How to Become A Social Worker
Undoubtedly, social work is a rewarding and emotional career. Perhaps you want to help the less privileged by offering services; here is how to become a social worker.
Suppose you want to impact people’s lives and get paid while at it, social work is the right career choice. Social workers believe in empowering others and they invest their time in it.
Whether you seek to help students or homeless people, this guide will help you kickstart your social work career. Continue reading to learn foolproof steps to becoming a social worker.
Six Steps to Become A Social Worker
Here are the standard steps to take to become a social worker across all fields:
1. Get A Degree In Social Work Or A Related Field
There are two routes you can take to pursue a social work career. You can complete a Bachelor of Social Work degree or a related field.
Bachelor of Social Work Route: A guaranteed way to kick off your social work career is getting a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. Essentially, the coursework includes the following classes:
- Intro to Social Work
- Social Work Practice
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- Social Welfare Policy
The classes are integral as they help prepare you for a social work career. And, in some cases, set the groundwork for a Masters’s degree in Social Work (MSW). Earning a social work degree gives you an edge. It qualifies you for advanced-standing positions. Students in advanced-standing positions complete their master’s degrees faster.
Non-BSW route: You can enter the social work profession by completing undergraduate studies in a related course. But you might have to do a masters in social work later.
This route is quite popular among many students who end up in social work. They do undergraduate studies in the course they want and pursue MSW later.
Examples of potential undergraduate studies that you can pursue an MSW in are:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Political science
- Women and gender studies
- Human development
- Early childhood development
- Peace and social justice
A bachelor’s degree in social work and related fields opens you to various job opportunities. However, you might need to get a master’s degree for a financially rewarding profession.
2. Complete a Master’s Degree or Related Programs In Social Work
It is crucial that you earn a master’s degree from a CSWE-accredited program. You can try any of the several veritable online and on-campus programs. A big chunk of your professional growth would likely take off in this phase.
Note: Whether pursuing a BSW or MSW, ensure you do so in a CSWE-accredited program. It helps if you did proper research before enrolling in any program.
3. Complete Your Fieldwork Hour Requirements
Fieldwork is often called practicum or internship. During fieldwork, students apply what they have learned in class under supervision. It is also a time when you learn from experienced social workers on duty. As a norm, MSW students must do between 450 and 900 hours as part of their fieldwork.
Note: You need to ensure your state license requirements align with your fieldwork hours.
4. Pass the ASWB Examination
You need to pass the Association of Social Work Boards licensing examination to become a licensed social worker. You may also have to get the approval of your state’s social work board to write the exam.
ASWB offers various levels of social work examination:
- Bachelor’s
- Master’s
- Advanced Generalist
- Clinical
Each exam has individual requirements and consists of 170 multiple-choice questions.
5. Apply for State Social Work Licensure
This step is necessary as a social worker as it helps you further your studies and shows credibility. Not all social work positions require you have a license. However, most high paying jobs often do. Each state’s requirements vary and are subject to change. Hence, it is necessary you find out the best way to get the appropriate license in your state.
6. Pick a Social Work Career
We have various fields you can work in as a social worker. Here are some common picks among social work students:
- Clinical social work
- Macro social work
- School social work
- Medical social work
Each field has specific work requirements and specifications. For instance, clinical social workers work with mentally ill people, while school social workers work with students.
Bottom Line
Beyond working as a social worker, you can always further your studies and climb the ladder. Social work is an exciting career choice. You should know there are no age restrictions, and the profession is open to all ready to pursue it.
