Social Worker

Duties and Responsibilities:

Social Workers help people and their families adjust to problems in their lives such as serious illness, child abuse, substance abuse, mental illness, handicaps, juvenile delinquency, and anti-social behavior. Often they must help people accept situations that cannot be changed.  Frequently they work with the underclass, including the homeless, chronically unemployed, and mentally ill. Most social workers work for the government in offices, hospitals, clinics, prisons, or the courts.  Some also work in nursing homes, group homes, schools, or businesses.

Their duties often include:

•          Interviewing and counseling individuals, families, and groups.
•          Assessing needs and developing response plans.
•          Referring clients to professional or community services.
•          Coordinating responses between civic, religious, governmental, and other organizations.

Salary:  $20,000 - $42,000

Education:

Students should prepare for a career in social work by taking challenging high school courses in English, science, and math. Some organizations may allow a social worker to practice with a bachelor's degree in social work, however most positions require a graduate degree.  Clinical positions require additional licensing after the completion of one or two year supervised internships.