What Is Social Work? Definition, Careers, and Key TopicsWhat Is Social Work? Definition, Careers, and Key TopicsWhat Is Social Work? Definition, Careers, and Key Topics

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We help each other in big and small ways. There’s nothing more human than that. Few of us would consider “people helping people” a job description, but that’s exactly what social workers do.

Social work is both a practice-based profession and an academic discipline. Social workers encourage social change and cultural development to allow all people to feel empowered. Their work is based on concepts of social justice, human rights, and collective responsibility.

Respect for diverse communities and societies is a driving force of social work. Social workers apply social science theory, humanitarian principles, and cultural understanding to help people overcome life’s challenges.

Careers in social work take many paths in the private sector and in government: mental health settings, schools, child welfare, hospitals, human service agencies, community development, and settlement houses. This guide presents the academic and career choices available to social workers. It explains how to pursue a career in social work and points out opportunities that require a bachelor’s or master’s in social work and state licensure.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) describes social work as “a helping profession.” The mission of social work is to “enhance human well-being and help meet basic and complex needs of all people,” especially the poor, oppressed, and most vulnerable.

Social work encompasses many duties, such as assessing the physical and mental health of clients, providing child protective services, ensuring the safety and well-being of people in need, and supporting victims of abuse and neglect. However, understanding what social work is requires examining how the career reflects society.

In times of upheaval in society, the definition of social work and its foundational underpinnings remain in flux. The systems theory in social work is based on the belief that people have “a desire for equilibrium and maintenance of the social and economic status quo,” according to researchers at the University of Essex.

The theory of macro social work reflects social workers’ concern for addressing discrimination, oppression, human rights violations, and other societal problems that impact individuals, groups, and communities, as described in “Levels of Intervention in Social Work Practice.”

Social work has practical and theoretical components, yet the two are inextricable. An ethos of equality and diversity is embedded in social work theory and practice, as the UK-based social worker site Community Care explains. Yet social work is subject to unconscious bias that could mark certain “dominant ideas and discourses as ‘the truth.’” This hinders both theoretical research in social work and the practical application of the research results.

Empowerment-based perspectives in social work theory and practice broaden both the study and application of multicultural social work. The purpose of social work education is to prepare the next generation of social workers. Since they will be living in an increasingly multicultural world, their education must likewise reflect a multicultural theory of social work.

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Social work careers are as varied as the populations and communities who benefit from the knowledge, skills, and expertise of the people who dedicate their work lives to helping others overcome life’s challenges.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts that jobs for social workers will increase by 11% between 2018 and 2028, which is faster than the average growth projected for all jobs.

The median annual salary for social workers as of May 2019 was $50,470, according to BLS figures. Social work salaries may vary based on education, location, and experience.

While many social worker positions require only a bachelor’s degree, the BLS notes that clinical social workers — who are authorized to diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders — must hold a master’s degree. They are also required to have at least two years of supervised work experience in a clinical setting, and must pass a state licensing exam. The median annual salary for licensed clinical social workers was $57,960 as of July 2020, according to PayScale.

The social worker career opportunities described below represent the range of positions available to people who wish to pursue a career in the field of social work.

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Social and community service managers coordinate and monitor programs and groups that promote the well-being of the public. The organizations they manage often focus on certain members of the community, such as children, the homeless, or the elderly. They may also emphasize helping people with specific issues, such as drug addiction, chronic hunger, or mental health challenges.

The BLS lists the duties of social and community service managers:

Most social and community service manager positions require a bachelor’s degree in social work, public administration, business administration, public health, or a related field, according to the BLS. A master’s degree is a prerequisite to qualify for some positions.

Work experience as a social worker, substance abuse counselor, or similar job is necessary for people who have a bachelor’s degree to qualify for a position as a social and community service manager. These are among the attributes employers seek in filling these positions:

According to BLS figures, the number of jobs for social and community service managers will increase by 13% between 2018 and 2028, which is much faster than the average growth projected for all occupations. The increase is due in part to an aging population, as well as to more people seeking assistance with substance abuse and mental health problems.

The BLS calculates that as of May 2019, the median annual salary for social and community service managers was $67,150. However, those working in local government, excluding hospitals and education, earned a median annual salary of $85,550, while social and community service managers employed by community and vocational rehabilitation centers had median annual wages of $60,180.

Behavioral disorder counselors are sometimes referred to as addiction counselors, as the BLS notes. Their work is similar to that done by substance abuse counselors and mental health counselors, all of whom focus on treating drug addictions, alcoholism, eating disorders, and other behavioral conditions. They teach their clients strategies for addressing self-destructive behavior.

