An Associate Degree takes 2 years and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work takes four years to earn. Furthermore, each state has its own Social Work licensing requirements. Social work can be a very gratifying field of work. A simple definition of a social worker is to assist communities, groups, and individuals in improving their quality of life. A social worker intervenes by organizing communities and teaching people to rise above poverty. They also help individuals cope with social injustices and ensure their client’s human rights and civil liberties.
Associate’s Degree in Social Work
A person with an associate degree in social work cannot be a full-fledged social worker. The title requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social work in most states. However, an associate degree will prepare a person for other types of work in the field.
An associate degree in social work prepares a person to work in various services roles in a community. For example, graduates can work as an assistant to social workers. Many of these jobs are in the social welfare departments’ health and human services department. In addition, they can work as a child advocate dealing with troubled teens or work in any job that requires a social work background.
To obtain a job as a qualified social worker, a person must continue their education until they have received a bachelor’s degree in the field.
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work
When a person earns a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW), they are qualified to help communities, groups, or individuals to reach their maximum level of functioning in society.
The professional Social Worker applies the principles they learn in college. They help people obtain much-needed services for survival and engage in psychotherapy with groups, families, and individuals. They rarely work out of their office because they work in various places. For example, they may work in a client’s home, hospitals, schools, voluntary organizations, and other public sectors.
A qualified social worker must combine their knowledge of cultural factors, including their clients’ educational level, social skills, and economic status. In addition, they must understand how these issues figure into their human behavior and development.
Graduate Social Work Education
Students interested in a graduate degree can earn an MSW online or on-campus. For example, those on a clinical social work professional path can attend an online LCSW program or an on-campus traditional program. Accelerated programs are available that students can complete quickly. There are also macro-level degrees for students who want to work in a non-clinical setting like policy. Students should verify make sure to choose an accredited MSW graduate program.
Job Opportunities
There is currently a shortage of social workers due to the growing population and increased need. As a result, social workers are in great demand to assist people with their problems and teach them survival skills. In addition, the higher your degree, the more career opportunities you have. For example, MSW graduates have many more job opportunities than those that only hold a BSW.
Obstacles in Working as a Social Worker
If a person obtains an associate’s degree in social work, they can learn what it means to choose a career in the field. Due to a large workload, burnout is the main problem that social workers face. Therefore, after only attending two years of college and obtaining an associate degree in social work, a person will be able to find out whether they are suited for the profession and desire to continue their education.
Rewards for a Social Worker
Social workers hold some of the most critical jobs in the world. They work helping the elderly abused, neglected children, and people living in poverty. For millions of people who need assistance, Social Workers significantly contribute to how well their clients successfully navigate life.
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