Best Social Work Degrees & Career Options

Career Resources

10 Most Popular Social Work Career Options

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Selecting your career concentration is perhaps the most essential part of your Master of Social Work process. Universities offer a diverse spectrum of custom MSW tracks that focus your skill growth for certain subfield professions. The Department of Labor reports that America’s 682,100 social workers specialize in wide-ranging niches with fast 10-year growth of 14 to 20 percent apiece. All social work careers share the common thread of improving people’s lives. However, most MSW-level jobs prioritize assisting unique populations facing setbacks and barriers. The NASW reports that there are now 50+ organizations for social workers interested in different practice types. For instance, the National Association of Perinatal Social Workers was started in 1974 to support members in maternal health. Below we’ll describe the 10 most popular social work career options that draw the most attention and jobs. Using the CSWE Directory, we also found five accredited MSW degrees that offer concentrations for each.

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1. Clinical Social Worker

Clinical social workers are psychotherapy providers who treat youth or adults struggling to cope with mental health conditions. They’re LCSW licensed with diagnostic powers to decide the best intervention plan for enhancing clients’ daily functioning. Demand is high since John Hopkins Medicine found 26 percent of U.S. citizens meet DSM-5 criteria for at least one disorder. Clinical social work duties include assessing client behaviors, interviewing, using evidence-based practices, documenting sessions, referring external services, and monitoring goal progress.

Median Salary Potential: $56,810

Top MSW Programs: George Mason, Sacred Heart, Temple, UT-Knoxville, and Houston

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2. Child and Family Social Worker

Child and family social workers are youngster advocates who nurture healthy development from ages 0-21 for the best future outcomes. Their goal is to build loving home environments with supportive parents to protect kids’ well-being. This is especially important today as Child Trends reports that 18 percent of the 74 million youth live in poverty and 702,000 are maltreated. Child and family social work can involve counseling guardians, advising on rearing issues, referring parent aid, attending custody hearings, arranging adoptions, and stopping abuse.

Median Salary Potential: $48,430

Top MSW Programs: UW-Madison, Hawaii, Kennesaw, Arizona State, and Memphis

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3. School Social Worker

School social workers are pupil pals who help address problems inside and outside K-12 buildings to foster optimal growth. Giving each student the opportunities to overcome conflicts and succeed in the educational process is their mission. Keeping kids protected is also paramount since Campus Safety recorded over 750,000 incidents of school violence in 2014 alone. School social work entails identifying at-risk students, alleviating adversity, curbing undesirable behaviors, giving disability support, mobilizing community resources, and preventing dropouts.

Median Salary Potential: $48,204

Top MSW Programs: UI-Chicago, Kentucky, Cincinnati, San Diego State, and Washburn

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4. Addiction Social Worker

Addiction social workers are rehab recovery agents who guide clients away from physical dependence on drugs and alcohol to sobriety. Some pursue NAADAC certification to better prepare individuals for abstinence after inpatient treatment. Their job is imperative because Michael’s House states that 21 million Americans have substance use disorder and 63,600 overdose deaths occur yearly. Addiction social work includes assisting with withdrawal, counseling, conducting relapse prevention, giving DUI classes, conducting drug tests, and advising families.

Median Salary Potential: $47,830

Top MSW Programs: Ohio State, Adelphi, LIU-Brooklyn, Michigan State, and Monmouth

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5. Geriatric Social Worker

Geriatric social workers are elderly assistants who focus on assuaging the negative aspects of aging to keep older adults contented. Helping independent senior citizens adjust to chronic medical conditions and assisted living situations is a big component. That’s highly relevant since the Census Bureau declared 14.9 percent of, or 47.8 million, Americans are at least 65 and living on median household income of $38,515. Geriatric social work entails lending emotional support, counseling on grief, suggesting senior programs, and reporting elder abuse.

Median Salary Potential: $44,992

Top MSW Programs: Simmons College, UPenn, Denver, Iowa, and Louisiana State

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6. Social Work Administrator

Social work administrators are benevolent nonprofit leaders who pull strings behind-the-scenes to coordinate successful advocacy programs. Agencies serving every demographic always need skilled managers to ensure their outreach initiatives are well-planned. According to Grantspace, the United States has 1.57 million registered charities that report over $1.63 trillion in expenses overall. Social work administration requires setting nonprofit objectives, hiring staff, doing training, making policy changes, building fundraising budgets, and evaluating services.

Median Salary Potential: $70,530

Top MSW Programs: Case Western, Baylor, Savannah State, NYU, and Azusa Pacific

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7. Public Health Social Worker

Public health social workers are disease preventers who have macro-level roles stopping medical ailments afflicting various communities. Teaching vulnerable people how to battle conditions like AIDS, cancer, and Alzheimer’s for wellness is key. Their expertise is needed especially since The Commonwealth Fund found that obesity now causes 18 percent of deaths at ages 40-85. Public health social work marries MSW/MPH skills to educate at-risk groups, suggest lifestyle changes, advocate vaccines, design infection control, and respond to emergencies.

