Becoming A Social Worker
The working world tends to consist of a couple of different types of people; those who get an education so that they can make a whole load of money, and those who go to school to learn how to better help their fellow man, whilst still making a decent living in the process. When it comes to lending a helping hand there may be no better career than that of a social worker, where you can really make a difference in the life of a child or even an entire family. It takes a very special type of person to do that job effectively, and if you want to find tips on becoming a social worker, then here is the information that you will need to know.
What many people don’ t realize is that there are a number of different specialties that fall under the social work umbrella, and you may want to decide which one suits you best before moving forward. Counseling and psychology is geared more towards those suffering from mental conditions, whereas sociology and human services have more to do with studying behavior patterns and changing them in a way that will make a person a much more productive member of society.
Becoming a social worker means deciding which of those specialties you want to work towards, and then acquiring the necessary education to get there. The minimum education required to enter the field is a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, and it might just be a good idea major in psychology or sociology if you are looking to advance beyond the entry level social work position. A Doctor’s in Social Work is perfect for those who have an eye on a future supervisory or teaching position, but even with that you haven’t yet reached to top rung of the education ladder.
That spot is reserved for those who have a Master’s in Social Work, and in order to achieve that you will have to come to the table with at least 2 years of education under your belt, as well as at least 900 hours of on the job training as a social worker. If you are looking at becoming a social worker and want to be able to apply your skills in any of the specialties, then this is the degree that will be able to unlock all those doors moving forward.
Once you have achieved the degree of your choice you will still be required to be licensed and certified in order to work. The requirements tend to vary from state to state, so be sure to know exactly what to do to become qualified to work in the state of your choice. Becoming a social worker requires more than just a solid education; it also requires you to have some very strong personal skills, such as the ability to really listen, patience, compassion, and also a firm hand when the situation requires it. If you possess all those, then you are already well on your way. |
