Good Essay About Social Work

A social worker can either complete a four-year bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree (Todd, J., & Bohart, A. C. 14). The master’s degree requires an an individual to complete additional two years of work and supervised experience after completion of one’s bachelor’s degree (Todd, J., & Bohart, A. C. 14). In most states, bachelor’s degrees are substantial, however, the master’s degree is the most common degree found amongst established workers. Additionally, individuals may complete their doctorate degree for teaching and training purposes. After graduation, a social worker must be licensed and certified by whatever state he or she wishes to work. The licensing and certification processes vary from state to state (Todd, J., & Bohart, A. C. 14).
Once established, with the proper degree and license, a social worker may work in a variety of environments, including private practice, agencies, hospitals, schools, and child welfare and human service agencies (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Furthermore, social workers can declare a specialty, such child welfare, victim assistance, drug or alcohol abuse, or gerontology (Todd, J., & Bohart, A. C. 14). Typically, workers have a full-time schedule, often working evenings, weekends, holidays, or whenever needed by clients (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Social workers interview clients, make treatment plans, conduct individual and group therapy sessions, and manage clients’ cases (Todd, J., & Bohart, A. C. 14).
In terms of salary, socials workers usually earn less than psychologists (Todd, J., & Bohart, A. C. 14). However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2012 and 2022, it is expected that the total number of employed social workers will grow 19%. The increase in employment will be driven by the increase in demand for health care and social services (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-
15 Edition, Social Workers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-s ocial-service/social-workers.htm (visited January 12, 2015).
Todd, J., & Bohart, A. C. (2006). Foundation of clinical and counseling psychology (4th ed.).
Long Grove, IL: Waveland press, Inc.