William A. Smith

The field of social work is both immensely challenging and rewarding. It is a career that allows you to make a difference in the lives of others, and one that comes with a great deal of personal satisfaction. If you are passionate about helping others and making the world a better place, a career in social work might be the right choice for you. 

Social work is a field that is always in demand. There are several reasons for this, but chief among them is the fact that there will always be a need for individuals who are dedicated to helping others. So, if you are thinking about starting a career in social work, now is the time! 

You might be wondering what area you should specialize in. There are many different social work specializations, and each comes with its own set of roles, responsibilities and career outlook. If you love to extract the big picture, you can learn more here about an advanced standing MSW online from Keuka College that will give you the tools you need for an exciting career. Offered in a synchronous online format, the program will help you develop advanced social work knowledge and skills, enhance your ability to serve clients, and prepare for leadership roles in the social work profession.

Becoming a social worker is a process that requires both formal education and on-the-job training. The career options for social workers are diverse, and the field of social work is growing. The demand for social workers is expected to increase by 9 percent in the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What is a social worker?

A social worker is an individual who is licensed to practice as a therapist and provides services designed to assist individuals and families. The American Association of Social Workers defines a social worker as  “a person who uses documentation, research, verbal exchange and skillful interactions with others in an attempt to guide clients towards greater self-awareness, personal growth, problem-solving skills, and independence.”

As a social worker, you will have opportunities to help people with a wide range of social issues, especially in schools. You will not just be helping with the standard social problems, such as drugs and alcohol; you will also be assisting clients who suffer from mental illness, such as depression and bipolar disorder. A social worker will work with people who have physical disabilities, such as a spinal cord injury or cancer. They might also work with families who are experiencing domestic abuse or neglect. 

Levels of social work

Although all social workers are concerned with making the lives of their clients better, there is a range of specializations in this field. Some social workers perform more research and analysis of problems, while others focus on directly assisting clients who need help.

If you are thinking about becoming a social worker, you might be wondering what area you should specialize in. There are many different levels of social work, each with its own set of roles, responsibilities, and career outlook.

The most common social work specializations are child and family social work, school social work, healthcare social work, and mental health and substance abuse social work. However, there are many other specialized areas of social work, such as geriatric social work, disability services social work and forensic social work.

The levels of social work are micro, mezzo and macro. Here is a closer look at each one.

Micro social work

Micro social work is at the most basic level and involves one-on-one contact with clients. This type of work is carried out by social workers who work directly with clients to solve problems, such as an abusive relationship or a lack of employment.

Micro social workers are required to have completed a bachelor’s degree in social work and must be licensed to practice by the state in which they work. These workers will spend most of their time working directly with clients, and they will likely work irregular hours. 

Here are some examples of social work projects at the macro level:

• Program design and implementation for international mental health organizations.
• Conducting research on the causes of youth substance abuse and publishing it. This helps to supply material that provides evidence-based interventions for other social workers.
• Establishing nonprofit organizations with an aim of preventing statewide domestic violence.

Mezzo social work

Mezzo social work is considered a middle-level specialty. This type of work involves the implementation and coordination of programs at the macro or micro level but also includes interactions with the local state government and community leaders. Mezzo social work entails implementing social initiatives and promoting social justice at different scale levels in hospitals, prisons, communities and schools.

Here are some examples of social work projects at the mezzo level:

• Creating an after-school program for children in a small community by coordinating with local leaders and state agencies.
• Developing community-based mental health services, including outreach programs and group homes for recovering patients for local state agencies, non-profit organizations and private corporations.

Macro social work

This is the highest and most complex level in terms of social work practice. This type of work involves the implementation, coordination, planning, and evaluation of programs at the macro level. It involves working on a larger, broader scale when implementing social services for the general public. A macro social worker may also be required to provide assistance to social workers at other levels.

