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What are the requirements for being a Social Worker?
I want to be a Child Welfare Social Worker, do you have any advice on where and how I should start?
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Tasheema !
To answer your first question, in order to become a professional Social Worker it takes six years of college. You would obtain your Bachelors Degree in Social Work and your Masters in Social Work. Within this path, as electives, you should take a sociology course and an early childhood development course either online or on campus. Social Workers are clinical therapists so you will learn human behavior, theories and techniques. There are variations on the academic path such as getting a Bachelors Degree in Psychology then the Masters in Social Work, but you will be prepared for the certifications and licensing better if you do the even flow of Social Work path. Your part in the lives of many will be very important. When you're finished with your Masters Degree, you will take the ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards) exam to become Certified.
There are ten tiers of Licensure for Social Workers and I have left a link below for you to read about them. Licensing would be for the state that you plan to work in. After you obtain your Certification, you would then go for your Licensure. The link below that I've provided explains it all.
You may be wondering what you could do now to prepare yourself for the work you've mentioned. Working with one population such as children requires a deep understanding of many other populations. Something that you can do now or when you are of employment age is to get a part time job or volunteer work at a social service geared towards children. Some agencies that I would recommend to seek volunteer or employment experiences from are Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Summer Youth Employment Program (which is full in NYC for this summer), New York City Administration for Children's Services, Safe Horizon, Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services, Wediko Children's Services, Kids In Seats (where you can be a mentor to a child), The New York Center for Children, Social City, ACCESS NYC Office of Child Support Services and so very many more in your city.
My advice is to start slow with this because you will want to begin with a basic experience in an atmosphere such as Big Brother Big Sisters, just to get an introduction to the work, the clients as well as how things function in a non-profit agency. During your college experience, you will have lab and field work that will bring you into more intense academic and hands on experience, so begin softly with this and gradually progress as you learn. You can also read many books to get the gist of behavioral health as well as social issues that children face. Do a search online for some books about social work as well as psychology and issues pertaining to children. You should also become familiar with various child disabilities and programs that serve children. I know, it's a lot to learn, but with the appropriate education, credentials and a love for making a difference, you will do well and be much appreciated for your work.
As an aside, you can work in the social services field without being a social worker, but your opportunities may be limited as well as the salary may be lower than if you actually go through the Social Work education path.
I hope that this has helped and I wish you well on your journey to become a Social Worker !
ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORK BOARDS - ABOUT CERTIFICATION https://www.aswb.org/
SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-licensure/
To answer your first question, in order to become a professional Social Worker it takes six years of college. You would obtain your Bachelors Degree in Social Work and your Masters in Social Work. Within this path, as electives, you should take a sociology course and an early childhood development course either online or on campus. Social Workers are clinical therapists so you will learn human behavior, theories and techniques. There are variations on the academic path such as getting a Bachelors Degree in Psychology then the Masters in Social Work, but you will be prepared for the certifications and licensing better if you do the even flow of Social Work path. Your part in the lives of many will be very important. When you're finished with your Masters Degree, you will take the ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards) exam to become Certified.
There are ten tiers of Licensure for Social Workers and I have left a link below for you to read about them. Licensing would be for the state that you plan to work in. After you obtain your Certification, you would then go for your Licensure. The link below that I've provided explains it all.
You may be wondering what you could do now to prepare yourself for the work you've mentioned. Working with one population such as children requires a deep understanding of many other populations. Something that you can do now or when you are of employment age is to get a part time job or volunteer work at a social service geared towards children. Some agencies that I would recommend to seek volunteer or employment experiences from are Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Summer Youth Employment Program (which is full in NYC for this summer), New York City Administration for Children's Services, Safe Horizon, Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services, Wediko Children's Services, Kids In Seats (where you can be a mentor to a child), The New York Center for Children, Social City, ACCESS NYC Office of Child Support Services and so very many more in your city.