Median Salary Potential: $59,010

Top MSW Programs: Berkeley, Pittsburgh, Fordham, Portland State, and Mizzou

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8. Military Social Worker

Military social workers are Armed Forces aides who help the enlisted process traumas of war during and after deployments. From the Navy to the Air Force, they’re honored to treat our nation’s heroes in need. The Department of Veterans Affairs shows many are because the mental health disorder rate is 41 percent, causing an average 20.6 suicides daily. Military social work demands conducting assessments, providing one-on-one or family therapy, assisting civilian life transitions, giving relocation support, planning job resources, and reducing stresses.

Median Salary Potential: $47,371

Top MSW Programs: Louisville, Dominican, USC, Central Florida, and Touro College

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9. Global Social Worker

Global social workers are overseas health crusaders who stamp their passports for trips righting societal wrongs in the world’s neediest regions. They help nonprofit organizations staff crisis-prone areas from Africa to Asia to develop better living conditions abroad. One big issue is refugee resettlement as Amnesty International reports there are 25.4 million fleeing harm right now. Global social work includes protecting human rights, adapting to new cultures, coordinating resources, counseling violence victims, thwarting injustices, and addressing climate change.

Median Salary Potential: $43,700

Top MSW Programs: Columbia, Boston College, Michigan, Tulane, and UConn

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10. Corrections Social Worker

Corrections social workers are jail staff who focus on meeting the psychosocial needs of inmates behind bars for crimes committed. Getting the CFSW credential helps them find jobs rehabilitating prison populations to productively return to society. That’s crucial today when the National Institute of Justice showed 67.8 percent of the 404,638 offenders researched in 30 states were soon rearrested. Corrections social work entails judging mental health, advising probation officers, arranging inmate education, giving vocational support, and treating anger issues.

Median Salary Potential: $56,630

Top MSW Programs: Loyola Chicago, Rutgers, SDSU, Loma Linda, and Aurora

Remember that this isn’t an exhaustive list of MSW career opportunities available. The 21st century has seen many of the 308 social work schools cataloged by the NCES College Navigator add new modernized tracks. For example, the University of Washington started the Latinas and Latinos Concentration to work with Spanish-speaking immigrants. Washington University in St. Louis launched the Sexual Health and Education Specialization for MSW careers related to reproductive wellness. At Western Michigan University, the Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy MSW produces strong PTSD social workers too. There’s clearly something for everyone in the social work sphere. So keep researching beyond the 10 most popular social work career options to locate your perfect match.

20 Career Options For Social Workers Who Have Completed Their Undergrad And/Or Master’s Degrees

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Completing a CSWE-accredited undergrad or master’s degree in social work leads to abundant career options helping people who need it most. Started in 1955, the NASW now has over 120,000 social workers in diverse settings paving the way for communal changes that eradicate strife and injustice. This human services field has plenty of space for more philanthropic BSW and MSW grads to empower at-risk populations. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics calculated a whopping 16 percent job hike for U.S. social workers by 2026. Utah, Texas, Maryland, Colorado, and Arizona currently boast the career’s fastest-growing opportunities. But the entire country is bracing for a 195,000 shortage next decade according to the Journal of Social Work. Let’s look into 20 greater career options, in alphabetical order, for Bachelor or Master of Social Work graduates called to mission over money.

1. Adoption Social Worker

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Children’s Rights reported that the United States foster care system is inundated with nearly 675,000 youth each year. Adoption social workers are home placement specialists who help qualified couples welcome waiting kids into their embrace. They’re busy matching families at home and abroad, checking backgrounds, assessing child needs, evaluating living conditions, counseling new parents, aiding with legal paperwork, referring social services, and providing ongoing transitional support.

Average Salary: $40,499

2. Cardiovascular Social Worker

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Heart attacks strike approximately 730,000 Americans and heart disease causes one in four deaths annually according to the Centers for Disease Control. Cardiovascular social workers are medical staff who develop psychosocial intervention plans for patients diagnosed with heart ailments. They’ll help explain the diagnosis, assess emotional needs, offer outpatient support, suggest lifestyle changes, refer community resources like nutrition classes, facilitate family conferences, and assist with end-of-life care if needed.

Average Salary: $43,365

3. Child Welfare Social Worker

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The Joyful Heart Foundation warns that child abuse is reported every 10 seconds and claims five young lives daily on average. Child welfare social workers are youth protection specialists who process 7.2 million U.S. referrals yearly to ensure safe, nurturing guardianship. They’re tasked with investigating neglect claims, evaluating home life, framing intervention plans, conducting parent education, removing kids from deplorable conditions, coordinating foster care, and reporting abuse to police.

Average Salary: $42,712

4. Disability Social Worker

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According to the Pew Research Center, 12.6 percent or nearly 40 million U.S. citizens struggle with disabilities like blindness, autism, Down syndrome, and physical impairment. Disability social workers are ADA advocates who ensure handicapped people receive fair treatment and maintain the greatest independence. They’ll help obtain Medicaid, find adequate housing, teach assistive technologies, influence IEP creation, customize modifications, connect to support groups, lend vocational support, and fight discrimination.

