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Social workers assist people by helping them cope with issues in their everyday lives, deal with their relationships and solve personal and family problems.
Child, family and school social workers provide social services and assistance to improve the lives of children and their families. (Child, family, and school social workers may also be known as child welfare social workers, family services social workers, child protective services social workers, occupational social workers, or gerontology social workers.)
Through employee assistance programs, social workers may help people cope with job-related pressures or with personal problems that affect the quality of their work.
In schools, social workers often serve as the link between students’ families and the school, working with parents, guardians, teachers and other school officials to ensure students reach their academic and potential.
Medical and public health social workers provide support to people who are coping with chronic, acute or terminal illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer or AIDS. They also advise family caregivers, counsel patients and help plan for patients’ needs after discharge from hospitals.
How long will it take?
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for entry into the occupation, but many positions require an advanced degree. In addition, all states have some licensure, certification or registration requirement.
You can earn the first two years of a bachelor's degree at Amarillo College.
How much can you earn?
In 2006, average earnings of social workers ranged from $37,500 to $53,750 per year.
Where can you work?
About half of all social workers work in health care and social assistance industries, with about a third employed by state and local government agencies.
AC can help you get there!
