What is Private Sector in Social Work?
Private Social Work jobs include roles in many of the same settings as other Social Workers, but the private sector usually pays more. When choosing which career field to go into, people should always consider what jobs will be available in their area of choice upon graduation. Starting down the path towards a career in private social work is no different. Private social workers provide psychological counseling, guidance, and other types of assistance to disadvantaged people.
These social work jobs in private companies that are not government agencies are called private sector social work jobs. The critical difference is the employer, but the work is similar. Private social workers also advance social conditions in their communities and help individuals. They do not work for a government agency.
Are there any Private Social Work Jobs?
Those with a degree in social work need to determine whether they would like to work for a private for-profit organization or a private non-profit organization. Though social workers in either organization perform the same services, the organizations are very different. Non-profit social work relies heavily on donations and charity. They may even have religious affiliations. Private for-profit social work focuses mainly on people who have insurance coverage or can afford to pay for the services.
Education for Private Social Work
In general, an entry-level position in the field requires a bachelor’s degree in social work. However, suppose you did not want to commit to social work early in your degree, choosing instead to major in psychology, sociology, or human services. In that case, you may also have an easy time finding an entry-level position.
In addition to schooling, most states will require you to become licensed, obtain a certificate, or be a registered social worker. The education requirement is the same for non-profit social work for those who want to work at a for-profit organization.
Private Social Work Salary
Social workers can expect a median wage of $51,760 per year, with those in the bottom percent earning around $33,000 per year or less. Though few in numbers, the top earners can bring close to $100,000 per year or more. You may be interested to know that the bottom percent consists mainly of non-profit workers.
You will generally earn more money as a for-profit private social work employee than a non-profit private social work employee. This difference in pay is partly because, as mentioned earlier, private for-profit social work often focuses on those who have insurance coverage or can afford to pay for the services.
Since non-profit organizations rely on fundraising and donations to run effectively, there is less stability when the economy takes a hit and receives fewer donations. In addition, when the money runs low in a private non-profit organization, workers are more likely to get laid off. Therefore you may want to go with private for-profit for higher pay and more stability.
Job Prospects
Horror stories are surfacing every day about college students graduating and being unable to find work in their chosen field. So is social work one of the degrees to avoid?
The answer is no. There are plenty of private social work jobs to choose fr m. It just depends on your area of interest t. Below is a list of private social work jobs to watch, as the prospect for job growth is very high.
1. Substance Abuse Therapist
These social workers help people addicted to alcohol, drugs, and other addictive substances. The area of Substance Abuse Social Work will grow quickly as more people turn to alcohol and drugs to deal with their problems.
2. Clinical Social Worker
Social workers in a health care setting provide a range of different services. A hospital is a stressful place. There are social workers on-site to deal with abandoned babies, suspected child abuse, and patients and their families coping with the stress of terminally ill loved on s. Clinical social workers specializing in dealing with senior adults will be in high demand in the upcoming yea s. People are living longer every day, and their needs are unique.
3. Adoption Social Worker
Jobs will also increase for workers who assist families with the adoption process. It is a growing trend for couples to marry later in their years when fertility can become more of an issue. Also, states that have already legalized same-sex marriage will demand social workers specializing in adoption. Additionally, there are also social work jobs in private fostering agencies.
Resources for Private Social Work Jobs
In the coming years, the area of private social work will grow tremendously. The only question you should be asking yourself is whether or not you would prefer to work for-profit or non-profit or have more information on social work. Visit the resources below.
National Association of Social Workers
Houston Chronicles
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