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What is social work?
Social work engages with people and structures to enhance the well-being and quality of life of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Committed to social justice, human rights, and collective responsibility, social work empowers vulnerable, marginalized, and oppressed populations and advocates for positive social change. Social workers are committed to helping people overcome life challenges, providing support, and facilitating access to resources and services.
Infographic titled "Discover the field of Social Work" showing how social work combines elements of three academic disciplines: psychology, counseling, and sociology.
At the top, the heading reads: “Discover the field of SOCIAL WORK.”
A paragraph below says:
“Social Work is a blend of three different fields of study that aims to improve quality of life for people and their communities.”
In the center, there is a three-part Venn diagram made up of overlapping circles:
The top green circle represents counseling. Inside it reads: “Helping people with their emotional needs.”
A label to the right reads: “Counseling – The provision of guidance to resolve personal, psychological and social challenges.”
The blue circle on the left represents psychology. Inside it reads: “Knowing how their brains work.”
A label to the left reads: “Psychology – The scientific study of the human mind and behavior.”
The orange circle on the right represents sociology. Inside it reads: “Understanding their place in society.”
A label to the right reads: “Sociology – The study of development, structure and functioning of society and its institutions.”
At the center of the Venn diagram, where all three circles overlap, is the label: “Social Work.”
In the bottom right corner is the La Sierra University logo with the text:
“La Sierra University – Department of Social Work.”
Will I be able to get a job with a social work degree?
It's a great time to become a social worker. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in social work are projected to increase by 7% in the next decade, which is faster than average than all occupations. Employment opportunities for child, family, and school social work are projected to grow by 5.3%, healthcare social work by 9.6%, mental health and substance abuse social workers by 10.6%, and marriage and family therapists by 14.9% with Licensed Clinical Social Work slated to by one of the fastest-growing professions in healthcare. Link. With the rise in AI, social work skills are increasingly valuable in other areas of the job market, such as Human Resources.
What kinds of jobs can I get with a social work degree?
A social work degree qualifies you to work in many areas. Social workers work with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations in the following areas:
Medical Social Worker
Healthcare Social Worker
Hospice & Palliative Care Social Worker
Health Clinic Social Worker
Integrated Health Social Worker
Behavioral Health Social Worker
Public Health Social Worker
Mental Health Therapist
Geriatric Social Worker
Behavioral Health Care Specialist
Rehabilitation Social Worker
Psychiatric Social Worker
Child Life Specialist
Medical Case Manager
Home Health Social Worker
Hospital Social Worker
Pediatric Social Worker
Prevention Specialist
Emergency Room Social Worker
Oncology Social Worker
Dialysis Social Worker
Community Health Social Worker
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Mental Health Advocate
Substance Abuse Counselor
Marriage & Family Therapist
Assessment Specialist
Psychiatric Social Worker
Addiction Counselor
Crisis Intervention Specialist
Behavioral Health Specialist
Dual Diagnosis Therapist
Rehabilitation Counselor
Case Manager
Outreach Worker
Program Coordinator
Crisis Therapist
Intake Specialist
Recovery Social Worker
Eating Disorder Specialist
Mental Health Program Director
Community Mental Health Worker
School-Based Social Worker
School Counselor
School-Based Mental Health Therapist
Social Work Educator
Student Support Specialist
School Behavioral Interventionist
Child Welfare Specialist
Certified Sports Social Worker
Veterinary Social Worker
Disaster Relief Social Worker
Infant Mental Health Specialist
Forensic Social Worker
Homelessness Social Worker
Adoption Specialist
Disability Services Social Worker
Foster Care Social Worker
Expert Witness
Rural Social Worker
Trauma Based Social Worker
Residential Treatment Specialist
Military & Veteran Affairs Social Worker
Domestic Violence Social Worker
Child Protection Services Social Worker
Gerontology Social Worker
International Social Worker
Tribal Social Worker
Juvenile Services Specialist
Legal Aid Social Worker
Correctional Treatment Social Worker
Re-Entry Specialist
Victim Advocate
Senior Services Specialist
Grief Therapist
Social Policy Researcher
Policy Developer
Community Outreach Director
Nonprofit Administrator
Public Policy Manager
Program Developer
Research Associate
Employee Assistance Program Specialist
Politician
Strategic Planner
Policy Advisor
Lobbyist
Community Program Manager
Director of Social Services
Policy Analyst
Program Director
Research Coordinator
Grant Writer
Program Evaluator
Community Organizer
Legislative Advocate
Author
Project Manager
Data Analyst
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