2024 Guide on Different Types of Social Workers and Social Work Services
The Complete 2024 Guide on Social Work Practice and Social Work Service – Everything You Need to Know
Social work is a noble and rewarding profession that has a profound impact on the lives of individuals, families, and communities. It is a dynamic and ever-evolving field that is dedicated to promoting social justice, enhancing human well-being, and empowering those in need.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for social workers is expected to grow 11% over the next decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. If you’re interested in making a difference in the world and want to work in a field that is both challenging and rewarding, social work service may be the perfect choice for you.
In this Social Work Portal guide, we will provide answers about everything you need to know including what is a social worker and what do they do, what degree does a social worker need, what do social workers make, and much more!
Everything You Need to Know About Social Work Service
With the increasing demand for social work service, now is an exciting time to explore this dynamic and growing profession.
Let’s do it!
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Table of Contents: Social Worker & What Do They Do?
Keep on scrolling down this page to read each section or click any link below to go directly to that section.
- What is a Social Worker & What Do They Do?
- What Degree Does a Social Worker Need?
- Different Types of Social Workers
- What Do Social Workers Make?
- How Can I Find a Social Worker | I Need a Social Worker
- Conclusion | Importance of Providing Best Social Work Service
- FAQ | Social Work Practice & Services
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What Is a Social Worker & What Do They Do? | What Does a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Do?
A social worker is a trained professional who is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities. With a deep understanding of human behavior and social systems, social workers help clients navigate complex social and personal issues and provide them with the support they need to achieve their unique goals.
A social worker can work on a wide range of areas, including working with children and families, individuals with disabilities or mental health issues, victims of abuse or neglect, or individuals facing homelessness or other forms of poverty.
Social workers use their knowledge and skills to assess client’s needs, develop individualized treatment plans, and provide a range of services, including social work counseling, case management, and community education.
If you’re wondering what does a LCSW do or what does a licensed social worker do? We’ll take a look at that next.
What Does a Licensed Social Worker Do?
A licensed social worker (LSW) is a professional who has completed a master’s degree in social work (MSW) and has passed a licensing exam in their state or jurisdiction.
Licensed social workers provide a wide range of social work services to meet the needs of their clients, including social work counseling, advocacy, case management, and community organization.
What Does a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Do?
A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) is a type of social worker who has received advanced training in clinical practice and holds a license to provide mental health services to individuals, families, and groups.
LCSWs work in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, private practice, and community-based organizations. They provide social work counseling and therapy services to those who are struggling with mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma.
But what degree does a social worker need? We will go over that next.
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What Degree Does a Social Worker Need?
If you are interested in building a career in social work counseling, you may be wondering: “What degree does a social worker need?” We are here to help!
To become a social worker and be able to provide social work services to those in need, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s (BSW) or master’s degree (MSW) in social work from a college or university program that’s accredited by Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
The BSW is an undergraduate program that provides students with a foundation in social work theory, values, ethics, and social work practice.
Students learn about the strengths-based and person-in-environment approach to working with individuals, families, and communities, as well as about policies, social service worker program, social work counseling, and social work services designed to support those in need.
Graduates of a BSW program are qualified for entry-level social work positions in a variety of settings, including child welfare, social work agencies, mental health, schools, healthcare, and community-based organizations.
For those who wish to advance their careers and take on more complex cases, a master’s degree in social work (MSW) is necessary.
What Degree Does a Social Worker Need?
An MSW program provides advanced training in social work theory and practice, including clinical skills, policy analysis, and social service worker program administration.
Furthermore, MSW graduates are eligible for more advanced social work positions, such as clinical social workers, school social workers, healthcare social workers, social work agencies managers, and managers of social service worker program.
In addition to formal education, social workers are required to obtain a state license in order to practice. The requirements for licensure will vary from state to state, but typically include a certain number of supervised work experience hours and the successful completion of a licensing exam.
If you’re wondering what does a licensed social worker do or what does a LCSW do, make sure to check the section above.
If you are unsure about which type of social work to specialize in, what do socials workers do on a daily basis, and what type of social work services they provide, read on. We have covered everything you need to know about exactly that.
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Different Types of Social Workers | Best Social Work Services
There are many different types of social workers, each with their own unique focus and responsibilities.
So, how many different types of social work practice workers are there? What do social workers do on a daily basis based on their specialization?
Let’s take a look!
Case Manager Social Workers
A social work case manager is a type of social worker who focuses on providing comprehensive case management services to individuals and families.
Case management is a process that involves assessing the needs of individuals and families, developing and implementing a care plan to meet those needs, and coordinating the delivery of services and support to help them achieve their goals.