Here are some examples of social work projects at the macro level:

• Developing an after-school program for children in a small community. This may involve incorporating other social workers and leaders from various nonprofit organizations.
• Implementing a program for substance abuse prevention in school systems and helping to establish a statewide new initiative. This might include providing services to convicts, youth, families, and prisoners of the state through local state agencies.
• Meeting with national non-profit organizations to improve their efforts by reviewing their programs and organizational structures. This would be done through community volunteers and liaison staff members.
• Developing community-based mental health services in a small community by coordinating with local leaders and state agencies.

Mezzo social workers are required to have a bachelor’s degree in social work and must be licensed by their state to practice. They spend most of their time working in a team setting and will also be involved in providing direct client services.

The social work career path

There are many different areas in the field of social work, which is what makes it so appealing to so many people. There are chances for growth and advancement no matter where you decide to focus your career. Here are the key steps you can follow to become a social worker:

Start by determining whether social work is right for you

The first step is to decide if a career in social work is right for you. This may be easy for some people and more difficult for others. However, before you can move forward, you need to find out where your interests lie. You need to decide whether you want to work with children or in a hospital or prison, and then consider your future career path accordingly.

Undergraduate requirements

After you have made the decision to pursue a career in social work, the next step is to obtain an undergraduate degree in social work. Keep in mind that there are many different areas of study. Depending on where you want to work and what specific job you have in mind, you can attend a community college or a university and find classes that are suitable for your needs.

A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) is the minimum requirement to get started with a social work career and typically takes four years to complete. In this foundation program, you will take courses in social welfare, social services, case management and human behavior to acquire essential skills. However, at this level, you may only be allowed to apply for direct-service positions.

A Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) will help you work on more roles and provide more advanced treatment techniques and interventions. In this advanced-level course, you will study social welfare systems, the economic environment, and long-range planning. You will be able to apply for managerial roles in your career path, as well as clinical social work positions, after obtaining an MSW degree.

Choose a specialty

After you have obtained the relevant academic credentials, you can choose to specialize in the area of social work that is right for you. Here is a look at some areas of specialization:

• Clinical social work: This job is considered one of the most challenging roles in the social work field. It involves treating patients in hospitals and similar settings. You will work with individual clients, couples, families, groups and communities.

• School social work: School social workers are required to look after the welfare of students. They teach and educate students about peer behavior, drug prevention and social skills. This position is ideal for people who enjoy working with kids.

• Child and family social work: Child and family social workers are responsible for helping children and families who are victims of abuse, neglect or other issues. They help them overcome their problems by providing services that meet their needs.

• Gerontology social work: This position involves looking after the elderly and other aging populations. You can work with older people in different settings to promote their health and well-being.

• Community social work: This involves providing services to the community at large. You will work with people from different situations and backgrounds to ensure they have access to what they need.

• Healthcare social work: This involves working in a healthcare setting and helping patients with the emotional aspects of their illness. This position requires you to have a genuine interest in the medical field.

• Social policy: This involves planning and evaluating programs that are related to social services. You will be responsible for developing and ensuring that these services are being delivered in an effective manner while also identifying the most vulnerable groups in society.

Applying for licensure

Once you have decided on the area of specialization you would like to pursue, the next step is to apply for a license to practice. You may need to take a licensing exam as part of your application process. To become eligible, you need to have received your BSW, MA, or MSW from an accredited institution. 

You will also need to pass the national exam, which is administered by the Commission on Accreditation for Social Work Education (CASWE). The exam consists of four parts: social statistics and research methods, conceptual foundations of social work, practice assessment and therapeutic case management and consultation.

Start your social work career

Once you have obtained the relevant license, you can begin your career as a social worker. You can apply for positions with different organizations, including schools, hospitals, governmental institutions and non-profit agencies. Your skills will be put to good use as you work toward improving the lives of others, which is what makes a career in social work so rewarding.

There are many opportunities for growth and promotion as you move forward on your career path. To advance, you need to look for opportunities in a particular field or area of specialization that best matches your skills and interests.

