What can you do with a social work degree?

Social Work Degree

Have you ever wondered how one degree can transform lives—yours and others’? A social work degree empowers you to make a tangible difference in the world.

Did you know that social workers touch the lives of over 10 million people annually in the U.S. alone? A degree in social work offers you the chance to change lives—and even shape society!

Here are some social work career options and job ideas for those with a social work degree. Your role in social work can be varied.

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Working with clients - also known as Direct Practice Roles

1. Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

   • Provide mental health counseling and therapy for individuals, couples, or groups.

   • Work in private practice, hospitals, or mental health clinics.

2. Child and Family Social Worker

   • Support children and families dealing with abuse, neglect, or other challenges. A child and family social worker might help a young boy find a stable foster home while guiding the biological parents through resources to reunite the family.

   • Work with child protective services, foster care agencies, or family service organizations.

3. School Social Worker

   • Address behavioral, emotional, and academic challenges faced by students.

   • Collaborate with educators and parents to create supportive environments.

4. Healthcare Social Worker

   • Assist patients in navigating the healthcare system, coping with illnesses, and accessing resources.

   • Work in dialysis clinics, primary care physician offices, hospitals, nursing homes, or hospice care settings. A dialysis social worker walks a line of assisting with hope, grief, and loss and needs strong case management skills to help with finding transportation, assisting with the kidney transplant process, navigating insurance systems, addressing food insecurity, and many more duties.

5. Substance Abuse Counselor

   • Help individuals and families dealing with addiction.

   • Work in rehabilitation centers, outpatient programs, or community organizations.

     
     

Community Roles

1. Community Outreach Coordinator

   • Design and implement programs that address community needs.

   • Work with non-profits, government agencies, or advocacy groups.

2. Policy Analyst

   • Research and develop policies to address social issues like poverty, housing, or healthcare.

   • Work for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy organizations.

3. Social Work Administrator

   • Oversee programs and organizations that deliver social services.

   • Focus on program development, fundraising, and operations.

4. Grant Writer

   • Secure funding for social service programs by writing grant proposals.

   • Work for non-profits, educational institutions, or healthcare organizations.

Specialized Roles

1. Forensic Social Worker

   • Work within the legal system to support clients involved in criminal or civil cases.

   • Collaborate with attorneys, courts, and correctional facilities.

2. Military Social Worker

   • Provide support to military personnel, veterans, and their families.

   • Address issues like PTSD, reintegration, and family dynamics.

3. Gerontological Social Worker

   • Specialize in working with older adults to address aging-related challenges.

   • Work in nursing homes, senior centers, or home health agencies.

4. Crisis Intervention Specialist

   • Provide immediate support to individuals experiencing acute crises.

   • Work in crisis hotlines, emergency shelters, or disaster response teams.

Educational and Research Roles

1. Social Work Educator

   • Teach and mentor future social workers in universities or colleges.

   • Conduct research to advance social work practices.

2. Researcher

   • Study social problems, evaluate programs, and contribute to evidence-based practices.

   • Work in academic institutions, government agencies, or research organizations.

Non-Traditional Social Work Roles

• Human Resources Specialist

  • Use interpersonal and problem-solving skills to support employees in workplace settings.

  • Work in corporate or non-profit organizations.

• Life Coach or Career Counselor

  • Guide individuals in personal development or career planning.

  • Work in private practice or consulting firms.

• Entrepreneur

  • Start your own practice, consulting business, or social enterprise focused on community impact.

Advanced Opportunities with Higher Degrees

With a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) or Doctorate (DSW/PhD), you can:

• Pursue leadership roles in social work administration.

• Conduct advanced clinical practice or psychotherapy.

• Engage in teaching, research, or policy development.

  
  

Industries and Workplaces

• Government agencies (e.g., child welfare, public health)

• Non-profits and NGOs (e.g., advocacy organizations, shelters)

• Healthcare institutions (e.g., hospitals, clinics)

• Educational institutions (e.g., schools, colleges)

• Corporate settings (e.g., employee assistance programs)

  
  

Social work is a versatile and impactful field that allows you to make a difference in countless ways. Your career path will depend on your interests, skills, and passion for helping others.