If you're just getting started in your social worker career or are looking to advance it is important to understand all the career paths that exist. Although the path you choose may vary depending on your interest, there are several common steps that you can take to build a solid career in social work.
Building Your Network
Social workers often find networking to be a key part of their jobs. This can be a great way to meet new clients, as well as learn about services, resources, and programs that relate to your expertise. You can do this through face-to-face interactions, online communities and other professional organizations.
It is also important to network to keep up with the latest research and best practices in your field. This can help you better address a client's needs, avoid pitfalls and improve your overall performance.
Advocacy and Leadership
Advocacy is one of the most effective ways social workers can make a difference. Social workers can reduce the stigma attached to mental health conditions, advocate for disability benefits or work towards preventing child maltreatment. This could include everything from writing policies and legislation, to conducting interviews and participating in public hearings.
It is important to have a mentor in order to grow as a social worker and pursue an advocacy career. You will need a mentor to help you develop the skills necessary to advocate for clients and stay abreast of new laws.
Obtaining a Master's Degree in Social Work
A master's program can help you find a job in a number of fields, including human services and nonprofit administration. These positions usually include advocacy, grants writing, policy formulation, organizational management and behavioral management.
License to Practice
To obtain a license, you'll need to satisfy state and jurisdictional requirements. These vary by country. This could include earning a bachelor's and master's degrees, passing state licensing exams, and completing fieldwork under supervision.
As you work under supervision with families and individual clients, you gain experience. You can then better evaluate your own strengths in social work.
Understanding Your Audience
A successful career in social work is also dependent on your ability to effectively communicate with your clients. This is true especially when working with people from different backgrounds. You may have to modify your vocabulary or speech patterns if you want to talk with a group of people who have a history of substance use disorder, or you need to present treatment plans in front a medical professional.
The ability to communicate effectively with multiple audiences is a skill that's essential for many social workers, especially those who work with children and seniors. These groups each have their own communication needs and challenges.