What Kind of Social Work Should I Do?
Social work is a broad field that encompasses a wide range of specializations, allowing individuals to choose a path that aligns with their skills and interests [1]. Social workers can work at different levels: micro, mezzo, and macro [1]. Micro-level social workers typically work one-on-one with clients, mezzo-level social workers support client systems like families, and macro-level social workers focus on making societal or community progress through activities like research and lobbying [1].
Common Types of Social Work
Some common types of social work include [1, 2]:
Child, Family, and School Social Work
Child, family, and school social workers aim to improve the well-being of children and their families [2].
Community Social Work
Community social workers focus on planning and administering community-wide programs to meet the needs of underserved populations [2].
Criminal Justice Social Work
Criminal justice social workers can be found in various settings, such as courthouses, domestic violence support centers, and correctional facilities, and they provide support to individuals involved in the criminal justice system [2].
Gerontological Social Work
Gerontological social workers assist elderly individuals in maintaining their quality of life and independence, connecting them with services and resources [2].
Mental Health and Clinical Social Work
Mental health and clinical social workers provide mental health services to individuals in urban and rural settings, often being the only licensed provider of mental health services available [2].
Other Specializations
In addition to the common types listed above, social workers can also specialize in areas such as [1]:
Key Facts
- Social work encompasses a wide range of fields and specializations, allowing individuals to choose a path that aligns with their skills and interests.
- Social workers can work at different levels: micro, mezzo, and macro. Micro-level social workers typically work one-on-one with clients, mezzo-level social workers support client systems like families, and macro-level social workers focus on making societal or community progress through activities like research and lobbying.
- Some common types of social work include child, family, and school social work, community social work, criminal justice social work, gerontological social work, and mental health and clinical social work[2].
- Child, family, and school social workers aim to improve the well-being of children and their families, while community social workers focus on planning and administering community-wide programs to meet the needs of underserved populations.
- Criminal justice social workers can be found in various settings, such as courthouses, domestic violence support centers, and correctional facilities, and they provide support to individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
- Gerontological social workers assist elderly individuals in maintaining their quality of life and independence, connecting them with services and resources.
- Mental health and clinical social workers provide mental health services to individuals in urban and rural settings, often being the only licensed provider of mental health services available.
- Social workers can also specialize in areas such as administration and management, advocacy and community organizing, developmental disabilities, health care, international social work, occupational and employee assistance program (EAP) social work, policy and planning, politics, public welfare, research, and school social work.
- Administration and management
- Advocacy and community organizing
- Developmental disabilities
- Health care
- International social work
- Occupational and employee assistance program (EAP) social work
- Policy and planning
- Politics
- Public welfare
- Research
- School social work
Choosing the Right Type of Social Work
The best type of social work for you will depend on your interests, skills, and career goals. Consider the following factors when making your decision:
- What populations do you want to work with?
- What kind of setting do you want to work in?
- What level of social work do you want to practice at?
- What are your career goals?
Once you have considered these factors, you can start to explore the different types of social work and find the one that is right for you.
Citations
[1] National Association of Social Workers. (n.d.). Types of Social Work Degrees. Retrieved from https://www.socialworkers.org/Careers/Career-Center/Explore-Social-Work/Types-of-Social-Work-Degrees
[2] University of Massachusetts Global. (2023, March 23). 8 Types of social workers who make an impact. Retrieved from https://www.umassglobal.edu/news-and-events/blog/types-of-social-workers
FAQs
1. What are the different types of social work?
Social work encompasses a wide range of specializations, including child, family, and school social work; community social work; criminal justice social work; gerontological social work; mental health and clinical social work; and many others.
2. How do I choose the right type of social work for me?
Consider your interests, skills, career goals, and the populations and settings you would like to work with.
3. What are the different levels of social work?
Social workers can work at the micro, mezzo, or macro level. Micro-level social workers typically work one-on-one with clients, mezzo-level social workers support client systems like families, and macro-level social workers focus on making societal or community progress through activities like research and lobbying.
4. What are the job prospects for social workers?
The job outlook for social workers is expected to grow faster than average in the coming years, due to the increasing demand for social services.
5. What is the salary range for social workers?
The salary range for social workers varies depending on their experience, level of education, and specialization. However, the median annual salary for social workers is around $50,000.
6. What are the educational requirements for social workers?
Most social work positions require a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) or a master’s degree in social work (MSW). Some positions may also require additional training or experience.
7. What are the professional organizations for social workers?
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest professional organization for social workers in the United States. NASW provides a variety of resources and support to its members, including continuing education opportunities, networking events, and advocacy for social work policies.
8. How can I learn more about social work?
There are many resources available to learn more about social work, including books, articles, websites, and social media groups. You can also contact your local social work agency or school of social work to learn more about the field and career opportunities.