Average Salary: $47,205

5. Environmental Social Worker

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In 2010, the CSWE labeled sustainability as this century’s #1 biggest social issue. After all, The Guardian is reporting the Earth’s second-hottest year ever because of climate change. Environmental social workers are green enthusiasts who address the effects of global warming on people. They’re busy restoring after natural disasters, ensuring quality drinking water, locating reliable food, helping displaced communities, resolving pollution, teaching eco-friendly practices, and advocating clean energy.

Average Salary: $46,066

6. Family Social Worker

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Estimates published by McKinley Irvin show that 41 percent of first marriages end in divorce for nearly 880,000 breakups per year. Family social workers are lasting bond creators who strive to keep happy home units together in positive relationships. They’re responsible for assessing family dynamics, pinpointing negative behaviors, mediating tough talks, aiding with crises like domestic violence, assisting with welfare programs, securing housing, giving parenting workshops, and restoring harmony.

Average Salary: $44,380

7. Forensic Social Worker

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America’s prison system currently incarcerates over 2.3 million offenders in 1,719 state and 102 federal facilities according to SBS Viceland. Forensic social workers are criminal justice gurus who hold both policy and clinical roles in our jam-packed court system. They might evaluate defendants’ mental states, provide expert testimony, consult with police, rehab inmates, create correctional training programs, aid legal reforms, deliver victim assistance, weigh on parole boards, and prevent recidivism.

Average Salary: $51,266

8. Gerontological Social Worker

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The Population Reference Bureau projects that 98 million U.S. citizens will be age 65 or older by 2060. Worries are growing that Alzheimer’s disease diagnoses could triple to 14 million by then too. Gerontological social workers are elderly care staff who specifically meet the needs of seniors for longer, productive lives. They evaluate aging processes, address poor mental health, arrange social activities, stretch retirement income, refer medical care, and help rehab from injuries like falls.

Average Salary: $44,992

9. Healthcare Social Worker

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Chronic diseases affect around 133 million Americans according to the National Health Council. That’s unsettling given the uninsured rate rose to 12.2 percent in 2017. Healthcare social workers are medical stalwarts often with LCSW licensure who help cope with difficult diagnoses. Duties include acting as patient advocates, consulting with doctors, planning medical discharge, finding bill funding, referring housing like assisted living, transporting to follow-up appointments, watching for abuse, and offering friendly support.

Average Salary: $56,810

10. HIV/AIDS Social Worker

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Once a death sentence in the 1980s, the human immunodeficiency virus is now treated in 1.1 million Americans according to Healthline. HIV/AIDS social workers are healthcare specialists who counsel current patients and help prevent the over 40,000 new cases each year. They’re teaching safe sex methods, distributing condoms, designing infection control programs, promoting confirmatory testing, referring medical treatment, helping the diagnosed cope, removing the HIV/AIDS stigma, and treating epidemics abroad.

Average Salary: $41,446

11. International Social Worker

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The World Bank revealed that 767 million global citizens live in extreme poverty, nearly 50 percent of whom are in Sub-Saharan Africa. International social workers are do-good travelers who concentrate on wide-ranging societal harms affecting foreign peoples. Across Earth, they coordinate global missions, counsel refugees, help access basic necessities, address trafficking, advocate for human rights, provide disaster relief, reduce gender biases, ameliorate conflicts, establish clinics, and plan epidemic prevention.

Average Salary: $43,700

12. LGBTQ Social Worker

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The 10 million Americans who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer are two times more likely to be physically assaulted per the Human Rights Campaign. LGBTQ social workers are outspoken allies who ensure the wellness of people regardless of sexual orientation. They’ll encourage self-expression, counsel one-on-one or groups, provide suicide prevention, refer medical care, ensure equal opportunities, advocate for LGBTQ-friendly laws, research prejudices, and plan for gender reassignment.

Average Salary: $44,595

13. Military Social Worker

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In 2016, the VA provided mental health treatment to 2.1 million soldiers returning from battle. Forbes reported that’s just 50 percent of the veterans needing it though. Military social workers are critical PTSD resources who help troops across five branches reacclimate to civilian life. They’re honorably working through war traumas, counseling separated families, securing GI Bill benefits, planning reintegration programs, securing veteran jobs, helping cope with injuries like amputations, and providing anger management.

Average Salary: $47,371

14. Occupational Social Worker

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The EEOC reported 84,254 workplace discrimination lawsuits in 2017 that cost $398 million for an average $160,000 settlement. Occupational social workers are labor development specialists who protect employees’ rights to just working conditions. Since the mid-1960s, they’ve analyzed corporate policies, consulted with HR departments, mediated labor conflicts, taught bias or sexual harassment training, done vocational assessments, started disability services, advocated equal opportunity, and boosted worker morale.

Average Salary: $46,186

15. Hospice Social Worker

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At over 5,300 facilities, Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that 1.65 million U.S. residents receive palliative treatment for terminal diseases annually. Hospice social workers are end-of-life care specialists who improve the psychosocial quality of patients’ last days. They’re responsible for representing patient needs, increasing emotional comfort, handling Medicare claims, stimulating social engagement, setting desired DNR orders, helping families cope with loss, preventing depression, and assisting with funeral plans.

