Introduction
The field of social work aims to improve the quality of life for people experiencing a broad range of problems due to societal and economic factors, such as poverty, homelessness, family issues, substance abuse, and caring for aged relatives. Social work functions include providing services directly to clients such as therapy, as well as administrative responsibilities such as organizing and evaluating services, managing programs, and developing social policy.
Many social workers work within child welfare and family service agencies and in settings providing mental health, medical, educational, correctional, and gerontological services. These agencies may be in the public sector or under private auspices (for-profit or not-for-profit). Other social workers are self-employed. With a master's degree you may become licensed by the state to accept third party payments. Every state has some form of certification or licensure for social workers.
A bachelor's degree is usually required for entry level positions, although majors in psychology, sociology, and related
fields are sometimes considered for these jobs. A Master's in Social Work (MSW) is generally required for positions involving clinical services. Supervisory and administrative positions often require an MSW as well. College teaching and research positions often require a doctoral degree in social work (DSW) or Ph.D.
A Sample of Related Occupations
| Career Counselor | Hospital Administrator | Public Administrator |
| Child Welfare Worker | Human Resources Specialist | Rehabilitation Counselor |
| Community Affairs Specialist | Marriage Counselor | Residence Counselor |
| Community Service Agency Director | Mental Health Therapist | School Social Worker |
| Family Therapist | Nonprofit Agency Administrator | Social Worker |
| Gerontologist | Nursing Home Administrator | Sociologist |
| Government Agency Administrator | Probation/Parole Officer | Substance Abuse Counselor |
| Guidance Counselor | Psychologist | Youth Counselor |
Types of Employers
| Private & Nonprofit Organizations | ||
| Adoption/Foster Care Agencies | Home Health Agencies | Rehabilitation Centers |
| Agencies Serving the Homeless | Hospitals/Hospices/Clinics | Religious Programs |
| Child Welfare Agencies | Mental Health Institutions | School Systems |
| Community Centers | Nursing Homes | Social Service Organizations |
| Correctional Institutions | Outpatient Care Centers | Substance Abuse Programs |
| Employee Assistance Programs | Private Practices | Youth Organizations |
| Family Service Agencies | Protective Services for Women & Children | |
| Government Agencies | ||
| Alcohol, Drug Abuse & Mental Health Admin. | County Probation Department | Peace Corps/AmeriCorps |
| Board of Education - Child Study Teams | Crime Victim Assistance Programs | Police Departments |
| Bureau of Indian Affairs | Division of Mental Health | Public Welfare Agencies |
| Bureau of Prisons | Division of Youth & Family Services | Veterans Administration |
Jobs Obtained by Rutgers Graduates
| First Jobs of Recent Graduates | |
| Case Manager, AA | Mental Health Specialist, St. Francis Hospital |
| Case Manager, Apostles' House | Mental Health Specialist, UMDNJ |
| Claims Specialist, West American Insurance Co. | Outreach Coordinator, St. Peter's Medical Center |
| Educational Program Coordinator, Marns City Mental Health Association | Service Coordinator, Alive with R.A.P.S. (youthful offender program) |
High School Special Education Teacher |
| Jobs of Experienced Alumni | |
Career Counselor, Pace University (MA, Psychology) |
Policy Analyst, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (MSW) |
| Clinical Social Worker, Private Practice (MSW, LCSW) | Social Science Analyst, US Department of Justice, NIJ (MSW, MA Public Health) |
| Coordinator of Youth Services, NJ Dept. of Human Services (MSW) | School Social Worker, Newark Board of Education (MSW) |
| Director, Clinical Social Work, AM Counseling Services (MSW) | School Social Worker, South River Public Schools (MSW) |
| Director, Housing Coalition of Central NJ (MSW) | Social Work Consultant, Private Practice (MSW) |
| Director, Mental Health Services, The Benjamin Rush Center (MSW) | Social Worker, Private Practice (A.C.S.W.) |
| Intake Supervisor, Somerset Treatment Services (MSW) | Student Assistance Counselor, Livingston High School (MSW) |
Graduate Schools Attended
| Columbia University, MSW, Social Work | New York University, PhD, Psychology |
| Long Island University, Med, Education | University of Maryland, MSW, Social Work |
| New York University, MSW, Social Work | University of Michigan, MSW, Social Work |
| New York University, MA, Psychology | University of Pennsylvania, MSW, Social Work |
Additionally, you may:
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Last Updated: 02/21/2011
Last Updated: 02/21/2011