MSW Jobs Outlook

Exploring a Career Social Work
The University of New England’s Master of Social Work online option is proud to help prepare the next generation of social workers. No one can predict the future, but currently the MSW job outlook is favorable, especially in rural areas, which often find it difficult to attract and retain qualified staff.

By specialty, job prospects may be best for those social workers with a background in gerontology and substance abuse treatment. Growth of medical and public health social workers is expected to be 24%, which is much faster than the average for all other occupations.

Employment of social workers is expected to increase by 22% during the 2006-16 decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The growing elderly population and the aging baby boom generation will create greater demand for health and social services, resulting in rapid job growth among gerontology social workers. Employment of social workers in private social service agencies also will increase.

Mental health and substance abuse social workers will grow by 30%, which is much faster than the average, over the 2006-16 decade. As many offenders are being directed to treatment versus jail time, a trend that is expected to continue. Source:  Bureau of Labor Statistics

Social Work Career Resources
As a social work professional it’s natural to rely on fellow social workers for information, advice, experience, research, and relevant news from the field. At UNEs School of Social Work, we feel that this is an important part of the profession and encourage our students to develop a bond with their classmates, professors, and other social workers.

To facilitate learning and research, we’ve complied a list of links and resources you can use to network, gain information, and explore all of the various career options that social workers have. Whether you’re enrolled in the Master of Social Work online option or just looking to connect with other social workers, use the links below to assist your search. When we find something new we’ll update our list, so check back frequently.

Click on the links below for more information about the field of social work:

• National Association of Social Workers
  The National Association of Social Workers is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with 150,000 members. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies. This is an important site for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers, Child, Family, and School Social Workers, Medical and Public Heath Social Workers, and Social Work Administrators.
• Worldwide Resources for Social Workers
  The goal of this site is to help social service professionals throughout the world conveniently maintain an awareness of news regarding the profession and emerging scholarship. Features news and information about social work from around the world.
• Council on Social Work Education
  The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is a nonprofit national association representing more than 3,000 individual members, as well as graduate and undergraduate programs of professional social work education. Founded in 1952, this partnership of educational and professional institutions, social welfare agencies, and private citizens is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in this country. Learn more about School of Social Work Accreditation and it’s effect on Social Work Licensure.
• The Social Worker History Station
  This project is sponsored by the Social Welfare Archives and documents the profession and practice of social work from its beginning to the present day.
• The Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups
  Founded in 1979, the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups, Inc. an International Professional Organization (AASWG), is the premier international association for social workers and allied helping professionals engaged in group work. The purpose of this non-profit, member-driven organization is to promote excellence in group work practice, education, field instruction, research, and publication. The goals of this Association are realized through a program of action and advocacy at both the local and international levels. An important resource for all social workers and especially Child, Family, and School Social Workers.
• Urban Institute
  The Urban Institute gathers data, conducts research, evaluates programs, offers technical assistance overseas, and educates Americans on social and economic issues — to foster sound public policy and effective government.
• The New Social Worker Online
  An online resource for social workers, the site features articles, job listings, links to additional resources, and a variety of information about the profession of social work and social work education.
• SocialWorkBlog.org
  Developed by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) in collaboration with the nation’s schools of social work, this website was created to educate prospective social workers about the scope and vitality of the profession. By highlighting 50 accomplished social workers, the site provides an up close and personal look at the profession’s diverse people, opportunities and contributions. In addition to the social worker profiles, there is a range of helpful information and resources for making an informed career choice.
• Potential Salaries for Social Workers
  As a social worker your salary will depend on your field of practice, your experience, education, and the location where you live. Typically social workers with a Master’s Degree in Social Work will earn more than those with just a bachelor’s degree. This article provides an estimate of potential salaries for Social Workers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Occupational Growth
  Learn what can help you grow in your social work career and facts about the current and future state of the profession. Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this article can help you put some perspective on the industry and latest trends in the field.

POSTED BY: ec_admin - July 21st, 2009 at 04:47pm ( 0 )