Average Salary: $47,578

16. Psychiatric Social Worker

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One in five, or 43.8 million, American adults experience mental illness every year reports the NAMI. Twenty-two percent of teens suffer several disorders like bipolar and schizophrenia too. Psychiatric social workers are diagnostic directors who develop holistic interventions for patients with high needs. Their LCSW functions include conducting evaluations, giving inpatient-outpatient therapy, identifying co-occurring conditions, setting reachable goals, tracking patient progress, plotting follow-up plans, and maintaining aftercare.

Average Salary: $52,965

17. Research Social Worker

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The National Science Foundation boasted that cross-disciplinary research funding jumped by 6 percent to $66.2 billion in 2016. Research social workers are lab sleuths with MSW or PhD degrees who study today’s societal ills to support progressive community reforms. They’ll apply for grants, examine social policies, form hypotheses, compile survey or observation evidence, correlate research data, publish journal articles, give conference talks, inform the public of findings, and lobby legislative bodies.

Average Salary: $47,445

18. School Social Worker

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At the 98,817 public schools nationally, one in four kids has been bullied, 68 percent of students have failed tests, and 25 percent of high schoolers drop out according to DoSomething. School social workers are PreK-12 sponsors who help youth succeed academically and outside the classroom for optimal development. They discuss learning issues, consult with teachers, develop actionable plans, address disruptive behaviors, reinforce positive changes, give parents referrals, intervene in crises, and influence building policy.

Average Salary: $48,204

19. Street Outreach Social Worker

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Every night, around 553,000 Americans aren’t able to sleep in their own bed. The National Alliance to Homelessness stated that vagrancy increased by 0.7 percent from 2016 to 2017. Street outreach social workers are welfare activists who help the destitute find resources to get back on their feet. They’re responsible for making contact with homeless persons, locating typical runaway spots, transporting to shelters, referring community aid, participating in neighborhood associations, and facilitating life skill workshops.

Average Salary: $38,300

20. Substance Abuse Social Worker

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The 2016 World Drug Report showed that 247 million people globally intake illicit drugs like cocaine, heroin, meth, opioids, and hallucinogens. Substance abuse social workers are addiction specialists focused on helping people who’ve become physically dependent on drugs quit. They’re important for aiding detox, providing recovery therapy, arranging rehab stays, preventing overdose, referring sober transitional living, coordinating 12-step programs, building relapse-stopping skills, and securing vocational options.

Average Salary: $42,450

Other job prospects include social work administrator, housing development director, social policy analyst, case manager, grief counselor, wraparound facilitation supervisor, and recreational therapist. The best way to maximize career options for social workers with undergrad or master’s degrees is to take ASWB exams for state licensing.

10 Places to Volunteer If You’re Interested in a Career in Social Work

volunteerSocial work is a gratifying career choice that allows you to alleviate suffering and injustice in the world’s most vulnerable communities. Having a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is crucial for entry-level positions. However, employers also look for actual field experience and initiative to better the world. Volunteering is one of the best ways to learn about social work and develop your resume for a successful job hunt. If you’re called to this helping profession, here are 10 Places To Volunteer If You’re Interested In A Career In Social Work:

1. Big Brothers Big Sisters

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Started in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters is America’s premier youth mentoring organization serving children aged six to 18. Across the country, there are over 21,000 boys and 10,000 girls waiting to be matched with big siblings. Aspiring social workers can volunteer a few hours each week to help youth overcome adversity. From playing sports to watching movies and hiking, volunteers become inspiring role models for their “Littles” through fun activities.

Learn more about volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters here.

2. United Nations

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Active in 193 member states, the United Nations is a leading international organization devoted to protecting human rights since 1945. The UN mobilizes nearly 8,000 volunteers on short-term assignments of three months or less abroad. Social work majors are ideal fits for carrying out projects that promote international peace, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development. In-demand volunteer centers include Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Beirut, and Geneva.

Learn more about volunteering for the United Nations here.

3. Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) For Children

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The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) For Children is a national effort founded in 1977 to ensure abused and neglected children aren’t lost in the system. More than 76,000 volunteers are appointed to help youth find safe, permanent home environments. Advocates inform judges on the best placements where vulnerable children can thrive. Social work students must complete 30 hours of pre-service training to begin volunteering.

Learn more about volunteering for the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Children here.

4. Department of Veterans Affairs

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Those interested in military social work will find ample volunteer opportunities with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Since 1946, the VA has been one of the largest federal volunteer programs with over 760 million service hours. VA Medical Centers need volunteers for social work, counseling, nutrition, patient advocacy, physical therapy, and more. Students could even receive the James J. Parke Memorial Youth Scholarship for their BSW degree.

Learn more about volunteering for the Department of Veteran Affairs here.

5. RAINN Crisis Centers

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The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) is the country’s largest nonprofit organization helping victims of sexual assault. Although headquartered in Washington, DC, RAINN has over 1,100 partnerships nationwide and a 24/7 Online Hotline. Young social workers could provide essential support to survivors of sexual violence, including counseling, medical, legal, and education services. Students can also participate in RAINN Day in September to raise on-campus awareness.

Learn more about volunteering for RAINN Crisis Centers here.

