Social Worker
Social workers help people prevent and deal with problems such as poverty, poor housing, illness, illiteracy, drug abuse and child and spouse abuse. Social workers are trained to work in clinical and/or health and human service agencies, evaluating and providing therapy to persons with a mental health condition, offering assistance and services to individuals who may be psychosocially impaired or deprived. Some social workers help religious, civic, business and union organizations address social problems and help people find jobs or housing.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Social workers are employed in private and public social agencies, schools, correction centers, corporations, courts of law and private practice. Health care and mental health social workers work in hospitals, home health agencies, nursing homes, hospices, mental health clinics, substance abuse centers and employee assistance programs.

HIGH SCHOOL PREPARATION
General college preparation is recommended: Three courses in math including algebra I, algebra II and geometry, or a higher level math course for which algebra II is a prerequisite; three science courses including one biological science, one physical science and one lab course; four English units and two social studies units, including one in U.S. History; and two years of foreign language.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) or a bachelor's degree in liberal arts is the entry degree for the field; a master’s degree (MSW) is necessary for more advanced positions. To become certified, an applicant must hold a bachelor's or master’s degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, submit recommendations, and pass an examination for certification as a: Certified Social Worker, Certified Master Social Worker, Certified Clinical Social Worker or Certified Social Work Manager.

AVERAGE STARTING SALARY
BSW - $20,000 - $25,000 MSW - $25,000 - $32,000 Advanced -$ 35,000 - $45,000.