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Social Work

What Can I Do with This Degree?
JSU Home » Social Work » Careers in Social Work » Opportunities for BSW Grads

SOCIAL WORK
AREAS	EMPLOYERS	DESCRIPTIONS/STRATEGIES
Public Welfare Administration and Planning Case Management Program Evaluation Policy Setting Research	Public Welfare Agencies Private Social Service Agencies	Public Welfare is designed to provide services and support for poor, disabled, ill, elderly, or juvenile clients. Volunteer at homeless shelters, soup kitchens, battered women homes, literacy programs, or other social service agencies to get experience.
Criminal Justice Rehab Counseling Probation Parole Youth Services Victim Assistance	Prisons Correctional Facilities Courts Police Depts Probation Offices Victim Services	Social Workers in corrections focus on rehabilitation of clients. Obtain experience by volunteering at a corrections facility or victims program such as a rape crisis center
School Social Work Clinical Social Work Pupil Personnel Services	Elementary and Secondary Schools School Districts Head Start	School systems may employ social workers to help students cope with/resolve emotional, developmental, or educational difficulties. Gain experience with children at daycare centers, camps, Scouts, or similar organization.
Child Welfare Case Management Advocacy Intervention	Public/Private Child Welfare Agencies Adoption Agencies Foster Care Child Daycare	Child welfare social workers strive to ensure the safety and well being of children through treatment of the whole family. Volunteer at day cares, child shelters, camps, YMCA, Scouts, or other agencies that aid youth.
Gerontology Advocacy Counseling Case Management Public Policy	Hospitals Nursing Homes Senior Centers	Gerontology involves working with older adults, healthy or ill, and their families. Get involved with programs/organizations designed for senior citizens.
Clinical Counseling Therapy	Community Mental Health Centers Psychiatric Hospitals Residential and Day Treatment Hospitals Employment Assistance Programs Schools Family Service Agencies Private Practice	Clinical social workers are found in a variety of settings that provide therapeutic counseling to clients. MSW is required.
Administration Management Policy Development Planning	Family Service Agencies Child Welfare Departments Social Service Agencies State Mental Health Departments Employee Assistance Programs Probation Departments Public Welfare Agencies Public Interest Groups Local, State, and Federal Government	Administrators are involved with planning, budgeting, public relations, operations management, fund raising and other crucial responsibilities that keep an organization functioning. Obtain an MSW and gain management experience.
Research/Education Research Testing	Colleges and Universities Research Institutes Local, State and Federal Government Advocacy Organizations Colleges and Universities	Research provides data and statistics important in program implementation and policy development. DSW or Ph.D. usually required.
Occupational Counseling Wellness Promotion Employee Assistance Organizational Development Human Resources	Businesses Corporations Employee Assistance Programs Labor Unions	Occupational social workers help employees be more productive and satisfied.
Developmental Disabilities Case Management Program Planning and Evaluation Research Policy Development	Community Group Homes State and Local Agencies Medical Facilities Schools	Social workers in this area help people with disabilities to adjust and lead productive lives. Volunteer at special needs camps, day cares, schools, or hospitals to gain experience.
Health Care Case Management Program Planning and Evaluation Counseling Program Development Administration Research	Hospitals Community Health Centers Outpatient Clinics Public Health Programs Health Maintenance Organizations Nursing Homes Group Homes Hospice Veterans Administration Hospitals	Social workers in health care facilitate medical and emotional treatment of patients. Choose volunteer settings such as hospitals, the American Red Cross, or AIDS agencies to get experience.
Community Organization Program Development Community Development Advocacy Politics Planning	Advocacy Organizations Development Corporations Community Centers Local, State, Federal Government Associations	Social workers in this area work with existing organizations to improve conditions for specific groups, enhance quality of living, and involve community members in the political process. Get involved with grassroots causes and community agencies.
General Information 1. Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) prepares individuals for entry-level, direct practice. 2. Master of Social Work (MSW) is necessary to provide therapy and for advancement to supervisory and administrative positions. 3. Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) or Ph.D. is usually required for positions in teaching, research, and administration. Desirable for some clinical positions and private practice. 4. Must complete a degree from a college or university program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Programs include practical field experience. 5. Most states require licensure, certification, or registration for social workers. Note: A large amount of this information was adapted from Choices: Careers in Social Work by the National Association of Social Workers