Should I be a social worker?

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Answer:

Nursing facility

You'll Enjoy It if...

You are patient, caring, and empathetic.

You enjoy tackling new challenges every day and are a creative problem solver.
You have excellent organization and communication skills.
You genuinely enjoy all kinds of people.

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Find A Different Path if...

You thrive on having a consistent routine. Things can change from second to second.
Paperwork is your arch-nemesis. Every interaction with your client must be documented!
You don't have an interest in listening and understanding people's stories. This is a huge part of providing the right types of support!

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Average Salary?

The average salary for a social worker in the US is...

Flaticon Icon $24.09/hr (USD)

The average salary for a social worker in Canada is...

Flaticon Icon $25.98/hr (CAD)

Sources:

1 https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Social_Worker/Salary

2 https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Social_Worker/Salary

Take Action

College is the first step!

You will need a bachelor's degree to start your career as a social worker. In some locations, a master's degree is required.

If you're interested in providing clinical social work services (diagnosing and treating mental health conditions), you will definitely need a master's degree. Then, you'll need to apply for a state license and sit for a board exam.

Get started today:

Network to find a shadowing opportunity.

Explore social work programs at the college of your choice.

Contact your state board to learn the licensure requirements.

Did you know?

NASW (in the US) and CASW (in Canada) have all the information you need on education and licensure requirements! Visit their websites for details.

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So... what is social work?

Scrabble letters spelling the phrase, in lifting others we rise.

Social work aims to enhance human well-being and meet the needs of vulnerable and oppressed people.

Simply put, social workers help people!

But what does a social worker actually do? How do you know if you would enjoy it?

What Types Of Environments Do Social Workers Work In?

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Short answer: Lots!

Long answer:

Hospitals
Schools
Child Welfare
Community Mental Health
Private Practice (providing therapy)

Aging Programs
Policy, Planning, and Politics
Research
Administration & Management
Justice & Corrections

Did you know?

Professional social workers are the nation's largest providers of mental health services in the US! According to government sources, social workers deliver 70 percent of mental health services.

What Do Social Workers Do Every Day?

Social workers help clients handle complex problems as well as everyday life problems.

They often assist clients who have issues caused by:

neglect
abuse
domestic violence
mental health
substance abuse

Clinical social workers may also diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues.

It's all about empowering the client to learn how to take care of those problems independently, and giving them the tools to do so!

Quiz

Which of these places will hire a social worker?