Did you know that the social work field is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States? In fact, there were more than 700,000 social work jobs in the workforce in 2021.¹

Social workers provide their patients and their families with support, counseling, and resources to services. Here is more information on what a social worker is and how to become one.

What is a Social Worker?

Social workers play an important role in helping the people they serve with a variety of challenges and concerns by providing guidance and resources. Additionally, they advocate for their clients by helping them understand difficult situations and exercise their rights.²

Social workers have a certain set of skills that help them perform their job well. For example, social workers are empathetic, compassionate, patient, organized, and active listeners. Social workers improve these skills while earning their degree and through continuous training.³

How to Become a Social Worker

In order to become a social worker, you need to have a CSWE, Council on Social Work Education, accredited bachelor’s degree in social work. Additionally, you need to complete the LSW, Licensed Social Worker, application. Lastly, you have to pass the ASWB, Association of Social Work Boards, exam in order to be officially licensed. It is important to note that each state has its own licensure requirements.⁴

There are many fields that a social worker can work in.⁵ Some examples of the fields include:

Health Care. Healthcare social workers provide support and services to those who have chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. The types of services can include counseling, guidance, and case management.⁶

Mental Health. Mental health social workers provide guidance and treatment to those who have a mental illness, behavioral issue, or substance abuse disorder. Additionally, they may confer with a psychologist or other mental health professionals to further help their client’s recovery.⁷

Aging. Aging social workers help seniors and their families navigate their emotional, social, and healthcare needs through counseling, assessment, advocacy, and referral of services.⁸

Within these fields, social workers can work at a skilled nursing facility, hospital, counseling centers, school, government agencies, and more.⁹

Day-to-Day of a Social Worker

The day-to-day life of a social worker varies by day and depends on the industry they work in; however, there are certain tasks that most social workers complete every day, such as:

• Meet with their clients
• Serve as the liaison between their clients and organizations such as hospitals and mental health clinics¹⁰
• Collaborate with their client’s medical team to ensure their clients receive the necessary care
• Document the interaction and care their clients receive¹¹