Essential skills for the social work career

Social workers are human service professionals who work with individuals or groups to enhance their overall quality of life. To pursue a career in social work, you need to have certain skills and qualities that will allow you to provide high-quality service. These include:

Problem-solving skills

Social workers are needed to help clients solve problems such as depression and addiction. To do this, you need to have problem-solving skills that allow you to understand the root cause of the problem. You must then be able to come up with a solution that allows the client or patient to overcome their issues and lead a better quality of life.

Teamwork and collaboration skills

Social workers are often placed in teams where they work with professionals such as attorneys, therapists, physicians, nurses, counselors and other social workers. You need to be able to work with these parties and present a unified front so that all their efforts are efficient and effective. You can also get to know other professionals in the field and learn their skills to provide higher-quality services.

Emotional intelligence

Being an effective social worker requires having emotional intelligence. You need to be able to read others and understand their emotions as well as your own. The abilities to communicate with people, listen, identify problems, and build rapport are also essential in this career path.

Ethical decision-making skills

Social workers are entrusted with a lot of information about the people they serve. This puts them in a position where they need to act ethically and avoid making any decisions based on their own personal gain. In addition to acting ethically, they need to let clients know about their plans and gain their trust.

Strong communication and observation skills

If you want to work as a social worker, you will need to be able to communicate with people effectively and observe them closely. You need to build rapport with clients so they know they are in good hands. You must also be able to relate information and use it in a manner that is beneficial for the client.

Empathy

Empathy refers to the ability to understand and identify with others. It is required in social work because social workers often have to put themselves in the shoes of their clients and see things from their point of view. To be able to do this, you need to be a good listener who can understand your clients’ feelings and needs.

Get started with a social work career

Social work is an exciting career that allows you to make a difference in the lives of people every day. You will get to help them with their emotional and financial problems while also working with your colleagues. If you have decided to pursue a career in social work and have identified the specialization that matches your interests, you can begin your journey.

A social work career requires you to have compassion and concern for the well-being of others, as well as a lot of empathy. To pursue a career in this field, you will need to complete an education in social work. You will also develop valuable skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking, so you can help your clients overcome their problems.

Building a network is essential in any type of career. It is the best way to keep your business sustainable while opening up a world of growth opportunities. Networking will build relationships with other professionals in your industry, which can lead to opportunities for you as well as your connections.

The larger your network is, the more connections are likely to arise. Ensure to cast your net wide, as you never know where the next opportunity will come from. Remember, networking is about sharing, and you may be able to help others as much as they can help you.

Why building professional connections and networking are important to build upon the business acumen you already have:

• Getting yourself noticed

Attend networking events, join groups, be in those meetings. All of these are places where you can show yourself to be knowledgeable and useful. Make yourself the first-person people think of when they want advice. This will help grow your network and business further and open more doors to you in the future.

• Employment opportunities

The larger your network, the more opportunities will arise. Whether it is a new job, a promotion, or new knowledge, the more connections you have, the more chances to improve will come your way. Look into how you can help others, too, as this will help grow your connections and profile in your industry further. 

• Advice and support

Professional connections can answer the questions you can’t and help you with your challenges. Hopefully you will be able to offer them advice and strengthen your relationship with them.

• Confidence building

Knowing you have the support of a plethora of connections can give you the confidence to grow and take new steps, plus speaking to people who have done it before shows you how it can be done. While having that support network gives you confidence, putting yourself out there and meeting new people can boost your self-confidence and enhance your social skills.

• Gain new perspectives and ideas

Sometimes problems need to be looked at from a different angle. Reaching out to your network could easily solve an issue just by having a different set of eyes look it over. Struggling for inspiration? One of your connections might have the idea you are looking for or could give you a valuable tip on how to get inspired.

• Exchanging information and developments

Your connections might have access to information that you don’t, and you might know a technique that could help them. Keeping on top of developments in your field is a lot easier when all the available information is shared with like-minded people. Your network could contain a vast number of untapped resources.

• Making friends

Being in contact with lots of like-minded people who have similar ambitions to you will most likely develop into long-lasting friendships in some cases. Having an active social life and being around people who have similar interests to you is proven to improve your happiness both in and out of work, feeding your sense of purpose. 

