Medical and Public Health Social Workers Work Environment
These social workers usually spend the majority of their time in an office or residential
facility, but they may be required to travel to visit clients, meet with service
providers, or attend meetings. Full-time social workers typically work 40 hours
per week, but evening and weekends may be necessary to meet with some clients, attend
community meetings, and handle emergencies. Social workers may work part-time, especially
in voluntary nonprofit agencies.
Medical and Public Health Social Workers Employment Outlook and Opportunities
Employment settings for this job include hospitals, nursing and personal care facilities,
individual and family services agencies, and State or local government agencies
(i.e. departments of health and human services).
This occupation is expected to grow by 24% by 2016 as the elderly population expands
and more social workers are needed to provide services.
How Much Does a Medical and Public Health Social Worker make - Medical and Public
Health Social Worker Salaries and Wages
The base salary range for this occupation, according to national averages, is from
$43,222 to $60,421. The average hourly wage, according to 2007 national averages,
was $21.48. Bonuses may range from $111 to $150. The benefits for the average marriage
and family therapist, according to national averages, are as follows: base salary
is $51,805 (70.8%), bonus is $70 (0.1%), Social Security is $3,968 (5.4%), 401k/403b
is $1,868 (2.6%), Disability is $519 (0.7%), healthcare is $5,722 (7.8%), pension
is $2,386 (3.3%), and time off is $6,784 (9.3%).
How to Become a Medical and Public Health Social Worker
Education for Medical and Public Health Social Workers
A Bachelor's degree in social work is the most common minimum requirement for social
worker jobs, Majors in psychology, sociology, and other related fields may qualify
for certain entry level jobs, though. However, advanced degrees, such as a Master's
degree in social work, are becoming more common in jobs beyond entry level. A Master's
degree is often required for positions in health settings and for clinical work.
Courses recommended for social workers include: psychology, biology, sociology,
economics, political science, and social work.
All States have licensing, certification, or registration requirements for social
work practices and the use of professional titles. Standards for licensing vary
by State, but more and more States are placing emphasis on communication skills,
professional ethics, and sensitivity to cultural diversity issues. Most States require
two years of supervised clinical experience for licensure of clinical social workers.
Voluntary credentials for social workers are offered through the National Association
of Social Workers. Furthermore, social workers with a Master's degree in social
work may be eligible for the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW), the Qualified
Clinical Social Worker (QCSW), or the Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW) credential,
depending on their professional experience.
Other Qualifications for Medical and Public Health Social Workers
People aspiring to become social workers should be emotionally mature, objective,
and sensitive to people and their problems. They must be responsible, able to work
independently, and able to maintain good working relationships with both clients
and coworkers.
Career Advancement for Medical and Public Health Social Workers
Social workers may advance to become a supervisor, program manager, assistant director,
or executive director of a social service agency or department. These advancements
typically require an advanced degree (i.e. Master's degree, Doctoral degree, etc.)
with related work experience. Advancement is also possible through work in teaching,
research, and consulting.
Medical and Public Health Social Workers Resources
National Association of Social Workers