What does a case manager do in social work? | Case manager
- Assessment: Assessing the needs and strengths of individuals and families to determine what services and supports they require to achieve their goals.
- Care planning: Developing and implementing a care plan that addresses the needs and goals of the individuals and families they serve.
- Social work service coordination: Coordinating the delivery of social work practice, services, and support to individuals and families, and working with other social work service providers to ensure that they receive the care they need.
- Advocacy: Advocating for the rights and needs of individuals and families, and working to remove barriers that prevent them from accessing the social work service and support they need.
- Monitoring and evaluation: Monitoring the progress of individuals and families to ensure that their care plans are working and making adjustments to their care plans as needed.
- Referral: Making referrals to other services and supports as needed, such as housing programs, employment services, health care, or mental health services.
- Record keeping: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of the social work service and support provided to individuals and families.
Case managers can work in a variety of settings including but not limited to: health care organizations, social work agencies, non-profit organizations, government agencies, mental health facilities, etc.
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Child & Family Social Workers
Child and family social workers are social workers who specialize in working with children, youth, and families to address a wide range of social, emotional, and behavioral issues. They play a critical role in helping families overcome challenges and improve their quality of life.
Child and family social workers can work in a wide range of settings such as child welfare social work agencies, foster care and adoption agencies, juvenile justice facilities, mental health clinics, health care organizations, etc.
What do child & family social workers do on a daily basis? | Best social work child & family services
- Assessment and intake
- Case management
- Home visits
- Family counseling
- Legal and administrative advocacy
- Documentation and record-keeping
- Collaboration with other professionals
School Social Workers
School social workers work in K-12 schools and colleges to support students and their families. They address issues such as academic difficulty, behavioral problems, and abuse and neglect.
What do social workers do on a daily basis? | Best social work school services
- Supporting students and families
- Collaborating with teachers and staff
- Addressing mental health concerns
- Advocating for students
- Providing conflict resolution
- Developing and implementing programs
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Healthcare Social Workers
Healthcare social workers help patients navigate the healthcare system and provide support during medical emergencies and illnesses. They also address end-of-life issues and provide grief counseling.
What do medical social workers do? | What does a healthcare social worker do?
- Patient assessment
- Care coordination
- Counseling and emotional support
- Resource and referral
- Advance care planning
- Discharge planning
What Do Medical Social Workers Do?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Mental health and substance abuse social workers specialize in helping individuals with mental health problems and addiction. They provide counseling, support, and referrals to other resources.
What do social workers do on a daily basis? | Best social work mental health & substance abuse services
- Assessment and intake
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- Case management
- Referral and resource coordination
- Advocacy
- Monitoring and follow-up
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Do you have any questions about what does a healthcare social worker do or any of the social service worker program described above? Click here to contact the Social Work Portal Team.
Psychiatric Social Workers
A psychiatric social worker is a mental health professional who specializes in working with individuals, families, and communities affected by mental illness and emotional distress.
They are trained to assess and diagnose mental health conditions and to provide a range of therapeutic and support services to individuals in need.
What do social workers do on a daily basis? | Best social work psychiatric services
- Assessment and intake
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- Case management
- Referral and resource coordination
- Collaboration with healthcare providers
- Monitoring and follow-up
Geriatric Social Workers
Geriatric social workers work with the elderly population, addressing issues such as aging, end-of-life care, and caregiver support.
What do social workers do on a daily basis? | Best social work geriatric services
- Assessment and intake
- Case management
- Advocacy
- Support for caregivers
- Community outreach
- Monitoring and follow-up
Military and Veterans Affairs Social Workers
Military and veterans affairs social workers provide support to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families. They address issues such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and reintegration into civilian life.
What do social workers do on a daily basis? | Best social work military and veterans services
- Assessment and intake
- Case management
- Counseling
- Support for families
- Advocacy
- Outreach and education
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Corporate Social Workers
Corporate social workers are professionals who work in businesses and organizations to address social and emotional issues that affect employees, customers, and communities.
They use their skills and training in social work to promote the well-being and productivity of employees, while also addressing ethical and social responsibility concerns.
What do corporate social workers do on a daily basis? | Best Corporate Social Work Services
- Employee counseling
- Workplace wellness initiatives
- Diversity and inclusion training
- Community outreach
- Ethics and corporate responsibility
- Conflict resolution
- Employee engagement and morale
Community Social Workers
Community social workers work with communities to promote social and economic well-being, and address social problems and needs. They help individuals, families, and communities to improve their lives and find solutions to social, economic, and health problems.
What do community social workers do on a daily basis? | Best community social work service
- Community assessments
- Social service worker program development
- Advocacy
- Collaboration
- Counseling and support
- Case management
- Outreach
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International Social Workers
International social workers are social workers who focus on promoting social justice, human rights, and well-being on a global scale.