6. American Red Cross

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Around 90 percent of humanitarian aid from the American Red Cross, a notable nonprofit disaster relief organization, is provided by volunteers. Established by Clara Barton in 1881, ARC responds to 65,000+ disasters each year. Individuals can follow their social work passion by bringing comfort and support to displaced families after floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and more. Volunteers must pass a background check and First Aid certification.

Learn more about volunteering for the American Red Cross here.

7. Global Vision International

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Global Vision International is a family-run, respected volunteering organization featured in The New York Times for award-winning service trips. Each year, over 2,000 individuals volunteer abroad from Africa to Latin America and Australasia. Social work majors can join expeditions for community development, wildlife conservation, youth mentoring, women’s health, and more. Volunteer projects range from one to 24 weeks and can qualify for academic credit.

Learn more about volunteering for Global Vision International here.

8. American Cancer Society

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For oncology social work experience, consider volunteering with the American Cancer Society. This national nonprofit has devoted over 100 years to supporting millions of people diagnosed with and affected by cancer. Volunteers can participate in countless programs, such as Relay for Life, Hope Lodge, and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. There’s a particularly urgent need in the Road to Recovery program. Interested volunteers can sign up online for local training workshops.

Learn more about volunteering for the American Cancer Society here.

9. Meals on Wheels

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One in six senior citizens doesn’t know where their next meal will come from. Meals on Wheels America has over 2 million volunteers looking to resolve this. Those interested in geriatric social work could volunteer with the approximately 5,000 community-based senior nutrition programs nationwide. Along with delivering meals, volunteers nourish seniors’ lives by providing safety checks, friendly talks, and community resources.

Learn more about volunteering for Meals on Wheels here.

10. The YMCA

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Strengthening communities has been the goal of The YMCA since its inception in 1844 in London, England. In the United States, around 10,000 neighborhoods have YMCA centers to nurture potential in people of all ages. Community service initiatives centered on youth mentoring, developmental disabilities, and healthy living are perfect for social work majors. During summers, students could also lead camp programs for wilderness recreation.

Learn more about volunteering for the YMCA here

10 Best International Social Work Job Opportunities

iswInternational social work is a vast profession with growing demand to address injustices faced across the globe, especially third-world countries. The World Bank reports that 12.7 percent (896 million) of Earth’s population lives at or below $1.90 per day. Poverty, disease, war, natural disaster, trafficking, and forced labor are just a few of the problems international social workers strive to eradicate. They work mostly for non-government organizations (NGOs) to coordinate human service projects across borders. It’s their mission to alleviate suffering for the world’s most vulnerable and oppressed civilians. Working domestically to resolve societal problems in the United States isn’t the only option for Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work graduates. If you’re interested in applying your education and skills outside the U.S., here are 10 Best International Social Work Job Opportunities:

1. United Nations

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Established in 1945, the United Nations is one of the foremost social work organizations striving to maintain international peace and human rights across 193 member countries. In 2001, the United Nations received the Nobel Peace Prize for their public service. The UN’s global workforce consists of over 41,000 altruistic staff at field offices from Baghdad and Nairobi to Port-au-Prince. Worldwide job opportunities are listed for social workers on political, humanitarian, emergency relief, or peacekeeping missions. Entry-level (P1-P3) positions have base salaries from $37,000 to $80,000. Post adjustments of 65.7 percent are added to cover abroad living costs. The UN looks for proactive, impartial candidates with respect for diversity and language fluency.

Learn more about the United Nation’s International Social Work Job Opportunities here.

2. International Rescue Committee

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In over 40 nations, the International Rescue Committee provides lifesaving assistance to refugees forced to flee from war, natural disaster, or other humanitarian crises. Since 1933, IRC’s passionate post-conflict network has grown to 8,000+ staff. Currently, there are 320 job openings, such as protection coordinator, refugee youth advocate, resettlement manager, and emergency health officer. IRC hires candidates with a bachelor’s degree in social work or similar fields and at least two years of human service experience. Bilingual ability in local languages like Swahili or Urdu is preferred. According to PayScale, the International Rescue Committee’s average salary range is $35,422 to $71,778. Benefits typically include flights, relocation shipping allowances, and temporary housing.

Learn more about the International Rescue Committee’s International Social Work Job Opportunities here.

3. Save the Children

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Rated four stars on Charity Navigator, Save the Children is an international NGO working in 120 nations to protect the welfare of over 55 million youth annually. Recent missions have included delivering hygiene kits to Ebola-stricken Liberia and repairing classrooms destroyed in Typhoon Haiyan. Founded in 1919 by Eglantyne Jebb, Save the Children is located in London, England, with job opportunities worldwide. Social workers could work full-time as child protection managers, migration advisers, nutrition advocates, and more. CVs must include a bachelor’s degree in social work or human services with a minimum of five years of experience. Base salaries from $30,691 to $62,751 are average with full benefits.

Learn more about Save the Children’s International Social Work Job Opportunities here.

4. World Health Organization

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Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Health Organization is a specialized UN agency aiming to help global citizens attain the highest possible level of health. The WHO’s diverse workforce includes over 8,500 professionals working in 147 countries. Job vacancies in clinical social work, mental health, disability rehabilitation, and emergency relief are prevalent. Only smoke-free candidates aged 20 to 62 are considered for WHO positions. Entry-level (P1) jobs require a bachelor’s or equivalent work experience. Advancement to P4 or higher will mandate a master’s degree in social work or public health. Base salaries can range from $31,000 to $90,000 based on service level. There’s also an Internship Programme for college juniors and seniors.

