An Associates Degree In Social Work
With an associates degree in social work you get your foot in the door and gain valuable real-world experience before earning a BSW or MSW. An associate degree in social work does not enable students to pursue jobs as licensed social workers. However, there are still many open doors for entry-level positions in human services. Read on to find out what the best jobs are available for graduates with an associate’s degree in social work.
1. Residential Counselor
Residential counselors find employment in a multitude of settings. Some roles include group homes for developmentally disabled or mentally ill individuals and runaway shelters. Typically, these counselors are also responsible for providing direct care to the clients.
They assist with daily living activities, performing housekeeping tasks, tracking client progress, and supervising recreational trips. In addition to training and a degree, residential counselors must also have a valid driver’s license for transporting clients.
2. Social Services Assistant
Social services assistants work side by side with other healthcare professionals. These settings include social workers, psychologists, and nurses, in order to assist them with a range of different duties. Additionally, social services assistants fill positions in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, residential care facilities, and also community organizations.
Assistants help with direct patient care, maintaining patient records, greeting clients, providing referrals, and performing other administrative tasks. Additionally, social services assistants can specialize in a certain population, such as children or the elderly, depending on personal preferences.
3. Preschool Teacher
Graduates with an associate’s degree in social work can also become preschool teachers. These professionals provide daycare for children under five. Preschool teachers take care of and educate small children while their parents or guardians are at work. So, these teachers create lesson plans in basic reading, science, writing, and also math subjects.
Teachers also prepare meals or snacks for healthy nutrition and supervise educational or recreational activities. In addition, they monitor children for any warning signs of mental or developmental problems. Preschool teachers can find employment in public or private schools, daycare centers, and community childcare organizations.
4. Case Manager Assistant
An entry-level case manager position usually requires a bachelor’s degree. However, those with an associate degree can become case manager assistants to gain valuable experience in their careers. Case manager assistants help the case manager obtain services for patients and monitor their progress with the treatment.
Case managers work with a range of individuals, including substance abusers, hospice patients, mentally ill patients, and the homeless. Within hospitals and community-based agencies, case manager assistants provide advocacy for clients and help them to receive their basic needs.
Getting Experience with an Associates Degree
Overall, these jobs can provide the necessary experience for an impressive resume or school application. So, start searching early for a position that aligns with your future goals in the social work field. All of the mentioned job opportunities lead graduates with an associate degree towards a successful and rewarding career.
Related:
- Best Accredited Social Work Degree Campus Programs
- 50 Best CSWE Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs
- Top 5 Careers for Aspiring Social Workers
