How to Become a Social Worker

Written by: East Carolina University® • Sep 5, 2024

A social worker conducting a home car visit talks with a client in their doorway.

Everyone faces problems in their lives, from financial issues and family crises to the inability to access healthcare services. Some of these problems are so prevalent in certain areas that they’re considered community issues, such as mass poverty or high crime rates. In a society where these challenges are commonplace, social workers are a readily available resource dedicated to helping people who need support.

Social workers help individuals, families, and groups navigate life’s challenges. Their wealth of knowledge and expertise makes them uniquely equipped to address social issues, guide clients through complex problems, and help connect people with essential resources to improve their livelihoods.

Those who have a passion for helping people and their communities can thrive in the rewarding field of social work. Continue reading to learn more about how to become a social worker, including their typical responsibilities, job outlook, and salary. We’ll also explain the value of earning a psychology degree , which establishes the foundation of knowledge that social workers use for the duration of their careers.

Social work is a profession dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities enhance their well-being and address personal and societal challenges. Social workers provide support, resources, and advocacy to those in need, working in various settings including schools, hospitals, community organizations, and government agencies. The primary goal of social work is to improve the quality of life of clients and communities through empowerment, support, and promotion of social justice.

Benefits to Individuals and Communities

One of the main advantages of becoming a social worker is that it offers the opportunity to effect change at both the micro and macro levels. Furthermore, social workers can choose an area of focus they’re truly passionate about, including the following:

Support and Advocacy: Social workers provide crucial support and advocate for vulnerable and underserved populations, ensuring that they have access to essential services, such as healthcare, education, and housing.
Crisis Intervention: Social workers help individuals and families navigate crises such as domestic violence, mental health issues, and substance abuse, offering counseling and connecting them with appropriate resources.
Community Improvement: Social workers engage with the community and local organizations, working to address systemic issues, such as poverty, discrimination, and inequality. They help build stronger, healthier communities by promoting social change and inclusion.

A social worker’s day-to-day tasks depend on their area of specialization and work setting. However, most social workers typically will do the following:

Identify people, demographics, or communities that require assistance
Assess clients’ needs, situations, and goals
Help clients adjust to significant life changes and challenges
Research and refer clients to organizations that provide essential resources, such as healthcare, child care, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits
Respond to and manage crises
Monitor clients’ circumstances and progress
Maintain client case files and records, and conduct other administrative duties
Serve as an advocate for social justice issues that benefit underserved populations

When evaluating how to become a social worker, considering education, experience, licensure, and relevant certifications is important.

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum degree to qualify to practice as a social worker. Although a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is an obvious fit, students often choose other disciplines, such as sociology and psychology .

Earning a psychology degree offers numerous benefits, including both personal growth and professional opportunities. First, it provides a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, cognition, and emotions—invaluable in various fields, including social work. Furthermore, a psychology degree equips graduates with essential skills, such as critical thinking, research, and effective communication, making them versatile and competitive in the job market.

The study of psychology also fosters self-awareness, empathy, and cultural competence, enhancing one’s ability to navigate interpersonal relationships and contribute to their community. Overall, a psychology degree not only broadens one’s career prospects but also enriches one’s understanding of the human experience.

Regarding career flexibility, a psychology degree can also be used to enter fields such as business, education, marketing, human resources, and healthcare.

Step 2: Gain Field Experience

Many degree programs provide the opportunity to gain practical experience. For example, some students can observe licensed clinical social workers during case management or counseling or work with clients themselves under supervision. This hands-on experience is crucial for understanding real-world social work practice.

Step 3: Consider Advanced Education

Although a bachelor’s degree can qualify graduates for entry-level social worker positions, a Master of Social Work (MSW) is required for clinical roles and higher-level positions. MSW programs offer specialized training in areas such as clinical social work, couples and family therapy, and substance abuse therapy. Social workers who aspire to practice clinical social work should also be sure to develop the right psychology skills .

Step 4: Obtain State Licensure

Licensure requirements vary by state but typically require undergoing a set number of supervised practice hours and passing specific exams. Most states require at least a BSW for generalist practice and an MSW for clinical practice.

Step 5: Pursue Relevant Certifications

Certifications demonstrate expertise in specific areas to clientele, professional peers, and potential employers. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) offers the following credentials:

Certified Clinical Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Social Worker (C-CATODSW)
Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM)
Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM)
Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW)
Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology (CSW-G)
Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS)
Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC)
Certified Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW)
Certified Advanced Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-ACYFSW)
Military Service Members, Veterans & Their Families — Social Worker (MVF-SW)
Military Service Members, Veterans & Their Families — Advanced Social Worker (MVF-ASW)

Credentials not only showcase a social worker’s professional aptitudes but also can be used to expand the customer base and negotiate salary increases.

The field of social work promises job security and long-term stability. Positions for social workers are expected to grow by 7% between 2022 and 2032 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than double the growth rate of all occupations combined.

The BLS reports that the median annual salary for social workers was $58,380 in 2023. However, social workers in the top 10th percentile of earners made closer to $94,900. Factors such as education level, credentials, and experience can influence a social worker’s salary.

Pursue a Career That Benefits Your Community

Becoming a social worker is a rewarding career path that allows you to positively impact individuals, groups, and communities. Social workers are vital to creating a more equitable and compassionate society, and your commitment to this profession can lead to meaningful and lasting contributions. Moreover, the BLS’s long-term job outlook indicates that social work offers plenty of job security and stability.

Those who want to know how to become a social worker are encouraged to explore the online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree completion program at East Carolina University®️. The program features coursework that covers learning and cognition, research methods, statistics, and other essential competencies.

Find out how ECU can support you in finding a social work career.

Recommended Readings

How Does Human Memory Work?

Training and Development Specialist Career Overview

Why Study Psychology? Benefits of a Psychology Degree

Sources:

Indeed, “How to Become a Social Worker (Education and Training)

Indeed, “16 Types of Social Workers and How They Make an Impact”

National Association of Social Workers, About Social Workers

National Association of Social Workers, Apply for NASW Social Work Credentials

National Association of Social Workers, Why Choose the Social Work Profession?

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social Workers