Social Work 101--Job Description

Social work is one of the most complex careers that one could get involved in but it is also one of the most rewarding fields. Social Workers deal with a variety of client populations and client issues. One can work with small children finding them a home to working with older adults fighting for their rights. Therefore, if one starts working in an area that they think that they can’t handle or that you don’t find rewarding then you simply just switch your focus field. Social Work can be very empowering if you pick the field that your passionate about. Some may choose that providing children mentors is the way to go, while someone else may chose that fighting homelessness is their passion. The best thing about the social service industry is that it’s flexible and it’s rewarding. The downfall of course is low pay and keeping a balance between your personal life and your job. 

Defining a technical Social Work Job Description is very challenging due to the wide array of areas one can work in and the wide array of skills that one must posses. However, the general thing a Social Worker does is assist individuals in all stages of their lives and provides resources to their clients. The Social Worker is the bridge for their clients, making transitions smooth and resources easily accessible. Social Workers assist clients in gaining basic needs such as clothing, shelter, food, and medical care.

 Social Workers can work in non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, schools, hospitals, domestic violence shelters, foster cares, adoption agencies, unemployment agencies, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and retirement homes. They can also be a relationship counselor, substance abuse counselor, and a family counselor. 

There are three types of Social Work service practices, the micro, mezzo, and the macro. 

The micro level of Social Workers enjoys working with clients on an individual one on one basis. An example of a micro level Social Worker is a Case Manager in a foster care. They work individually with their client assisting them with all of their needs. 

The mezzo level of Social Workers enjoys working with small groups and families. 

The macro level of Social Works enjoys working with larger groups and organizations.  An example of macro practice would be working to change laws that hinder the growth of your client population. 

Please not that if you work in social services you will find yourself working in all of these levels at some point. An example would be if you were working on creating a 5k run for homelessness.  You would be working with people directly to set it up, this is micro practice. You then would be working with the community during the process, which is mezzo level Social Work. Finally, you would be getting the word out to large masses of the community’s and this would be considered macro level practice. 

The minimum requirements to become a Social Worker are to get a bachelors degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related fields. Most states also require Social Workers to become licensed.

The highest paid Social Workers complete their Masters and PhD.

The median expected salary for a typical Social Worker whom has a Bachelor in Social Work (BSW) in the United States is $46,662.

The median expected salary for a typical Social Worker whom has a Master in Social Work (MSW) in the United States is $54,782