Learn more about the World Health Organization’s International Social Work Job Opportunities here.

5. International Justice Mission

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Endowed for $47.1 million, the International Justice Mission is a non-profit human rights organization employing over 600 full-time staff at 18 field offices from Guatemala to Rwanda. The IJM combats global issues like sex trafficking, slavery, and assault. In 2010, the U.S. News and World Report named IJM among the top 10 world-changing service groups. Grounded in Christianity, the International Justice Mission requires submitting a statement of faith. Most 10 to 12-month deployments overseas will mandate holding a master’s degree in social work or counseling and experience with trauma victims. Along with healthcare and a 403B, IJM workers report an average salary of $56,480.

Learn more about the International Justice Mission’s International Social Work Job Opportunities here.

6. Danish Refugee Council

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Since the Soviet invasion of Hungary in 1956, the Danish Refugee Council has been a well-known non-profit, aid organization working in conflict zones across 30 countries. Currently, the DRC is providing emergency relief to over 500,000 refugees from Syria every month! From its headquarters in Copenhagen, the DRC organizes housing, food, social rehabilitation, and healthcare missions to internationally displaced peoples. Humanitarian jobs are abundant, especially in the Middle East and North Africa. Interested applicants should have a Bachelor of Social Work or similar degree and 2+ years of experience. Entry-level officers earn a monthly base salary of 7,500 DKK, but management positions garner up to 27,500 DKK.

Learn more about the Danish Refugee Council’s Interntional Social Work Opportunities here.

7. Women for Women International

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As the 2006 Conrad Hilton Humanitarian Award winner, Women for Women International is an NGO founded by Zainab Salbi to support female survivors after war’s devastation. Regularly featured on CNN, WfWI is headquartered in New York City with eight field offices from Nigeria and Afghanistan to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since 1993, WfWI has provided social work services to empower the Middle East’s marginalized women. Women for Women International employs advocacy coordinators and change agents who hold a bachelor’s degree in social sciences. Preference is given to applicants with five years of experience and local language fluency. Team members receive exceptional benefits packages with yearly salaries from $49K to $75K.

Learn more about Women for Women’s International Social Work Opportunities here.

8. Oxfam International Secretariat

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Led by Director Winnie Byanyima, Oxfam International Secretariat is a global confederation of 18 NGOs working across 94 countries to end injustices that cause poverty. Supporting people impacted by conflict to grow food and earn a living has been their duty since 1995. Oxfam affiliates can find job opportunities in Jordan, Hong Kong, Belgium, Ethiopia, and more. Social worker positions will require holding a bachelor’s degree with one to two years of experience and fluency in host languages like Arabic. More advanced positions like development officer and regional director may require 10+ years in social work. In general, Oxfam pays salaries from $42,000 to $81,224 with paid holidays, insurance, and pensions.

Learn more about Oxfam International Secretariat’s International Social Work Opportunities here.

9. HelpAge International

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Geriatric social workers should consider joining HelpAge International, an NGO with 200+ partners serving older adults in over 70 global nations. Since 1983, HelpAge has coordinated community projects to address issues affecting the elderly, including discrimination, health, poverty, HIV/AIDS, and natural disaster. Dedicated staff runs nine regional centers with sponsors like AARP, USAID, and Pfizer. Job vacancies are posted frequently for professionals with at least five years of humanitarian experience. Bachelor’s degrees in social work, nutrition, public health, and nursing are preferred. Current listings provide an average annum salary of £34,031 ($44,070). Opportunities are growing because more than one in five world citizens will be 60+ by 2050.

Learn more about HelpAge’s International Social Work Opoortunities here.

10. Food for the Hungry International

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Founded by Dr. Larry Ward in 1971, Food for the Hungry International is a Christian relief organization based in Phoenix, Arizona, to combat hunger in over 25 countries. In 2005, FH received a $8.3 million grant from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. With over 2,000 staff members, FH provides Christ-centered missions that empower vulnerable communities to overcome poverty. Social workers can find employment and church mission opportunities in the world’s most devastated countries, including Bangladesh, Haiti, Peru, and Mozambique. Salaried jobs generally require a master’s degree in sociology, social work, or international relations. Three years of previous experience is suggested. Salaries range from $33,374 to $60,493 each year.

Learn more about Food For the Hungry’s International Social Work Opportunities here.

These 10 top-notch organizations represent just a smidgen of the service groups making efforts to fight social injustices abroad. For more international social work job opportunities, we suggest visiting the International Federation of Social Workers (IFWS) website.

Related Links:

International Social Work Careers: An Overview

Top 10 Free Classes Available Online For Social Work Majors & Professionals

TOPIt may be hard for some to believe but at one time educators and professional organizations looked down on online education. Some of the sites that offered training were not reputable and the certificates of completion they offered were not worth printing out. Times have changed, however, and even big-name universities like Harvard are offering free online classes to anyone wanting to learn. The courses are often excerpts from regular university classes, or simply introductions to the subjects, but they are gaining acceptance as vehicles for continuing education credits. Secondary students considering their career choices can also take a class or two to see if they are suited to the profession before they look at schools of higher education. The following list is not a comprehensive representation of online offerings, but will give you a place to begin if you are looking for free education in social work.

