From work in public school systems to helping community organizations, there is little that today's social worker doesn't do, and as a result, he or she will likely be in the position to have a positive impact on the lives of more people than ever thought possible.

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• Social problems
• Human behavior
• Urban issues
• Human sexuality
• Aging
• Addiction
• Child welfare
• Social policy
• Gender Issues
• Counseling

Types Of Associate, Undergraduate & Graduate Programs Available
"Social workers bring a desire to help improve people's lives to a profession that requires a great deal of care and commitment to such ideals. While some people work in the field with only a Bachelor's degree, having a Master's or Doctoral degree has become the standard. Most social workers specialize and tend to work directly with clients although some are involved in research, policy development and research, or administration. Social workers must meet certain licensing, certification, and/or registration requirements depending on where they are practicing. A Master's degree can help social workers perform clinical assessments, manage large caseloads, and explore new ways of drawing upon social services to meet the needs of clients. A Master's degree is required to provide therapy. A Doctoral degree is useful for those who wish to do research or to teach at the university level." ( www.gradschools.com )

Typical Admissions Requirements
A strong interest in the field of social work, as well as a desire to help others, are very important. If you possess these qualities, and feel that you can happily and successfully devote your professional life to these goals, then this is the field for you. If you don't have an academic background in social work or a related field, then an Associate's degree may be a good idea. Graduate degrees are generally only pursued by those who already have experience in the field, either in the classroom or in the working world. However, don't let inexperience prevent you from pursuing social work: If it is truly what you would like to pursue, then you will certainly find a way to succeed.

Careers In This Field
Social workers may work in a variety of specific capacities in the field, and much of what their job entails depends on where the work is being done. Some of the places social workers may find employment are:

• Inpatient and outpatient treatment centers
• Methadone maintenance clinics
• Residential treatment
• Community development settings
• Child welfare
• Community mental health centers
• Family service agencies
• Schools
• Nursing homes
• Senior centers ( www.naswdc.org )LINK?

Salary Ranges In This Field
There are several distinct types of employers of social workers, and the amount of money their employees make varies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, however, earnings can be broken up in the following ways:

"Median annual earnings of child, family, and school social workers were $34,820 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $27,840 and $45,140. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,130, and the top 10 percent earned more than $57,860.

Median annual earnings of medical and public health social workers were $40,080 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $31,620 and $50,080. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,390, and the top 10 percent earned more than $58,740.

Median annual earnings of mental health and substance abuse social workers were $33,920 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $ 26,730 and $43,430. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,590, and the top 10 percent earned more than $54,180.

Median annual earnings of social workers, all other were $39,440 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $30,350 and $51,530. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,080, and the top 10 percent earned more than $62,720" ( www.bls.gov )

Future Outlook
The job outlook is generally positive for social workers. This is because their services are always in demand. In this sense, it is an evergreen industry, and as such, hard work in school will generally be rewarded with a good job upon graduation.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Competition for social worker jobs is expected in cities, where demand for services often is highest and training programs for social workers are prevalent. However, opportunities should be good in rural areas, which often find it difficult to attract and retain qualified staff. By specialty, job prospects may be best for those social workers with a background in gerontology and substance abuse treatment.

Employment of social workers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. The rapidly growing elderly population and the aging baby boom generation will create greater demand for health and social services, resulting in particularly rapid job growth among gerontology social workers. Many job openings also will stem from the need to replace social workers who leave the occupation." ( www.bls.gov )

Resources

1. www.naswdc.org (The National Association of Social Workers)
2. www.sswaa.org (The School Social Work Association of America)
3. www.aswb.org (The Association of Social Work Boards)