4 answers
Pam
Student
Freeport
1
Question
Asked
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What class/classes would be best to take in high school if I am interested in becoming a social worker?
I am in 9th grade and want to know what classes I should take during my last few years of high school.
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Pam !
I would suggest taking any classes in psychology and sociology that your high school offers. You may also want to takes Statistics as well. Take as many of these classes until you graduate. Also any Health Science classes.
Another thing that would be good to do is volunteer work. You can contact your local support services agencies where you live and ask about volunteer opportunities. Ask a psychology, sociology or health science teacher if they know of or can arrange for you to have a volunteer assignment. Being around a social service organization will give you an idea of what it is like. You might even develop an opportunity to obtain a mentor which would be most helpful.
Do a search for local social service organizations in your town and if you can possibly visit them to introduce yourself in person, that would be most effective to seek volunteer work.
That being said, always meet with your high school guidance counselor about what classes are available to help you prepare for a career as a Social Worker. Your high school academic counselor will know the exact classes that are offered. Also consider taking Spanish foreign language and ASL (American Sign Language) as those classes will be very helpful to you as a Social Worker.
I hope that this is of help and I wish you all the best !
I would suggest taking any classes in psychology and sociology that your high school offers. You may also want to takes Statistics as well. Take as many of these classes until you graduate. Also any Health Science classes.
Another thing that would be good to do is volunteer work. You can contact your local support services agencies where you live and ask about volunteer opportunities. Ask a psychology, sociology or health science teacher if they know of or can arrange for you to have a volunteer assignment. Being around a social service organization will give you an idea of what it is like. You might even develop an opportunity to obtain a mentor which would be most helpful.
Do a search for local social service organizations in your town and if you can possibly visit them to introduce yourself in person, that would be most effective to seek volunteer work.
That being said, always meet with your high school guidance counselor about what classes are available to help you prepare for a career as a Social Worker. Your high school academic counselor will know the exact classes that are offered. Also consider taking Spanish foreign language and ASL (American Sign Language) as those classes will be very helpful to you as a Social Worker.
I hope that this is of help and I wish you all the best !
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Pam
Thank you so much! I will look into volunteering doon and will look into those classes you suggested thanks again!
Pam
You are very welcome, Pam !
Michelle M.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Pam,
Adding to Michelle's excellent response . . .
Much of a social worker's job revolves around observation and documentation, so, to that end, I would encourage you to hone your writing skills. Also your computer skills. Many agencies use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and e-mail an awful lot, so you should be proficient in them. Also look to work on your organizational skills - being able to store and retrieve electronic records quickly is crucial. Keyboarding speed would also help.
Some of the clients of social service programs are also involved with the criminal justice system, so familiarization with it would also be beneficial. Knowledge of community resources would also be beneficial, so volunteering is an excellent idea.
And, if you have electives to spare, I'd consider an acting class! I think it would help in your interactions with people. That's just sort of something to consider, not a super strong recommendation.
Thanks for your interest in social work - best of luck to you!!
Kim
Adding to Michelle's excellent response . . .
Much of a social worker's job revolves around observation and documentation, so, to that end, I would encourage you to hone your writing skills. Also your computer skills. Many agencies use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and e-mail an awful lot, so you should be proficient in them. Also look to work on your organizational skills - being able to store and retrieve electronic records quickly is crucial. Keyboarding speed would also help.
Some of the clients of social service programs are also involved with the criminal justice system, so familiarization with it would also be beneficial. Knowledge of community resources would also be beneficial, so volunteering is an excellent idea.
And, if you have electives to spare, I'd consider an acting class! I think it would help in your interactions with people. That's just sort of something to consider, not a super strong recommendation.
Thanks for your interest in social work - best of luck to you!!
Kim
Myles Wood
Program Management & Project Execution
13
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Myles’s Answer
Hi Pam,
Adding to the other couple of great responses and knowing both a friend and family member who are social workers, I highly recommend any Psychology and Sociology courses your high school offers, coupled with usual curriculum/standard Social Studies courses. You should also consider looking into a variety of local volunteer opportunities to build up your hands-on experiences, which will also help build out your resume if you're seeking to further study the field in college or university, or similar vocational training. A last recommendation (if your state offers such an option) is to look into early college programs for eligible high schoolers to enroll and participate. This would likely improve your options of courses core to the social working field/profession. Here is an example of such a state program offered in Washington state -> https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/support-programs/dual-credit-programs/course-based-dual-credit (See "Running Start section).
Wishing you all the best in your schooling and career ahead.
Myles
Adding to the other couple of great responses and knowing both a friend and family member who are social workers, I highly recommend any Psychology and Sociology courses your high school offers, coupled with usual curriculum/standard Social Studies courses. You should also consider looking into a variety of local volunteer opportunities to build up your hands-on experiences, which will also help build out your resume if you're seeking to further study the field in college or university, or similar vocational training. A last recommendation (if your state offers such an option) is to look into early college programs for eligible high schoolers to enroll and participate. This would likely improve your options of courses core to the social working field/profession. Here is an example of such a state program offered in Washington state -> https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/support-programs/dual-credit-programs/course-based-dual-credit (See "Running Start section).