• Achieving your goals

Whether it is getting your dream job, growing your business to where you want it to be, or just getting on the path you want to be on, your network can help you achieve your professional goals. Speaking to people through doors that aren’t yet open can develop into a world of opportunities that were unavailable to you before. You may hear of a job opening that isn’t even advertised, get that piece of advice that unlocks the potential of your business, or even find that the path you wanted to be on has changed to an even happier one, all because of one introduction.

• Strengthen your network business connections

To ensure your connections remain strong, make sure you are helping others who need advice or support. Networking is a two-way street. Helping others when they need it and giving advice strengthens your brand and means you are more likely to receive help when you need it.

• Enhancing your profile

Showing your strengths to people in your industry is never a bad thing, as it keeps your name in the hat, so to speak. When recruiters and peers are discussing opportunities and openings, being someone who has recently been in contact or helpful will enhance your chances of being involved. So, attend those events, help others when asked, and be knowledgeable so you are the first name people think of when an opportunity arises.

• You never know who you might connect with

You may be networking to enhance your career opportunities, but that doesn’t mean that is all it will do. It could lead to help in your personal life too. Need a recommendation for a plumber? Your new connection might know just the person. Need to know how to get the best deal on flights? One of your connections has a travel expert in their network. Who knows, connecting with someone for a personal need may even lead to a business opportunity.

Have you tried networking before? or are you new to it? Don’t worry. It is not as daunting as you think:

The main thing to remember when networking is not to go in like a bull in a China shop; start by just making a connection. The conversation doesn’t even have to be about your business. It can be about a mutual hobby or someone you might both know. Nobody likes to feel that you are just using them for what they can do for you. 

Do a little research before an event, think about who you want to reach out to and connect with so you can prepare some good conversation openers. The most important thing is to open a line of communication in the hope that it will lead to a mutually beneficial relationship.

So, who should be in your network?

Some of the people that should be in your contact list will be obvious, but some may surprise you. Here are some suggestions for who you should include and how to get in contact:

• Peers in your industry on LinkedIn and other similar professional networks. There are hundreds of digital networking sites, some of which might be specific to your field, so sign up and start browsing.
• Industry association members. Every industry has associations, trade organizations or unions which you can join, sign up for, and start connecting with.
• Current and former colleagues. Are you having conversations with your colleagues? Even a brief chat at the water cooler can lead to an opportunity. Open a line of dialogue with those past and present colleagues when you think connecting with them would benefit you both.
• Attendees of events, conferences, and expos linked to your industry. These are great places to network, as everyone is in the same boat. Remember, at first, it is just about making that connection and thinking about how you can benefit each other.
• Classmates, professors, and teachers from your relevant courses. You all have one thing in common, a passion for your industry. Utilize those connections by getting in touch. Social media is a good place to start or dig out that email. Looking at further study could enhance your connections, along with your knowledge. Depending on your industry, you could explore the business benefit of an MBA from Spring Abor University to further build on your network and standing.
• Friends or family members that are connected to your industry. It is a small world, and sometimes people close to you may have that connection you are looking for and just need a nudge. Whether it is at a party, family BBQ, or playdate, striking up a conversation about your business or work could lead to some common ground and potential connections. 
• Recruiters who specialize in your field. It is always good to be on the mailing list of recruiters as they may have opportunities perfect for you or are working with new candidates that might be just the employee you are looking for. 
• Virtual groups. Social media sites often have groups connected with your industry. Ask to become a member and watch your network grow at a click of a button.

What are your next steps to growing your network?

It can be daunting to start networking or contacting people, especially if you are new to the industry or company but remember taking the first step is always the hardest, and most people feel the same way. Put yourself out there. Create an online presence by joining digital professional networks like LinkedIn. Even Twitter can be useful for getting your name out there.

Sign up for any events that are associated with your industry. You never know who you might meet there. Join any associations or organizations connected with your industry and reach out to the other members. Make a list of everyone you know who might have connections to your industry and if you are not sure, ask them! Don’t worry if it starts small. Just one connection can lead to hundreds more, and you never know where those new connections will take you.