What does a Social Worker do?
Social workers provide direct service that assists clients with their needs that pertain to everyday life issues, complications, and problems, including incidents of neglect, abuse, or domestic violence, or with mental health, and substance abuse challenges. Social workers also assist with adoption and terminal illness diagnoses and work with specific populations, including children, the disabled, and the addiction community.
Social workers collaborate with their clients to assess their goals and adjust them as needed. When appropriate, they may also offer their clients and patients outside referrals for support groups or other mental health professionals. Social workers may work with a client or patient to craft a plan with coping strategies that address their health or well-being. If needed, social workers may also work with the client or patient to secure government intervention or assistance if necessary, or to respond to moments of crises. Social workers need a minimum bachelor's degree in social work and certification or a master's degree.
- Enable families and children to utilize appropriate community resources.
- Assist residents and families with social, emotional, and family issues.
- Develop a plan of care including goals and anticipated outcomes.
- Monitor and evaluate the social work services furnished.
- Participate in and support safety meetings, training, and goals.
- Perform outreach in varying communities around the state.
- Identify and address psychosocial needs of patient and family.
- Coordinate completion of the quarterly evaluation with the task supervisors.
- Submit reports and review reports or problems with manager.
- Assist with outreach in the community for new client referrals.
- Handle stressful and emergency situations in a calm, professional manner.
- Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in behavioral sciences, counseling, social sciences or equivalent experience.
- A natural leader and advocate.
- Familiar with intake and client or patient onboarding processes.
- Collaborate with others in a professional manner.
- Conduct motivational interviewing and pays close attention to detail.
- Possesses sound critical thinking skills and can assist patients/clients with problem solving.
- Understand HIPAA laws and protocols.
How much does a Social Worker make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$56,598
/ yrSocial Worker Career Path
Learn how to become a Social Worker, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Social Worker Insights
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma & Texas | HCSC“The facility was very close to my apartment and It was top rated and with good reviews.”
Dayton Children's Hospital“Fantastic supervisor; she is very supportive and is one of the best bosses I’ve ever had.”
Glenholme Group“The service users are great and it’s amazing if you actually get to work with them and support them.”
Friends of Crown Heights Educational Centers“I felt supported and saw how everyone was interested in and involved in my personal and professional growth.”
LiN Group“No one listens or if they do it is not active listening and they are just paying lip servce.”
“Great way to learn about the dynamics of domestic violence and provide direct services to this population.”
Signpost “Such an amazing group to work with and I am so proud to be apart of this company.”
Coldspring-Oakhurst Consolidated Independent School District“Exceptional positive culture and a school district that really cares about the best education possible for students.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of social workers
Social workers spend a typical day helping people cope with issues and challenges they face every day. They can work with different demographics of people or on specific issues. Clinical social workers work as therapists, diagnosing and treating patients who have emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders.
One of the benefits of being a social worker is becoming an advocate for someone who needs assistance. The feel-good nature of this is a major benefit for those who find joy in helping others. Additionally, social work is great if you don't enjoy doing the exact same thing every day. Tasks are often varied from day to day and from case to case.
Depending on the location, experience, and area of expertise, social workers do get paid well. The average annual base salary for social workers is $56,598 in the United States. Highly experienced social workers might make as much as $83,251 each year.
Working as a social worker can be challenging at times because it may be stressful and emotionally taxing. The working conditions can also be daunting, especially when dealing with difficult clients. Also, some social workers work on evenings, weekends, and holidays.