Wishing you all the best in your schooling and career ahead.
Myles
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6180
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Pam,
Best Classes to Take in High School for Becoming a Social Worker
To become a social worker, it is essential to take a variety of classes in high school that can help you develop the necessary skills and knowledge for this field. Here are some recommended classes that would be beneficial for someone interested in pursuing a career in social work:
1. Psychology: Taking psychology classes can provide you with a foundational understanding of human behavior, mental health, and social interactions. This knowledge is crucial for social workers as they often work with individuals facing various psychological challenges.
2. Sociology: Studying sociology can help you understand how societies function, the impact of social structures on individuals, and the dynamics of different social groups. This knowledge is valuable for social workers who aim to address social issues and advocate for marginalized populations.
3. Health and Human Services: Courses related to health and human services can introduce you to the healthcare system, social services, and public policy related to human welfare. These classes can help you gain insights into the practical aspects of working in the field of social work.
4. Communication: Strong communication skills are essential for social workers to effectively interact with clients, colleagues, and other professionals. Taking classes in communication can help you develop skills in active listening, empathy, conflict resolution, and effective verbal and written communication.
5. Ethics and Law: Understanding ethical principles and legal regulations relevant to social work practice is crucial for maintaining professional standards and ensuring the well-being of clients. Courses in ethics and law can provide you with the necessary knowledge to navigate complex ethical dilemmas in the field.
6. Child Development: If you are interested in working with children and families as a social worker, taking classes in child development can be beneficial. These courses can help you understand the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of children at different stages.
7. Social Justice: Learning about social justice issues, diversity, equity, and inclusion can prepare you to address systemic inequalities and advocate for social change as a social worker. Classes focusing on these topics can help you develop a critical perspective on societal issues.
By taking a combination of these classes during your high school years, you can build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that will be valuable as you pursue a career in social work.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
National Association of Social Workers (NASW): The NASW is the largest professional organization for social workers in the United States. They provide resources, guidelines, and information on education requirements and best practices for aspiring social workers.
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE): The CSWE is the accrediting body for social work education programs in the U.S. They set standards for curriculum development in social work schools and provide valuable insights into the academic preparation needed for a career in social work.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers data on occupational outlooks, job prospects, salary information, and educational requirements for various professions, including social workers. Their insights can help students understand the demand for social workers and the expected growth in this field.
GOD BLESS!
James.
Best Classes to Take in High School for Becoming a Social Worker
To become a social worker, it is essential to take a variety of classes in high school that can help you develop the necessary skills and knowledge for this field. Here are some recommended classes that would be beneficial for someone interested in pursuing a career in social work:
1. Psychology: Taking psychology classes can provide you with a foundational understanding of human behavior, mental health, and social interactions. This knowledge is crucial for social workers as they often work with individuals facing various psychological challenges.
2. Sociology: Studying sociology can help you understand how societies function, the impact of social structures on individuals, and the dynamics of different social groups. This knowledge is valuable for social workers who aim to address social issues and advocate for marginalized populations.
3. Health and Human Services: Courses related to health and human services can introduce you to the healthcare system, social services, and public policy related to human welfare. These classes can help you gain insights into the practical aspects of working in the field of social work.
4. Communication: Strong communication skills are essential for social workers to effectively interact with clients, colleagues, and other professionals. Taking classes in communication can help you develop skills in active listening, empathy, conflict resolution, and effective verbal and written communication.
5. Ethics and Law: Understanding ethical principles and legal regulations relevant to social work practice is crucial for maintaining professional standards and ensuring the well-being of clients. Courses in ethics and law can provide you with the necessary knowledge to navigate complex ethical dilemmas in the field.
6. Child Development: If you are interested in working with children and families as a social worker, taking classes in child development can be beneficial. These courses can help you understand the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of children at different stages.
7. Social Justice: Learning about social justice issues, diversity, equity, and inclusion can prepare you to address systemic inequalities and advocate for social change as a social worker. Classes focusing on these topics can help you develop a critical perspective on societal issues.
By taking a combination of these classes during your high school years, you can build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that will be valuable as you pursue a career in social work.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
National Association of Social Workers (NASW): The NASW is the largest professional organization for social workers in the United States. They provide resources, guidelines, and information on education requirements and best practices for aspiring social workers.
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE): The CSWE is the accrediting body for social work education programs in the U.S. They set standards for curriculum development in social work schools and provide valuable insights into the academic preparation needed for a career in social work.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers data on occupational outlooks, job prospects, salary information, and educational requirements for various professions, including social workers. Their insights can help students understand the demand for social workers and the expected growth in this field.
GOD BLESS!
James.