Through counseling, advocacy, crisis intervention, case management, family intervention and group work, social workers help people solve personal and family problems.
Average starting salaries for entry-level social workers is about $36,000, according to a 2013 National Association of Colleges and Employers survey. Throughout their career, depending on experience and education, most social workers earn an annual salary between $40,000 to $79,000 per year, according to the National Association of Social Workers.
Elementary and secondary schools, hospitals, home health care companies, mental health clinics, homeless and domestic violence centers, children’s and family services providers, substance abuse programs, child welfare agencies and criminal justice agencies are just a few of the organizations that employ social workers.
To practice as a social worker in the United States, you need:
- a bachelor’s degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education accredited program
- successful completion of your state’s licensure or certificate exam
Become a Licensed Social Worker
Mount Mary University’s accredited social work program prepares you to become a licensed social worker. Through fieldwork experiences you gain professional practice experience, which better positions you for employment after graduation.
Although a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for social work practice, a master’s degree in social work is becoming a standard requirement for career advancement beyond entry-level positions and for private practice.