How to Become a Social Worker: A Basic Provision
Opting for social work is one of the dynamic career choices you would ever make. It allows you to promote positive changes among vulnerable groups of people. Social workers work with a sole aim, and that is to empower others. Whether you want to work for the betterment of underprivileged people or elders, you have plenty of options to explore in this field. You get the chance to work with people facing different types of issues. From poverty to mental health, racism to violence, you will face many challenges to resolve people’s problems.
Social workers address many social issues, developing unique skill sets and techniques to tackle professional challenges. You must understand that the demands of every social work are different. For example, if you are working in the healthcare branch, you need to understand the dynamics of the healthcare sector. And if you want to raise your voice for violence against women, you have to understand their issues first. So, you can see that social work is a very diverse field that requires you to dig deep down and figure out the root causes of every single issue. Let’s find out how you can become a social worker.
Get a Relevant Degree
The first step to establishing your career in any field is to get a high-level qualification. To be a top social worker, you have to attain a master’s degree in social work (MSW). Suppose you want to bear your educational expenses by doing a part-time job. In that case, you can leverage the distance learning opportunity on the internet. In that case, you should go for the MSW online degree program, as it will help you manage and plan your schedule conveniently.
Getting a master’s degree is also essential in social work to obtain licensure. You have to ensure that the council accredits your degree in social work education (CSWE). The certified programs are designed per the best practices of social work education.
Complete your Fieldwork Hours
Fieldwork is also referred to as internships or the period that students can complete by working with different communities to apply the learning of various courses. It would be best if you had a clear idea about field placements. It will help you complete fieldwork hours, which are 16 to 20. It is a requirement of MSW programs. Also, it will strengthen your profile as a competent social worker and give you a taste of the professional life of the social worker.
Fieldwork allows you to learn from experienced social workers in the field. You have to ensure that the placement site can provide you with a meaningful experience that can add value to your professional life. It will allow you to come out of your comfort zone and seek potential growth opportunities.
Apply for Licensure
Getting licensure in social work is one of the ways to polish your skills and advance your learning. It shows your credibility as a professional social worker. But not all positions require a license as you can work directly with individuals to solve their issues.
Requirements for licensure vary in every state, so you have to check it as per your state regulations. In some states, different levels of licensure are required, while others only need one.
Licensed social workers are of two types. The first one is clinical social work licensure, and you can get it if you want to pursue clinical services. Having this license allows social workers for independent private practice. Another type of licensed social worker is master social work licensure. Suppose you do not want to practice clinically, such as working with people facing mental disorders. In that case, you should go for the licensure. Individuals interested in micro-level practice and who do not want to pursue private practice should pick master social work licensure.
Pick your Area of Interest
While establishing your social worker career, first choose an area of interest. Whether you opt for a clinical social worker or a school social worker, you have to choose your passion. Clinical social workers mostly work as clinical practitioners to analyze, treat, and diagnose mental illness.
On the other hand, school social workers fulfill school duties and work with students, families, community providers, and staff members. As a school social worker, you will primarily work in a multidisciplinary team to address different issues schools and students face. You mainly have to deal with the mental health issues affecting the education system and student outcomes.
Medical social work is another branch that you can consider. Suppose you are interested in working in medical facilities such as community health centers or hospitals. In that case, it is the right fit for you. Every person needs health assistance at some point in life. So, it will create an opportunity for you to support patients and their families while their loved ones face health crises.
Never Stop Learning
Learning is a constant process that continues until you die. The same applies to social work, as you have to continue learning to upgrade your skills. Also, social workers have to pursue continued learning at least 48 hours before licensure renewal. There are different learning methods such as training sessions, professional meetings, webinars, organized events, and many more. The bottom line is that you should avail every learning opportunity that comes your way.
Conclusion
Social work is one of the noble professions that allows you to serve people facing different issues. Whether it is domestic violence or mental illness, you get the chance to help people and promote them “be strong be healthy” who go through pain and misery daily. So, to deal with such sensitive issues, you need to enhance your skills and be mentally strong. It will help you empower others by positively contributing to their lives.
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