These are among the typical responsibilities of behavioral disorder counselors:

A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for most behavioral disorder counselor positions. However, a master’s degree in clinical social work, psychology, mental health counseling, or a similar field allows counselors to provide more services to their clients with less direct supervision.

All states require that behavioral disorder counselors who work in private practice be licensed by the state. Licensing requirements vary by state but typically include a master’s degree and between 2,000 and 4,000 hours of supervised clinical work experience. The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) provides information on each state’s board certification requirements and procedures.

The BLS forecasts that employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors will increase by 22% between 2018 and 2028, which is much faster than the average increase projected for all job categories. The growth will be driven primarily by more people seeking assistance with substance abuse and mental health counseling.

In particular, courts are now more likely to require sentenced drug offenders to complete addiction counseling rather than face jail time. This approach has been shown to reduce recidivism.

The median annual salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $46,240 as of May 2019, according to BLS research. Those working in government agencies earned a median annual salary of $52,720, while those employed by residential substance abuse and treatment facilities were paid a median annual salary of $39,690.

The role of social workers involved in child welfare practice is to protect vulnerable children and assist families in need. They often work for government child protective service (CPS) agencies, where they intervene on behalf of children in peril due to neglect or abuse. They may also help to arrange adoptions, find foster families, and reunite families.

The BLS describes the responsibilities of social workers in child welfare practice:

Most entry-level social worker positions, including child welfare practice, require a bachelor’s degree in social work. For clinical social worker jobs in child welfare practice, a master’s degree in social work is a prerequisite, as well as two years of supervised work experience after earning the master’s degree.

All states require that clinical social workers be licensed, and most also have made licensing a requirement for nonclinical social work positions. Licensing typically requires a master’s degree in social work and two years of supervised clinical work experience after graduation.

According to the BLS, the number of jobs for child, family, and school social workers will increase by 7% between 2018 and 2028, which is faster than the average growth projected for all occupations. Demand for child welfare practice social workers will be driven by the need to strengthen parenting skills, prevent child abuse, and find homes for children who are unable to live with their biological families.

The BLS calculates that the median annual salary for child, family, and school social workers as of May 2019 was $47,390. The median annual salary for social workers employed by local government, excluding education and hospitals, was $55,500, and for those working in state government, excluding education and hospitals, was $49,100.

Social workers employed by K-12 schools join with teachers, parents, and school administrators to devise and implement goals and strategies for students’ academic success and social development. Students are often referred to school social workers by teachers and families due to the student’s aggressive behavior, bullying, or absenteeism.

The responsibilities of K-12 school social workers are similar to those of other social workers, according to the BLS:

As with other social worker positions, employers of K-12 school social workers require at least a bachelor’s degree in social work for most open positions. The BLS reports that as of 2017, 21% of child, family, and school social worker jobs required a master’s degree, 23% required a state-issued license, and 65% required prior work experience.

Among the skills required to qualify for K-12 school social worker positions are the following:

The BLS forecasts that employment of child, family, and school social workers will increase by 7% between 2018 and 2028, which is faster than the average growth projected for all occupations. The increase is due in part to rising student population figures, although the number of available jobs may be constrained by reduced federal, state, and local government budgets.

The median annual salary for child, family, and school social workers as of May 2019 was $47,390, according to BLS statistics. This compares to a median annual salary of $50,470 for all categories of social workers and $46,650 for mental health and substance abuse social workers.

One of the most effective ways to address income inequality is by earning a college degree. Yet not all groups have equal access to post-secondary education. For example, students of color and students from low-income households face unique challenges in pursuing a college degree, as Social Work Today points out. Social workers at colleges and universities help students prepare for the challenges of higher education and respond to problems they encounter while pursuing a post-secondary degree.

While many of the responsibilities of college and university social workers are similar to those of K-12 school social workers, the college students served by social workers in post-secondary education have unique needs that social workers help to address. Students who college and university social workers serve include the following:

The requirements for social workers employed by colleges and universities, or those who work with college students in private practice, are similar to those for K-12 school social workers. A bachelor’s in social work is typically required for entry-level positions in social work, such as case worker or mental health assistant.

For clinical social work positions, a master’s in social work is a prerequisite, as well as a state-issued license; most states also require a license or certification for nonclinical social work. Two years of supervised clinical experience after earning a master’s degree is also required for state certification.

