Five Jobs that I Need a Master’s Degree in Social Work to Get

Jobs for Those with an MSW

Clinical Social Worker
Family and Child Social Worker
Public Policy Social Worker
Geriatric Social Worker
Administrative Social Worker

Social work is a rewarding a versatile degree that when specialized requires a master’s degree. These specializations can be used in a clinical, government, or nonprofit environment. They serve society either through individual counseling as a micro practice or on a macro-scale aiding, communities as a whole.

Clinical Social Worker

Any type of clinical career in social work requires a master’s degree as well as a state license, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Professionals in this category act as counselors and therapists in a wide range of environments. From hospitals to private practice, clinical social workers treat various aliments such as depression, mental health disorders, drug addiction, and domestic abuse. They generally work within communities and assist with lifestyle choices by providing access to local resources like job placement centers, rehabilitation programs, and general support.

Family and Child Social Worker

This field offers assistance to distraught or displaced families that have children. Although not all jobs require a master’s degree in social work, it is preferred and usually required for leadership roles and positions inside the educational system. Child social workers provide a middle ground between parent and child, acting as a counselor, intermediary, or enforcer where abuse exists. They often work for government agencies to protect and guide families in need.

Public Policy Social Worker

This versatile career works on large-scale social issues and creates systemic plans that aid the public. These initiatives may include public-housing projects, public-service programs like food assistance, and legislative policies that affect the public. They may work in local or state governments, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), or nonprofits who promote public welfare goals. Most professionals in this field acquire a master’s degree in social work as well as some prior work experience or training.

Geriatric Social Worker

As a healthcare worker, geriatric social work focuses on assistance to the elderly and their families. This could include transition stages where a loved one must move into a retirement community, or they need help with basic necessities like food services or medical deliveries. They can also assist with financial planning, mental disorders, and domestic problems. This specialty requires a concentration in aging or elderly care as part of a master’s degree in social work.

Administrative Social Worker

This type of career requires a master’s degree in social work as professionals in this field hold management positions. Complete knowledge of the entire structure of social work is needed to provide guidance, organizational direction, and delegation of tasks. It also means that the administrator is responsible for setting budgets, developing organizational goals, coordinating programs, managing staff, and fundraising through grant writing. The position holds a public role as a spokesperson for government agencies, NGOs, community service centers and non-profits.

Social work offers many options to help the community on a personal or universal level by engaging with people and discovering their needs. A master’s degree in social work opens more career options to specialized fields of civil service.