How to Become a Social Worker
Social work is a discipline that applies social theory to practical use. Social workers use their practical skills and knowledge to improve the lives of marginalized groups, or those in need of help and intervention.
Start Early
You can start volunteering as a social worker’s aide as early as high school. If the opportunity is not open, you can try and join charitable organizations. This can give a feel of what social work really entails.
Getting a Degree
To be a professional social worker, the best way to get started right away is to attain a bachelor’s degree in social work. In addition, a Master’s and Doctorate in Social Work will also allow you to become a professional social worker for more specialized fields. Keep in mind that you must attain these degrees from a Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) to receive a license to practice your degree.
Keep in mind that to finish your degree in social work, you must have at least 400 hours of supervised field experience of social work.
In your last year of college, look for paid internships. These internships will provide you with references for the future and offer you opportunities.
Start planning to take a Master’s degree. Having a Master’s degree will make you eligible for clinical social work. It can also get you a position of higher responsibility and case management. This will require 900 hours of supervised field experience.
After getting your Master’s degree, you will have to work in the field as a clinical social worker under supervision for another two years, before being made eligible for the licensure exam.
Skills Needed for Social Workers
Social workers often encounter sensitive situations involving delicate subjects and different people, so they are often encouraged not to be too easily involved with their clients.
A background in social sciences can also be a great help for social workers. This will help them interact more effectively with their clients and make the proper analysis and conclusions for each case.
A working knowledge of the law and human rights are also vital in the practice of social work. Diplomacy, people skills and conflict management are also very important.
Make sure that social work is your passion and your calling. This profession requires dedication, patience and perseverance. People’s lives will be literally in your hands in this line of work.