My advice is to start slow with this because you will want to begin with a basic experience in an atmosphere such as Big Brother Big Sisters, just to get an introduction to the work, the clients as well as how things function in a non-profit agency. During your college experience, you will have lab and field work that will bring you into more intense academic and hands on experience, so begin softly with this and gradually progress as you learn. You can also read many books to get the gist of behavioral health as well as social issues that children face. Do a search online for some books about social work as well as psychology and issues pertaining to children. You should also become familiar with various child disabilities and programs that serve children. I know, it's a lot to learn, but with the appropriate education, credentials and a love for making a difference, you will do well and be much appreciated for your work.
As an aside, you can work in the social services field without being a social worker, but your opportunities may be limited as well as the salary may be lower than if you actually go through the Social Work education path.
I hope that this has helped and I wish you well on your journey to become a Social Worker !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
To become a social worker, there are several requirements that you need to fulfill. Below are some of the typical requirements:
1. Education: You will typically need at least a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) to become a social worker. Some positions may require a master's degree in social work (MSW). It is important to choose an accredited program.
2. Licensure: Depending on your country or state, you may need to obtain a licence or certification to practice as a social worker. This usually involves passing an exam and completing supervised work experience.
3. Field Experience: Many social work programs require field placements or internships where you gain practical experience working with individuals and communities under the supervision of licensed professionals.
4. Knowledge and Skills: Social workers should have strong communication, empathy, problem-solving, organizational, and advocacy skills. They also need knowledge about human behavior, psychology, sociology, child development, ethics and legal issues related to their field of specialization.
5. Continuing Education: Social workers are often required to participate in continuing education courses or workshops throughout their careers to maintain licensure and stay updated on best practices.
To become a Child Welfare Social Worker specifically: one needs to;
1. Gain relevant education: Focus on courses related to child welfare in your BSW or MSW program.
2. Seek specialized training: Look for additional training opportunities that focus on child welfare issues such as child abuse/neglect prevention and intervention techniques.
3. Gain experience working with children/families: Seek internships or volunteer opportunities with organizations that assist children/families, such as foster care agencies or non-profit organizations focused on child welfare.
4. Network with professionals in the field: Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars related to child welfare where you can meet professionals already working in this area who can provide guidance and advice.
5. Internship/Placement Opportunities specific to Child Welfare : Look for internship/placement opportunities specifically focused on Child Welfare through your university/college counseling department or by contacting local government agencies responsible for children's services.
Remember that requirements may vary from one jurisdiction/organization to another, so it is important to research the specific requirements applicable in your area.
Best wishes.
1. Education: You will typically need at least a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) to become a social worker. Some positions may require a master's degree in social work (MSW). It is important to choose an accredited program.
2. Licensure: Depending on your country or state, you may need to obtain a licence or certification to practice as a social worker. This usually involves passing an exam and completing supervised work experience.
3. Field Experience: Many social work programs require field placements or internships where you gain practical experience working with individuals and communities under the supervision of licensed professionals.
4. Knowledge and Skills: Social workers should have strong communication, empathy, problem-solving, organizational, and advocacy skills. They also need knowledge about human behavior, psychology, sociology, child development, ethics and legal issues related to their field of specialization.
5. Continuing Education: Social workers are often required to participate in continuing education courses or workshops throughout their careers to maintain licensure and stay updated on best practices.
To become a Child Welfare Social Worker specifically: one needs to;
1. Gain relevant education: Focus on courses related to child welfare in your BSW or MSW program.
2. Seek specialized training: Look for additional training opportunities that focus on child welfare issues such as child abuse/neglect prevention and intervention techniques.
3. Gain experience working with children/families: Seek internships or volunteer opportunities with organizations that assist children/families, such as foster care agencies or non-profit organizations focused on child welfare.
4. Network with professionals in the field: Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars related to child welfare where you can meet professionals already working in this area who can provide guidance and advice.
5. Internship/Placement Opportunities specific to Child Welfare : Look for internship/placement opportunities specifically focused on Child Welfare through your university/college counseling department or by contacting local government agencies responsible for children's services.
Remember that requirements may vary from one jurisdiction/organization to another, so it is important to research the specific requirements applicable in your area.
Best wishes.