Careers in social work

It’s National Social Workers Week, and it’s a great time to consider the career of social work.

If you’re interested in social sciences, and you’re looking for a career where you can work one-on-one with a variety of individuals AND make a real difference in their lives, then you might find that the field of Child, Family, and School Social Workers is a great fit for you.

What do Child, Family, and School Social Workers do?

Social workers help clients understand the range of services available to them, connect them to organizations and programs that will help them, and teach them how to advocate for themselves in the future. Good record keeping of conversations and activity is critical.  Child, family, and school social workers do this work for government agencies, non-profits, school systems, and in residential facilities.

Child and family social workers protect vulnerable children and help families function more effectively. They often connect families with housing, child care, and welfare assistance. They may promote better parenting skills, coordinate adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. School social workers deal with problems like bullying, truancy, and teenage pregnancy, and they may also advise teachers. Some travel to multiple schools in a school district.

What kind of education or experience do you need to be a Child, Family, and School Social Worker?

 A bachelor’s degree in social work is the most common requirement to enter the field, though many also earn a master’s in social work. Visit the Local Training Finder to find social work programs near you.

Social workers also require licenses in many states.  Enter your location in the License Finder to learn the requirements in your state and connect with the agency that oversees licensing, if appropriate.

How much do Child, Family, and School Social Workers earn?

The median salary for Child, Family, and School Social Workers in the United States is $37,490.  But salaries can range depending on your location, place of employment, education credentials, and experience. A typical salary range is from as low as $30,000 to a high of $80,000.

What’s the job outlook for Child, Family, and School Social Workers?

Labor market experts agree that this occupation is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade. While there were about 343,000 child, family, and school social workers employed in the United States in 2019, that number is expected to grow by 12 percent, to about 383,000 by 2029.

Where can I learn more about Child, Family, and School Social Workers?

Visit CareerOneStop’s Occupation Profile for Child, Family, and School Social Workers to learn more about the skills, requirements, and possibilities for a career in this field.