The BLS forecasts that employment of child, family, and school social workers will grow by 7% between 2018 and 2028, which is faster than the average growth projected for all occupations. Growth for all social work employment in the period is projected at 11%, which is much faster than the average projected for all jobs.

The median annual salary for child, family, and school social workers as of May 2019 was $47,390, according to BLS figures. For all social workers, the median annual salary was $50,470.

Hospital social workers are also called healthcare social workers. When patients receive a diagnosis, hospital social workers help them to understand the implications for their health and well-being. Social workers in healthcare settings explain the changes patients may need to make in their lifestyle, housing, or employment.

These are among the responsibilities of hospital social workers:

Most hospital social worker positions require at least a bachelor’s in social work. For clinical social work jobs, candidates must hold a master’s degree in social work or a related field, plus have two years of supervised clinical work experience.

Clinical hospital social workers are required to have a state-issued license, and most states also necessitate licensing for nonclinical social work positions. Licensing requires a master’s degree in social work, two years of supervised clinical work experience after earning the degree, and a passing score on the state licensing exam.

The BLS estimates that the number of jobs for healthcare social workers will increase by 17% between 2018 and 2028, which is much faster than the average projected for all occupations. Demand for hospital social workers will be driven by the need to help the growing number of older adults and their families make the lifestyle adjustments necessitated by their treatments and medications.

The median annual salary for healthcare social workers as of May 2019 was $56,750, according to statistics compiled by the BLS. For healthcare social workers employed by ambulatory healthcare services, the median annual salary was $51,290.

Mental health counselors help individuals, couples, families, and groups deal with mental illness and behavioral disorders such as anxiety, depression, grief, and low self-esteem. Many mental health counselors specialize in treating specific populations, including older adults, children, and college students. Other specialties include crisis intervention, anger management, and stress management.

Among the responsibilities and tasks of mental health counselors are the following:

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for most mental health counseling positions. However, counselors who hold a master’s degree in social work or a related field are able to offer their clients a wider range of services and require less direct supervision. All states require that mental health counselors be licensed.

To qualify for a license, candidates must complete a period of post-degree supervised clinical work experience that varies by state. The NBCC lists the licensing requirements for mental health counselors in each state.

According to BLS forecasts, the number of jobs for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors will increase by 22% between 2018 and 2028, which is much faster than the average projected for all occupations. One reason for the job growth is the trend of states seeking treatment and counseling for drug offenders and others for whom incarceration will be less effective in reducing recidivism than treatment.

The median annual salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors as of May 2019 was $46,240, according to the BLS. Those working for government agencies earned a median annual salary of $52,720, while those working in residential mental health and substance abuse facilities had a median annual wage of $39,690.

The NASW defines private practice social workers as licensed clinical social workers who work in a solo or group practice. They typically help clients deal with relationship problems, depression and other mood disorders, anxiety disorders, antisocial behavior, and chronic mental health conditions.

The responsibilities of private practice social workers are similar to those of other licensed clinical social workers:

All states require that clinical social workers be licensed. To become licensed, a candidate must hold a master’s degree in social work, have two years of supervised clinical experience after graduating, and pass the state’s licensing exam.

Employment for all categories of social workers will increase by 11% between 2018 and 2028, according to the BLS, which is much faster than the average growth projected for all occupations. For mental health and substance abuse counselors, the number of jobs is expected to grow by 18% in the period. Demand for their services will be driven by a forecast increase in people seeking help with mental illness and substance abuse, as well as by diversion of drug offenders to treatment programs rather than jail.

The BLS estimates that the median annual salary for social workers as of May 2019 was $50,470. Mental health and substance abuse counselors earned a median annual salary of $46,650, and social workers providing individual and family services had a median annual wage of $43,030.

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The National Organization of Forensic Social Work (NOFSW) defines forensic social work as “the application of social work to questions and issues relating to law and legal systems.” However, explaining what forensic social work is requires an understanding of the growing importance of social workers to people whose lives have been impacted by criminal and civil legal proceedings.

Forensic social workers assist law enforcement and court officials, healthcare workers, and others to evaluate the impact of legal cases on the participants and make recommendations as consultants and/or advocates. Social Work Today points out that people who are struggling with mental health problems, who are victims of abuse, who face criminal charges, or whose family relationships are in upheaval are at particular risk of being victims of the legal process.

The roles played by forensic social workers encompass criminal justice and correctional services, lawmaking bodies, courts, law enforcement agencies, and attorney offices.

Much of the work done by forensic social workers involves consulting with law enforcement and legal professionals to educate them about the implications of legal proceedings on the social, economic, and mental and physical health of the people touched by the case. In this role they work with various groups:

These are among the duties and responsibilities of forensic social workers.

