They assist patients, families and caregivers with short term and long term planning. They can also provide counseling services to assist with such issues as loss and grief or coping with lifestyle changes and other issues involving health status.
The MSW (Master's in Social Work) assesses for the social, physical, financial and psychological needs of the patients and assist them in attaining these. For instance, they can assist the elderly to find care in their own homes or an appropriate level of care in assisted living or total care environments. They can assist parents with their needs and issues in caring for infants and children with birth defects and chronic illnesses.
MSWs also help patients and families to cope with the challenges of hospice care and the bereavement issues after the death.
Education and Training
For social workers, the minimum level of education is a bachelor of science in social work (BSW). However, for reimbursement purposes, a master’s degree is usually required (MSW). For those who wish to teach social work, a PhD in social work is most often required.
Course work beyond general education requirements includes classes in behavioral sciences, human growth and development, social sciences, basic psychology, social environment studies, social welfare policies and methods of social work.
License/Certification
All states in the U.S require that social workers be either licensed, certified or registered. Certification is offered to MSWs with two years of experience who are members of the National Association of Social workers and pass a written examination. Most states require 3,000 hours/2 years of supervision to become a licensed social worker (LCSW).
There are a variety of other credentials which can be earned through specific areas of study for social workers to advance in their particular career path.
Work Environment and Salary
Many social workers are employed by hospitals, skilled nursing facilities or the public health department. They also work for home health agencies and hospices, crisis centers, mental health facilities, schools, and substance abuse facilities. Some work in private practice.
Median salaries vary depending upon the nature of the work, but ranged between $35,000 to $43,000 in May, 2006 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Overall salaries ranged from $24,480 to slightly over $68,000 per year according to these statistics.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for social workers is expected to grow faster than most other occupations well into the next decade. The health workforce is growing due to the demands of an aging and growing population which will continue to require sophisticated care. Social workers provide a necessary dimension to this field.
March is designated as National Professional Social Work month to honor social workers and the contributions they make in improving the quality of life for patients and their families.
For further information about careers in the field of social work, contact the National Association of Social Workers. Their website is www.socialworkers.org.
Resources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-9
Photo Credit: Water, Ed. D., copyright claimant. "[Jane Addams, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing left]" Copyright 1907. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. SIte: www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/aa/activists/addams
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