The need for professional social workers is escalating across the US as individuals and communities buckle under the stresses of modern living. An increase in numbers in our elderly population, the rise in school enrolments, and a growing need to deal with substance abuse are just some of the challenges faced by social welfare departments today, while the aftermath of COVID-19 is still being felt in many areas.
Statistics released in 2023 by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predict an increase of seven percent in job growth for social workers between 2022 and 2032, particularly in the mental health and healthcare sectors.
Social workers need to be empathetic and caring, good communicators, and critical thinkers. It’s a challenging job—not for the faint-hearted—but there are many rewards as social workers navigate their way through the processes of helping people cope with family, socioeconomic, and mental health problems.
There is a wide range of options to choose from regarding specific areas of social work that may be of interest to you. We discuss some of the job opportunities that will hopefully inspire you to join the ranks of social workers in your state.
Child, family, and school social workers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, budget constraints in some states may prohibit employment in child and family welfare, but the fact remains that these areas of welfare are of utmost importance if we are to maintain a society that is functional now and in years to come. Early intervention in children’s welfare means improved stability in the years that follow, and this is usually linked to family welfare. Social workers who dedicate their time to the wellbeing of children and their families make a significant contribution to the future of the nation.
Social workers who are employed in schools play a pivotal role in children’s development. They fulfill a number of functions: helping children with learning difficulties and lending support, liaising between children and teachers, counseling teachers and teaching them coping skills, and intervening when children’s home situations are problematic.
Healthcare social workers
Social workers in healthcare environments collaborate with nurses, doctors, and other medical staff to help patients deal with debilitating or terminal illness, or disfigurement. Patients in healthcare environments need advice regarding how to deal with their ailments, obtain ongoing treatment, and cope in the long term with their health challenges. Social workers seek help for patients who need financial resources, food, and shelter.
Their counseling expertise is also required in homes for the elderly. People are living longer today, thanks to advances in medical science. This does not mean, however, that they do not have medical issues. Most people over the age of 75 suffer from three or more chronic ailments, and this takes its toll on mental health as well.
Elderly people who find themselves in a nursing home often suffer from anxiety and depression as they realize that they are no longer surrounded by loving family members and that this is possibly the place where they will live out the rest of their days. Social workers counsel elderly patients, prescribing medication and ensuring that patients are well cared for. They also involve family members, helping them to understand what their loved ones are experiencing and how to alleviate their stress and anxiety.
Mental health and substance abuse
Social workers working in mental healthcare institutions or rehabilitation facilities for substance abuse patients need compassion, understanding, and persistence in this challenging environment.
Counseling mental health patients suffering from anxiety or depression takes place either in private practice or in a clinical environment and can be done individually or in group sessions. Social workers provide case management services and teach their patients skills to help them cope with their specific problems.
Counseling people with substance abuse problems can be done in a private practice, but it is usually recommended that patients be admitted to a rehabilitation facility where they will receive the proper care.
Social workers in correctional facilities
Another challenging environment for social workers can be found in prisons and correctional facilities. They ensure that prisoners are treated fairly and that they receive adequate services such as food, water, medical attention, and the means to maintain hygienic standards and avoid illness. They conduct psychological assessments, submit regular progress reports, and provide counseling services for inmates who are finding it difficult to cope.
Social workers may identify cases where an inmate would be better off in a mental institution than in prison and will advocate for the inmate’s transfer to a suitable setting. They liaise with probation officers and prepare inmates for their reintegration into society. They counsel families on how to interact with their loved ones who have been in prison and assist rehabilitated prisoners by linking them up with services such as housing, employment, and feeding schemes where necessary.
State regulations and your studies
If you plan to study social work, ensure that your studies comply with the regulations laid down by the state you live in or intend to work in. When it comes to deciding the best state for social work, factors like employment level, job concentration, average salary, cost of living and geographical preference can all play a part. If you have a bachelor’s degree in a different field but would like to change direction, Keuka College’s traditional track Master’s in Social Work (MSW) provides 100% online coursework that can work well with your schedule. Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in social work can get their degree at an accelerated pace through Keuka College’s advanced-track MSW program.
A career for life
Social workers will be in demand far into the future as life becomes more difficult and people struggle to cope with their everyday lives. You can make a difference in many settings with your advanced counseling skills, your compassion, and your willingness to listen to and educate patients from all walks of life.
