The pandemic had a knock-on effect on every aspect of our lives. Job insecurity, burnout and a loss of income were the flint that sparked a bigger problem.
Coupled with widespread protests following the murder of George Floyd, the collective mood was a powder keg waiting to explode. And then things came to a head in Hoboken, New Jersey.
Still reeling from Floyd’s death and protesting against police brutality, residents refused to engage the local police force. The City of Hoboken faced an uphill battle to enforce law and order.
They turned to social workers to bridge the fractured divide between police and the community. So far, it’s been a success.
Critical Shortage of Social Workers
Hoboken’s story isn’t unique. Government agencies have been hiring social workers to oversee initiatives in local communities. There’s just one massive problem. The shortage of social workers is leading to the cancellation or delay of some projects.
WOAI earlier this year reported that the U.S. was facing a massive shortage of social workers. Economists estimate that the country should expect a scarcity of nearly 200,000 by 2030.
Will Francis, Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers for Texas and Louisiana, stated that the federal government must invest in making social work a more attractive profession.
Pathways to Obtaining Your Degree
A Master of Social Work (MSW) degree can open many doors for graduates, including second careers for social workers.
Accredited institutions offer online MSW programs. Focussing on assessment, treatment and prevention of mental illness, the coursework equips you for the real world.
Degree requirements must include a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. The program takes 2.6 years to complete. To join the accelerated degree program, you must have a bachelor’s degree in social work. The program length is 1.7 years.
After graduation, you’ll be fully prepared to obtain licensure as a clinical social worker. This will allow you to serve as a mental health provider. Because the field is vast, there are just as rewarding career options.
Clinical social workers (CSW) and licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) diagnose and treat mental disorders and behavior. Child and family social workers are tasked with responding to crises, such as child abuse and mental health emergencies.
Keuka College says professionals in related fields often pivot careers and pursue a second career in social work.
Why Consider Social Work as a Career?
There are more than 600,000 social workers in the U.S. Still, it’s not nearly enough to plug the holes in the sector.
Many are drawn to the field because it resonates with their innate desire to help people. Maybe you’re stuck in a job that isn’t fulfilling or there’s an urge calling you to do more.
Social workers have a profound impact on many lives. As mental health professionals, they advocate improving the lives of vulnerable people. This entails working within communities to help effect changes.
Social work could be the perfect fit if you’re looking for a job that’s rewarding and challenging. Doing their part for society and helping people overcome difficulties is why psychology undergraduates choose to pursue this career path.
Career Opportunities for Social Workers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the social work sector is predicted to grow by 7% by 2033.
Based on analysis from various agencies, social workers earn on average between $45,000 and $76,000 a year. Fortune adds that your income can fall above or below the above threshold based on experience, background and degree.
Using data from ZipRecruiter, Fortune curated a list of social worker salaries by state. Massachusetts ranked first place with an average social worker salary of $89,328 per year. Oregon came in second ($88,018) and West Virginia took 50th and last position ($54,959).
Forensic social work is fast becoming popular among graduates. Also called criminal justice social workers, these social workers are critical roleplayers in the U.S. legal system.
They assist clients in navigating difficult situations by advocating for abuse survivors and testifying on their behalf.
Choosing to become a social worker is not about the money. Having a heart of gold and being empathetic to others’ struggles are the main reasons people take this career path.
No two days are alike. There will be cases that challenge you to breaking point. But the rewards are worth it. Helping others to overcome adversity and hardship is the best feeling in the world, and nothing can replace it.
