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Kyle
Student
Anderson, South Carolina
1
Question
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What do u major in to work with child protective services
I don’t know the right terms for it but i want to help people in bad situations :) #psychology
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
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Doc’s Answer
Kyle Child Protective Services career requires a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology or a similar field. Clinical social workers must be licensed by the state, while licensure for non-clinical social workers may be optional in some states. Experience requirements vary by employer, but two years is common. Key skills for this career include knowledge of psychology, therapy and counseling; active listening; social perceptiveness; speaking; service orientation; reading comprehension; judgment and decision making; complex problem solving; critical thinking; writing; databases; and common office software. A Child Protective Services worker provide services to improve the social and psychological well-being of children. As an undergraduate, an aspiring at-risk youth worker might major in social work with a concentration in child welfare. Typical child welfare coursework includes child abuse and neglect, cultural diversity and family work. Many social work job options allow at-risk youth workers to gain experience, including positions in child welfare, school or clinical social work and substance abuse counseling. Child welfare social workers work closely with local and state government agencies; they may work as case managers or assessors for Child Protective Services or Family Preservation and Support. School social workers perform social development assessments and educate at-risk youth about crisis intervention. Clinical social workers provide psychological health care as therapists and counselors. Finally, substance abuse counselors for at-risk youth perform assessment and counseling.
For employment in school or clinical settings, the minimum educational requirement is often a master's degree. Many clinical social workers have a doctoral degree. A graduate student who wants to work with at-risk youth might concentrate in child development, child welfare or children and family. A master's program in one of these concentrations typically includes courses in legal aspects of social work, substance abuse, treatment and pharmacology for counselors, as well as advanced courses in social work perspectives on human behavior.
Hope this was helpful Kyle
For employment in school or clinical settings, the minimum educational requirement is often a master's degree. Many clinical social workers have a doctoral degree. A graduate student who wants to work with at-risk youth might concentrate in child development, child welfare or children and family. A master's program in one of these concentrations typically includes courses in legal aspects of social work, substance abuse, treatment and pharmacology for counselors, as well as advanced courses in social work perspectives on human behavior.
Hope this was helpful Kyle
Thank You Kim. The THINGS that COUNT most IN LIFE ARE the THINGS that CAN'T BE COUNTED.
Doc Frick
Priya Mathew
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, Art Student
170
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Priya’s Answer
Hi Kyle,
Someone I know who worked in that setting majored in Psychology I believe =). I would think you can also major in Social Work, Counseling perhaps, or even major in any field and minor in a social service/helping field. A great resource is to ask your academic advisor or school counselor! Good luck! It is a great gift to want to help those struggling or those in need.
Someone I know who worked in that setting majored in Psychology I believe =). I would think you can also major in Social Work, Counseling perhaps, or even major in any field and minor in a social service/helping field. A great resource is to ask your academic advisor or school counselor! Good luck! It is a great gift to want to help those struggling or those in need.
Kristina Wilson
LMSW
5
Answers
Metamora, Michigan
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
For that, you would want to major in social work. Psychology could be helpful to study, too.
I would suggest considering whether you have or could develop a strong sense of boundaries and objectiveness, so as to protect against secondary trauma, as the things you may see and hear could contribute to personal trauma. Please do not confuse this with lack of empathy, but I feel that in social work is it is important to not feel so much of what people are going through that it clouds your judgment or capability to do your job effectively. It is possible to understand and assist without taking on someone else’s emotions or trauma.
I would suggest considering whether you have or could develop a strong sense of boundaries and objectiveness, so as to protect against secondary trauma, as the things you may see and hear could contribute to personal trauma. Please do not confuse this with lack of empathy, but I feel that in social work is it is important to not feel so much of what people are going through that it clouds your judgment or capability to do your job effectively. It is possible to understand and assist without taking on someone else’s emotions or trauma.
Hassan Al
Product Management Professional
398
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Hassan’s Answer
The other replies are very much on point. In addition, you may want to review job postings that you're interested in https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sc?keywords=cws to better understand the education requirements. The requirements may also vary by state in case you're considering relocation.