Since the online community offers a wealth of free educational opportunities, it is often difficult to source high quality, easily accessible, and wholly priceless programs. High school students or others exploring the social work profession will want to get a grasp of the basics of social work. Some free classes will give college credits, but many of these are not transferable or accepted by accredited schools so it is vital that you research the courses if you need credits. Most courses will be rated according to their difficulty; introductory or basic courses are usually numbered 101, 102 and so on. Classes may state they are graduate level as well, but there are several beginning classes offered online.

Although common sense tells you that you cannot earn a free degree in social work online, you can enlarge your knowledge base and increase your understanding of some of the principles of social work. Of course, the classes you take depend upon your goal for the information. Online courses target learners from high school through professional stages in the field of social work to help assist their knowledge base while refining skills necessary for their future careers. Here is our list of the Top 10 Free Online Social Work Classes available to all with an interest in doing just that:

1. Open University’s Introducing Social Work Practice

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Open University has a class entitled Introducing Social Work Practice geared toward the essential ethical issues all social workers are expected to uphold. Although the course focuses on UK social work, it gives students an overview of the ethical and value code that guides all social work practice. It also explains what social workers do. The class uses case studies and interviews with social workers to convey the principles of non-discrimination, self-determination and ethics. It examines empowerment, which is key to social work in any nation. The class also looks at skills like communication needed to build relationships with clients and coworkers.

For more about Open University’s Introducing Social Work Practice free class, go here.

2. Education Portal’s Human Growth And Development

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From Education Portal, a class that will be fundamental to understanding social work with children is Psychology 103, Human Growth and Development.” This class will give students an understanding of the principle of growth stages. It teaches physical, cognitive and emotional development, and how they relate to social development. In addition, students will learn what normal development looks like, and how atypical development affects socialization. This class will help students assess whether behaviors are normal or whether interventions are needed. They will also get a grasp of how important early intervention is in cases of child abuse and neglect.

For more about Education Portal’s Psychology 103 Human Growth and Development free class, go here.

3. Education Portal’s Social Psychology

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The next course listing at Education Portal is a great one for those looking into social work as a career. Their Psychology 104: Social Psychology course explains how our actions and our thought processes are altered by our culture and socioeconomic status as well as by peers. This class also touches on discrimination, which is one of the chief concerns of all social work codes of ethics.

For more about Education Portal’s Psychology 104 Social Psychology free class, go here.

4. Education Portal’s Sociology 101

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Offered by the Education Portal, is a course in beginning sociology. It gives students an understanding of how race, gender, and ethnicity can determine a person’s role in society. It looks at aging too, and its implications to societal values. The class examines various social institutions like schools and churches, and how they change over time. It talks about research methodology and how determinations of trends are made, allowing professionals to plan for future directions. Currently enrolled students in a social work school, or with a social work major can sometimes earn credit for free online courses. More often, though, the classes broaden understanding of concepts that have been introduced in their college studies. The online classes may also arouse interest in areas of specialization for social work.
For more about Education Portal’s Sociology 101 free class, go here.

5. The University of Maryland’s Child Developmental Psychology

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The University of Maryland has a class called Psy 200: Child Developmental Psychology.” This is a foundational course for other psychology classes. It focuses on child development within the American culture, but presents cross-cultural comparisons. Included are concepts of child development impacted by current cultural trends like single parent families and divorce. For instance, families having one biological parent and another adult who is unrelated in the home have come to be almost the norm in some societal groups, and this alters the way we look at “family.”

For more about the University of Maryland’s Child Developmental Psychology free class, go here.

6. Open University’s Aging and Disability: Transitions Into Residential Care

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Offered by Open University, the Aging and Disability: Transitions Into Residential Care is a course intended to teach the involvement of social workers in working with the displaced elderly. It looks at the emotional factors, including grief, that accompany the necessity of such a transition. The class is structured around the lives of three persons who have moved into residential care. The syllabus states that, although the course centers on working with the aged, the concepts apply to other client populations as well. The developmentally delayed, and children who have been placed in foster care need many of the same interventions and advocacies. The class first investigates the principles of the social workers role in supporting not only the elderly client but the families struggling with the issues around finding a suitable placement. In addition, the class shows how the environment, itself, can cause issues for the elderly and teaches important social work advocacy skills.

For more about Open University’s Aging and Disability: Transitions Into Residential Care free class, go here.

7. The University of Washington’s Behavior Disorders

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The University of Washington has a course on behavior disorders called This course is designed to give the student an overview of certain behavior disorders and maladaptive behaviors. Social work students interested in working within the corrections system could certainly benefit from taking this course, but it also lays a foundation for understanding how people develop maladaptive coping measures to deal with life situations.

For more about the University of Washington’s Psych 205: Behavior Disorder’s free class, go here.

