Social work can be considered as an altruistic service which is done in an organized manner in order to advance and improve the situations and conditions of the society. They are undertaken to enhance the conditions of the illiterate and the poor and all those people who are not capable of taking care of them.
The job of social workers is suitable for those all people who are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of others around them. If any particular person is passionate about providing help and medical aid to needy families, individuals, or entire communities, the job of a medical social worker is suitable. Social workers help people in a variety of environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, slums, harlot quarters, etc They deal with several issues such as poverty, abuse, addiction, unemployment, death, divorce, diseases and physical disabilities and substance abuse. Social workers who work in schools and along with families provide services to improve the social as well as the psychological performance of the children. They help in arranging adoptions and provide in the assistance of locating foster homes for elderly people.
They also offer employee assistance programs in which they provide assistance to working people telling them how they can handle the pressures of the job and deal with personal relationships which are obstructing the quality of life and work.
In order to take up a social worker job, the aspirants require a bachelor's degree in social work. If they took a major in psychology or sociology, they will be able to lay the academic groundwork for the further development of the career. The social workers who work in health care and clinics as counselors require a Masters' degree in Social Work. Most employers also prefer candidates with some kind of post secondary training, advanced diploma and a license issued by the state. As the job options are limited when compared to other fields, the social worker should have a doctorate degree and should have completed a determined number of hours in the supervised social work.
Skill sets: Other than the educational qualifications, the social worker requires a well-built desire to provide help to others. They should have emotional maturity and should be sensitive to the problems of others. The social workers should have the capability to form considerate and good relationships. One requires being a dedicated and objective person in order to work as a successful social worker. A person who is selfless, reasonable and shows empathy will be able to rise in this career.
Training: Social workers can grab adequate training from recognized universities or colleges attending diploma programs. The bachelor's degree in the respective field along with an on-the-job training program will mould them for the job.
Prior experience: If the potential employees have a Masters and have also attended some relevant educational programs, the employers are likely not to demand further experience from the job aspirants.
Career prospects (globally): There is a significant rise in the number of social workers required for various industries. As per the reports of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 1.7 million social workers who are employed in various industries. As mentioned above, in the next few years, there will be a rise of about 22% in the employment prospects of social workers. There will also be a 30% increase in the number of family therapists and substance abuse counselors. So, the field is absolutely potent right at this hour.
Salaries: The social workers who are working in the family, child and education fields earn about $32,000 to $48,000 per year. Social workers who work in the health and medical industry earn about $35,000 to $48,000 per year. On the other hand substance abuse social workers earn around $34,000 to $39,000 per year.
The profession of a social worker is extremely rewarding and meaningful and aptly suitable for those individuals who would not mind obtaining a fulfilling job satisfaction by working in a stressful yet a satisfying atmosphere. It is really challenging to take up a profession which is dedicated to helping individuals and communities in finding solutions to some grave problems.
