SOCIAL WORKER
Duties &
Responsibilities:
Social workers help people and their families adjust to problems in
their lives such as serious illness, child abuse, substance abuse, mental
illness, handicaps, juvenile delinquency, and anti-social behavior. Often they
must help people accept situations that cannot be changed. Frequently they work
with the underclass, including the homeless, chronically unemployed, and
mentally ill. Most social work for the government in offices, hospitals,
clinics, prisons, or the courts. Some also work in nursing homes, group homes,
schools, or businesses. Their duties often include:
·
Interviewing and counseling
individuals , families, and groups.
·
Assessing needs and developing response
plans.
·
Referring clients to
professional or community services.
·
Coordinating responses between
civic, religious, governmental, and other organizations.
Average Salary:
$20,000 - $42,000
Educational
Requirements:
Students should prepare for a career
in social work by taking challenging high school courses, especially in
English, science, and math.
Some organizations may allow a social
worker to practice with a bachelor’s degree in social work, however most
(including all health and mental health) positions require a graduate degree.
Clinical positions require additional licensing after the completion
of one or two year supervised internships.