The prospective growth rate of jobs in this field prompts many people to inquire about the social worker salary. The answer depends on many different factors. A social work salary with masters is potentially much higher than the salary of someone with a lesser degree in the same field. Somebody who specializes in a certain area, for example substance abuse, may have a different salary. Experience and work place can also determine the salary of a social worker. A bachelor’s degree is required for entry-level positions in this field. Some positions even require a master’s degree in social work or a related field.
Social workers can work in a variety of settings. The majority works as child, family, and school social workers. Others work in the medical and public health sector, or in the mental health and substance abuse sector. Employment for social workers is expected to grow faster than for other occupations. The expected growth rate in this type of occupation is about 12 %.
In general, social workers help people to cope with issues in their lives. They help and assist those who are unable to help themselves. Relationship problems, unemployment, and substance abuse are just a few areas in which a social worker would try to help. Domestic violence is another area in which a social worker may be of help to the individuals involved.
A social worker job description differs depending on the setting he/she works in.In a child, family, and school setting; a social worker would deal with some of these problems:
- Coordinating available services to help the families and children
- Find suitable homes for neglected and abused children
- Assist in resolving a domestic abuse situation
- Assist students with problems at home or in school
- Address problems like teen pregnancies
A social worker in the mental health and substance abuse field deals with problems like:
- Substance abuse
- Mental illness
- Social rehabilitation
- Crisis intervention
- Provide individual or group therapy
Social workers in a medical of public health setting would help clients to:
- Cope with a serious illness
- Cope with a disability
- Help families cope with the illness of a family member
- Overcome substance abuse
Social Worker Salary
A councilor who works in a school setting, is listed with around $53,000. This is significantly higher than the salary the local government pays at $46,650. The state government pays even less than that. The lowest salary is listed for other residential care facilities.
A social worker salary in the medical and public health field is $46,650. Hospitals pay a little more. Local government, nursing care facilities, and home healthcare services pay social workers $46,930 – $41,080. The lowest pay is reported for individual and family services.
The lowest median wage for social workers was paid by outpatient care centers, individual and family services, and residential facilities for mental retardation, mental health, and substance abuse. A social worker salary is listed with $33,950- $36,660.
Education and training for social workers
A (BSW) or bachelor’s degree in social work is the minimum requirement for entry-level jobs in this field. Like mentioned earlier, some positions require a master’s degree in social work (MSW degree).
Many colleges offer social work courses online. Before taking courses online, one should research if the college is accredited. Many colleges offer courses that specifically educate the student in skills that are in high demand. This includes multicultural issues, behavior modification, social welfare, and abnormal psychology. Graduate courses may focus on child abuse, psychopathology, and crisis intervention. MSW students are usually required to work in the field.
Getting a social worker degree online can have its disadvantages. Even though the future social worker may have the same education as someone attending a traditional college, the field work is certainly missing. Getting practical experience cannot be taught in an online class. Working with people on so many different levels requires practice. Online courses can only educate in theory.
A social worker salary definitely does not reflect the hours and hard work most social worker put into their profession:
The genuine commitment to help people in need is noteworthy. A social worker salary also does not reflect the years of training and experiences most social workers have been through. Making a difference in someone’s life is the reward a social worker gets from his/her work. Earning a huge salary is not the main objective of social workers and a social worker salary certainly reflects this fact.
Social workers are not paid well. Like teachers, they can have a big impact on someone’s life. A career in the social field is rewarding, and to many individuals that really is all that matters at the end of the day. Interested individuals can read related articles on this site to get more information on this interesting occupation, a social worker salary, and how to pursue this interesting and rewarding career path.