List of Careers in Social Work

Some social workers focus on children.

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Though the jobs for social work vary by duties, clientele, educational requirements and salaries, their practitioners all share a common goal: to help people improve their lives. To pursue this objective, they may spend time away from their offices to visit educational institutions, social service facilities and even private residences.

Child and Family Social Workers

Child, family and school social workers tend to the welfare of children and their families. They counsel individuals, families and communities about school problems, child abuse, adoptions or teenage pregnancy. They also interview clients to determine needs and issues, and develop service plans. The O*NET OnLine website states that most of these jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree and will see growth of 20 to 28 percent from 2010 to 2020. Child and family social workers made an average $21.35 per hour or $44, 410 per year as of May 2011. Most worked for state government, though the highest average wages were in elementary and secondary schools at $27.89 per hour or $58, 010 per year.

Healthcare Social Workers

Healthcare social workers help individuals, couples and families cope with chronic or terminal illnesses or congenital disabilities. They collaborate with medical professionals to determine the needs of patients, organize support groups or counseling and refer patients to specialists in recovery services, financial assistance or legal aid. O*NET OnLine predicts job growth of 29 percent for the profession. It also states that in 2011, nearly 85 percent of the professionals had master’s degrees. Healthcare social workers received an average $24.28 per hour or $50, 500 per year. Most worked in general medical and surgical hospitals. However, they made their highest wages in other professional, scientific and technical services at an average $32.68 per hour or $67, 970 per year.

Related Reading: What Jobs Can I Get With an Associate's Degree in Social Work Specialization?