Pathway: Social Services
Job: Social Worker

Job Description

Social Workers help individuals and families face social problems such as family conflict, financial need, serious illness, disability, unemployment, child abuse or antisocial behavior.

Necessary Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Helpful High School Courses

English, Science, Math, Social Science, Communications, Behavioral Science

Working Conditions

• Works a 40-hour week
• May occasionally work evenings and weekends
• Works in clean offices that are well-lit
• Often travels to visit clients and meet with service providers

Salary Range

• 2003, Delaware average annual salary, $35,960
• 2003, Delaware average hourly wage, $17.29

Career Ladder Information

• A Master’s Degree is necessary for positions in health and mental-health settings and is required for certification
• Most supervisory and administrative positions require advanced degrees

Personal Qualities and Interests

     You:

• Have strong desire to make things better
• Like to work independently
• Like to solve problems
• Have a compassionate, caring and emotional nature
• Have patience and understanding
• Have good communication skills
• Are sensitive to the needs of others
• Are able to inspire and motivate others

Did you know?

• Social work is one of Delaware’s fastest growing occupations.

Additional Information

• National Association of Social Workers, Career Info, 750 First Street NE, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20002-4241
• Council for Social Work Education: http://www.cswe.org
• Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco

  
  

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