For those looking for a career that allows them to help others, you might want to consider a career in social work. This is a fast-growing field that involves supporting those living in many challenging situations, such as mental health issues, family crises, poverty, addiction, and more. This means that you can make a real difference to people’s lives as a social worker, and it is easy to see why it is work that appeals to many people. So, how can you get started in this field? This post will take you through the main steps that will put you on the pathway to a rewarding career helping others.
Education & Licensure
As you might expect, there is formal education required to become a social worker and state licensure. Typically, this involves a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), but you can also enter the field with a relevant degree, such as sociology or public health. For clinical roles and leadership positions, a Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW) is essential and will qualify you to become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
Choose a Suitable MSW Program
For those looking at clinical roles and leadership positions, you want to find a suitable MSW program. There are excellent online MSW programs in New York that provide flexibility so that you can fit your studies around your current job and/or other responsibilities. This is a program suitable for those switching from another career field or building on a BSW, and can provide field placement support near where you live. This provides an accessible route into the profession and can prepare you for licensure in New York.
Choose a Specialty
Social work is also a diverse field with many career paths to consider. Choosing a specialization early on in your journey is helpful as this can guide your coursework, fieldwork, and career path. There are many specializations to consider, so here are a few of the most popular options:
- Clinical/mental health
- Social school work
- Healthcare social work
- Child welfare and family services
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Gerontology
- Policy and administration
Gain Fieldwork Experience
There is a lot of theory to learn in social work, but you must also gain valuable fieldwork experience to supplement your studies. Accredited MSW programs include supervised fieldwork, which is essential for developing clinical judgement, preparing for licensure exams, and giving you the confidence to apply what you learn in theory to real-world situations.
Develop Key Soft Skills
In addition to theory and fieldwork experience, you will also need a range of soft skills to excel in this field. Soft skills will help you stay organized, connect with others, and make a difference. It is true that some people naturally possess these skills more than others, but you can also learn soft skills with practice, research, and even courses. A few key soft skills you will need to possess in order to succeed in social work include:
- Empathy
- Active listening
- Problem solving
- Communication (verbal and written)
- Critical thinking
- Emotional resilience
- Time management
Launch Your Career
At this stage, you will be ready to launch your career as a social worker and start making a difference to people’s lives. Hopefully, it will not be too challenging to find rewarding work in your chosen specialization – the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that employment of social workers is expected to grow 7% through 2032, with high demand for mental health and healthcare social workers.
Keep Learning
Finally, it is important to commit to a lifetime of learning. Social work is a field that is constantly evolving and changing, so you must complete continuing education (CE) credits on a regular basis to remain licensed and so that you can excel in your role and make a difference. This can also lead to career development opportunities, including advanced certifications, leadership or administrative roles, or even opening your own private practice as an LCSW.
If you are considering a career in social work, these are the main steps you will need to take. Whether you are starting your first career or switching from a different field, launching a career in social work will require commitment to formal education, professional training, and personal dedication. Now is a great time to join the field with growing demand for social workers, plus you will also get an immense sense of personal satisfaction as you know that your work is making a positive difference to those who need help. Hopefully, this post will set you on the pathway to a rewarding, successful, and fulfilling career in social care.
