development
Employers
- Community residential homes
- State and local agencies
- Medical facilities
- Schools
Developmental Disabilities: Strategies
Descriptions/Strategies
- Social workers in this area help people with disabilities to adjust and to lead productive lives.
- Volunteer at special needs camps, daycares, schools or hospitals to gain experience.
Health Care: Areas & Employers
Areas – Health Care
- Case Management
- Counseling
- Program Development
- Administration
- Research
Employers
- Hospitals
- Community health centers
- Outpatient clinics
- Public health programs
- Health maintenance organizations (HMOs)
- Nursing homes
- Group homes
- Hospice
- Veterans Administration hospitals
Health Care: Strategies
Descriptions/Strategies
- Social workers in health care facilitate medical and emotional treatment of patients.
- Choose volunteer settings such as hospitals, the American Red Cross or AIDS agencies to get experience.
Community Organization: Areas & Employers
Areas – Community Organization
- Program and Community Development
- Advocacy
- Politics
- Education
- Planning
Employers
- Advocacy organizations
- Development corporations
- Community centers
- Local, state and federal government
- Associations
Community Organization: Strategies
Descriptions/Strategies
Social workers in this area work with existing organizations to improve conditions for specific groups, enhance quality of living and involve community members in the political process. Get involved with grassroots causes and community agencies.