8. Open University Substance Abuse and Family

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Open University provides the Substance Abuse and Family graduate level course to give students a deeper understanding of the causes and ramifications of substance abuse. Many people come into “the system” through their own addictions or through the problems brought on by the addiction of a close family member. The class looks at case studies and research models in this study. It not only discusses treatment for the addiction, but how it affects the family system. (Family dynamics change when the addict is recovering.) The class addresses how to help families through turmoil and uncertainty. Students in the class learn how to evaluate the degree of impairment a family is experiencing and how to interface with other agencies and resources to achieve the best outcome.

For more about Open University’s Substance Abuse and Family free class, go here.

9. Open University’s How To Become A Critical Social Work Practitioner

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Open University has a great offering for those interested in or just beginning their careers in social work. Their How To Become A Critical Social Work Practitioner course teaches new and crucial social work concepts to help social workers address the problems that arise in every-day practice. It introduces boundaries of personal and professional discretion and judgment in working with people. It also addresses the tensions that develop between personal and professional lives of social workers. The class teaches the part ethics plays and the dilemmas that can arise. It also teaches the importance of language in constructing worker/client relationships, and in empowering the client for self-determination.

For more about Open University’s How To Become A Critical Social Work Practitioner free class, go here.

10. National Association of Social Workers’ Continuing Professional Education

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Practicing social workers are required to have Continuing Professional Education. The classes mentioned above could be useful in that vein, but the National Association of Social Workers has an education center for the purpose of providing CPE classes. The courses are free to members of the organization, and non-members may access the classes for a fee. Some of the course areas listed on their site are:
• Leadership, Management- for those who work in supervisory or team positions
• Aging
• Addictions and Substance Abuse
• Case Management – this course is for individuals who supervise other workers in their service delivery
• Child Abuse/Family Violence
• Children, Youth and Families – information about using resources to meet the interconnected needs
• Clinical and Behavioral Health
• Mind and Body Wellness
• Community Organization and Social Policy
• Ethics and Boundary Issues
• HIV and Palliative Care Issues
• Private practice

For more about the National Association of Social Workers’ Continuing Professional Education free classes, go here.

Understanding the Role of Child Protective Services

cpsIn the United States, Child Protective Services is a governmental agency run on the state level that was created to respond to reports of child abuse and neglect. Each state has its own CPS practice, where CPS workers respond to the over 2.5 million reports of child maltreatment in the country each year. Here are some frequently asked questions to better understand CPS and its workers.

What is Child Protective Services?

Child Protective Services (CPS) promotes the safety and well-being of children through intervention in reported child abuse cases. The goal of CPS is to keep children in their homes when it is deemed safe, and to provide them with a safe environment when they are determined to be at risk.

What are the Roles of CPS Workers?

CPS workers have a wide range of roles that they must play on a day-to-day basis. Firstly, they must do a lot of desk work, receiving and evaluating reports of child abuse cases, most of which are made over the phone. They then must use reasoning and investigative skills to determine if the child is at risk. If so, then CPS workers counsel and rehabilitate the child and family. They often provide support for each family for up to one year. If a child cannot be put back into their home, then workers also must coordinate an adoptive home, foster parents, or refer the child and their family to other support services.

What do CPS Workers Do?

CPS workers follow a standard protocol when responding to a child abuse report. First, they must assess the safety of the child. If the child’s immediate safety is not at risk, then the worker will work with the family to reduce the risk of future maltreatment and help the child cope with the effects of previous maltreatment.

If the child’s environment is deemed a risk to their well-being, then the CPS worker will intervene to protect the child from harm. The child typically goes to a foster home as counseling begins. While the goal of the CPS worker is to be able to reunite the child with their family after intensive counseling, they also begin to develop a concurrent plan. This means seeking out a safe adoptive home for the child.

How do CPS Workers Keep Children Safe?

CPS workers are very educated on seeing the signs of child abuse and neglect, and they know how to respond to every unique situation. So when a child is deemed to be at immediate risk of abuse, the CPS worker will take the child from their home and place them with a foster family. Workers then begin counseling the family, in hopes of reuniting the child and parents. However, when the family is uncooperative or does not seem to make progress, CPS will coordinate a new home for the child.

What Guiding Principles Do CPS Workers Follow?

CPS has several basic philosophical tenets that their workers follow. These are as follows: The best place for a child to grow up is in a safe and permanent home. When adequately supported, most parents can be good parents. Families requiring assistance from CPS agencies are diverse. CPS agencies are accountable for child safety and family well-being. CPS efforts are most effective when clients are involved in the process. When parents cannot take care of and protect their children, CPS must intervene on the child’s behalf. When a child must be placed in out-of-home care, CPS will work to find a safe and permanent home as quickly as possible.

What is the Most Important Aspect of a CPS Worker’s Job?

The most important duty of a CPS worker is to ensure the safety of children. Since the agency believes that the best place for a child to grow up is in a safe and permanent home, they first work to counsel the child’s birth family. When this is not possible, however, then they must find an adoptive family that will provide a safe and permanent home.

Child Protective Services is a very important agency that focuses on protecting the safety and well-being of children and youth throughout the country. Since workers must provide support to both children and their families, they are often required to have a background in counseling or psychology. They also must complete two year of clinical training. The job of a CPS worker can be stressful with high risk of “burn out” but many find rewarding careers in the field.