Forensic social workers are involved in a range of roles beyond serving people affected by specific legal proceedings.

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The growing awareness of systemic racism in social, economic, and government institutions has put social workers at the forefront of the struggle to ensure equality in all aspects of our lives. Many people are reconsidering what role social justice plays in social work. One of the main challenges for social workers is to mediate the conflicting priorities in society as they work on the front lines in defending human rights.

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Social workers play an important role in efforts to prevent voter suppression and protect the ability of citizens to exercise their right to vote. The NASW’s 2020 Election Initiative challenges social workers to assist in maximizing voter participation by mobilizing, engaging, and registering voters. The association has joined with the nonpartisan Voting Is Social Work organization to ensure that all people and communities are able to have their voices heard on Election Day.

Another critical role for social workers is to help identify inequities in the economic system and attempt to improve opportunities for those who live in poverty. Investopedia defines economic justice as the belief that economies are more successful when they are fair, and that prosperity and justice combined lead to greater economic opportunities.

Social workers promote economic justice by supporting such concepts as a universal basic income, income equality by race and gender, and equal opportunity in employment and credit. The ultimate goal is to ensure that all citizens have the chance to reach their full potential.

Social workers help to protect the legal rights of children and historically oppressed populations. The Campaign for Youth Justice points out that the separation of juvenile courts was driven by the principles of social work. The National Juvenile Defender Center recommends that social workers be included on public defender teams to “ensure holistic representation.”

The role of social workers in criminal justice is expanding as courts rely increasingly on diversion programs that recommend treatment for offenders who have substance abuse, mental health, or other mitigating circumstances, as NASW News explains. So-called problem-solving courts address issues that include drug use, family, youth specialty, hybrid DUI/drug offenses, domestic violence, veterans, and tribal matters.

Social workers advocate for and assist immigrants seeking a better life and/or attempting to escape repression in their home nations. This role is heightened by recent efforts of the federal government to limit the legal rights and social benefits due to immigrant children and families, as the Scholars Strategy Network explains.

The NASW Code of Ethics states that social workers must challenge social injustice and work continuously on enhancing their professional expertise. This requires that social workers learn new strategies for protecting this vulnerable population in light of recent policy changes that put immigrant families and children at grave risk.

Perhaps the greatest challenge facing humanity is protecting the environment. Social workers are at the forefront of this battle because environmental change will have the most serious impact on children, older adults, women, people with low incomes, indigenous populations, and people from ethnic and racial minorities, as Social Work Today explains.

Social workers must balance the demands of a growing population with the need to conserve resources and prepare for the impact of climate change. This includes the predicted increase in extreme weather events, prolonged heat waves, drought, more infectious disease outbreaks, and the resulting increase in emotional and mental stress.

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A key skill for nearly all social workers is case management, yet it can be difficult to understand what case management in social work entails. The NASW Standards for Social Work Case Management include 12 separate standards:

All decisions made during case management must be guided by the NASW Code of Ethics. The case management standards are intended to ensure social workers are aware of the values, knowledge, techniques, and abilities required for competent case management. They promote the role of social workers in advocating for their clients’ rights to self-determination, confidentiality, access to support services, and inclusion in the decisions that affect their well-being.

The case management standards promote a greater understanding of current social work theory, the sociohistorical context of the people they serve, and case evaluation methods. This is especially important in light of the increasing diversity and growing vulnerability of the people whose needs social workers help to address, as well as in the new environments and situations in which social workers practice.

Licensing and continuing education requirements for social workers related to case management are designed to improve the quality of case management services by introducing social workers to new methods and strategies for effective case management. Social workers and their employers must seek out continuing education materials and programs as the domain of social work practice continues to expand and evolve.

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Each social worker travels a unique path to the profession, yet all social workers have two things in common: a desire to help others, and a calling to improve the world. Though the challenges they face in their work are formidable, they are driven by a compulsion to address structural societal problems that prevent some of the people in their communities from having the opportunity to live a better life.

The work of a social worker can be daunting, but the rewards of the profession in the tremendous impact they make in the lives of individuals in need and in their communities make it all worthwhile.

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Additional Sources

Classroom, “Systems Theory of Social Work”

Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy, Social Work Resources

International Federation of Social Workers, “Global Definition of Social Work”

National Association of Social Workers: The National Social Work Workforce Study, 2019

Nobel Prize, “Jane Addams”

Social Work Helper, “5 Social Work Theories That Inform Practice”