Start networking and exchanging professional insights

Register now or log in to join your professional community.

Follow

How do I become a social worker?

user-image
Question added by Noufal Ali , Designer (2D & 3D) , SAUDI FAN INDUSTRIES
Date Posted: 2016/03/31
TARIG BABIKER AL AMIN
by TARIG BABIKER AL AMIN , Head of Planning and Studies Unit , Sudanese Free Zones and Markets Co.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. BSW programs prepare graduates for direct-service positions, such as mental health assistant or caseworker

Step 2: Consider a Master's Degree

Step 3: Become Licensed

Step 4: Consider Credentialing

Step 5: Maintain Li-censure and Credentials

Hardik dave
by Hardik dave , Sales Administrator , AL AHLIA GENERAL TRADING COMAPNY PVT LTD

TO GIVE BEST COMPETITVE SERVICE TO CITIZENS HAVE ETHICAL BUSINESS POLICIES THAT MAKES NATIONAS ECCONOMY GROWTH AND STANDERED OF LIFE TO CITIZENS.

Farhana Siddique Fari
by Farhana Siddique Fari , Coordinator , Coordinator at DFA, Dr Fazeela Abbasi, Advanced Skin, Laser & Hair Institute, Islamabad.

Social work is a broadly defined profession encompassing many different kinds of professionals who all serve people in need. The International Federation of Social Workers calls Social Work “an interrelated system of values, theory and practice.” Social workers are unique in the way that they look at many different aspects of a problem, from the individual to the societal, from the psychological to the political. Common ways of serving clients include providing counseling, therapy and education, as well as connecting clients to appropriate public or private resources.

 

Social Work Education

A Bachelor of Social Work is usually the minimum educational requirement for beginning your career as a social worker. Some entry-level positions may also accept candidates with a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, or other related fields.

Undergraduate Social Work Education:- States require that social workers hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a school approved by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Graduate Social Work Education:- States often require that social workers obtain a Masters in Social Work or a relevant doctoral degree before applying for advanced social work licensure. There are also options for pursuing your Masters of Social Work online.

 

Social Work Licensure

There are several main types of social work licensure, including licensure for social workers with a bachelor's degree, licensure for social workers with a master's degree and licensure for clinical social workers. Within these fields, social workers can also apply for additional credentials and certifications through the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

Initial License: States often require first-time social workers to become licensed as bachelor- or associate-level social workers, often referred to as Licensed Baccalaureate Social Workers (LBSW). Upon receiving this type of licensure, social workers in most states will be required to work under the supervision of an approved Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Master License: Social workers holding an initial license and a graduate degree in social work may become licensed as master- or graduate-level social workers, often referred to as Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW). This type of licensure often requires both field experience and the successful completion of a standardized exam.

Clinical License: A clinical license is a full professional license to practice social work. Social workers holding a current license and a graduate degree in social work may become licensed as a clinical-level social worker, often referred to as Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW). This type of licensure often requires years of professional experience, in addition to the successful completion of a standardized exam.

 

Social Work Requirements

Social Work Exams:-Many states require applicants to take standardized examinations administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), though some states require their own examinations in addition to or in place of ASWB examinations.

Supervised Experience: Documented professional experience under the supervision of a qualified LCSW for approximately two years is often a requirement for licensure beyond initial licensure, though some states require professional experience for all types of licensure.

 

Changing Careers

 Many social workers in the field today are entering the profession from a previous career. If you are considering changing careers, you may find social work to be a rewarding and sensible transition from your previous occupation.Social work is a helping profession. It attracts people who are interested in creating positive change in the lives of individuals, families and communities. Many professionals, such as psychologists, counselors, and public health workers, transition easily into a social work career because of the similarities between the experiences and goals of their prior positions and those of a social worker. But social work is a diverse field, and many professionals with disparate backgrounds will be surprised to learn that their previous training can help them on the road to successful social work education and employment.Once you have made the decision to transition into social work, you should consider how to receive your training and social work education to fulfill the requirements to practice in your state. Each state has its own requirements for becoming a licensed social worker, so it is important that you are familiar with the criteria in the state where you wish to work. For the working professional who has already completed an undergraduate degree, earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is the best way to work toward changing careers. Not all states require that social workers have a Master of Social Work, but earning it will offer advantages in the job market. An advanced degree will help you gain expertise, skills and experience in the field before you apply for jobs. A candidate with an MSW is also more likely to find challenging and fulfilling work with higher compensation.

Yahia mohamed  Amen Gad
by Yahia mohamed Amen Gad , إدارة - مدرب - , سنابل الأجيال للتعليم والتدريب

Thank you for the invitation and I agree with Professor Tariq

Thank you for the invitation I am waiting for an answer Experts

Shaikha Ali AlSowaidi
by Shaikha Ali AlSowaidi , Owner / Marketing Consultant , Marketing Consulting (Company Confidential)

I agree with Mr. Al Amin's answer. That is exactly what needs to be done.

Sidrah Nadeem
by Sidrah Nadeem , Global Marketing Manager , Hill+Knowlton Strategies

  1. Join a company which runs for social welfare.
  2. Make your own company that helps improve society

More Questions Like This

Do you need help in adding the right keywords to your CV? Let our CV writing experts help you.