International social workers may work for international organizations, non-governmental organizations, social work agencies, governments, or as independent consultants, and may focus on a wide range of issues, including poverty, health, education, and human rights.
What do international social workers do on a daily basis? | Best social work international services
- Assessment
- Social service worker program development
- Advocacy
- Collaboration
- Case management
- Outreach
- Cross-cultural communication
Criminal Justice Social Workers
Criminal justice social workers are social workers who specialize in working within the criminal justice system. They work with individuals who are involved in the criminal justice system, including those who have been arrested, incarcerated, or on probation or parole.
What do criminal justice social workers do on a daily basis? | Best social work service criminal justice
- Assessment
- Case management
- Advocacy
- Social work counseling
- Social service worker program development
- Collaboration
- Monitoring and evaluation
Please note that these are just some of the many different types of social workers that exist, each with their own unique responsibilities and areas of focus.
Regardless of their specialty, all social workers strive to improve the lives of their clients and make a positive impact in their communities.
Now that we got a good grasp of different types of social workers, it is time to take a look at what do social workers make per year.
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Do you have any questions about what do medical social workers do or what does a case manager do in social work? If so, contact the Social Work Portal Team.
What Do Social Workers Make? | Social Workers Salary
As a social worker, you can expect to earn a salary that reflects your education, experience, and specialty area. So, what do social workers make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for social workers was $50,390 in May 2021.
However, salaries can vary widely based on several factors, such as location, type of employer, and years of experience.
One of the biggest factors that affects social workers’ salaries is their level of education. Social workers with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree typically earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree.
Additionally, social workers who specialize in a certain area, such as healthcare social work, may earn a higher salary than those who work in other fields.
What do social workers make in healthcare?
Social workers in healthcare make a median annual wage of $60,840 which is considerably higher than what we have seen when looking into what do social workers make overall.
Overall, social work is a rewarding and fulfilling career that can provide a decent salary, especially for those who have advanced education and experience. While the salary of a social worker is not necessarily the highest, the impact they have on people’s lives and the positive change they can bring to communities make it a valuable and meaningful profession.
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How Can I Find a Social Worker? | I Need a Social Worker
Finding a social worker in your area can be as simple as a Google search for “I need a social worker” or “social workers near me”.
However, to narrow your search and find the best social workers or social work agencies for your specific needs, it is helpful to use specialized directories.
These directories connect you with licensed social workers in your area and make it easy to find the right fit for you.
“I Need a Social Worker!” – How to Find a Social Worker
Here are some of the most popular directories to use when searching for social workers near you:
- Healthgrades Social Worker Directory
- Association of Social Work Boards License Lookup
- OnlineTherapy Social Worker Finder
- GoodTherapy
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Conclusion | Importance of Providing Best Social Work Service
Social work services are an essential aspect of our society that plays a critical role in addressing the diverse needs and challenges of individuals, families, and communities.
The best social work services are those that are tailored to meet the specific needs of the individuals they serve and are provided by skilled, passionate, compassionate, and knowledgeable social workers and social work agencies.
Whether provided by social work agencies, individual workers, or innovative practices, these services can have a profound impact on the lives of those who receive them.
With the increasing demand for social work service, it is essential to continue to invest in the education, training, and support of aspiring social workers so that they can provide the best possible care to those who need it most.
If you’re on your way of becoming a social work practitioner, we hope that this Social Work Portal guide has been useful in providing the information you need to take the next step in your career.
Best of luck on your journey!
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FAQ | Social Work Practice & Services
What does a licensed clinical social worker do?
A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) provides mental health services to individuals, families, and groups.
LCSWs work in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, private practice, and community-based organizations. They provide social work counseling and therapy services to those who are struggling with mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma.
What does a healthcare social worker do?
Healthcare social workers help patients navigate the healthcare system and provide support during medical emergencies and illnesses. They also address end-of-life issues and provide grief counseling.
What does a case manager do in social work?
A social work case manager is a type of social worker who focuses on providing comprehensive case management services to individuals and families.
Case management is a process that involves assessing the needs of individuals and families, developing and implementing a care plan to meet those needs, and coordinating the delivery of services and support to help them achieve their goals.
What are some of the many different types of social workers?
Some of the many different types of social workers are:
•Child & Family Social Workers
•School Social Workers
•Geriatric Social Workers
•Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
•Healthcare Social Workers
•International Social Workers
•Criminal Justice Social Workers
•Community Social Workers
•Corporate Social Workers
•Psychiatric Social Workers
•Military and Veterans Affairs Social Workers
•And many more…
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