Should I be a social worker?

So... what is social work?

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

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?

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

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

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

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!

• 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.

• 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!

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

$24.09/hr (USD)

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

$25.98/hr (CAD)

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: