CAREER
Salary Median (2020)
$48,430
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+11.7% (faster than the average)
Most Common Level of Education
Bachelor's degree
Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.
Adoption Social Worker, Case Manager, Case Worker, Child Protective Services Social Worker (CPS Social Worker), Family Protection Specialist, Family Resource Coordinator, Family Service Worker, Foster Care Social Worker, School Social Worker, Youth Services Specialist
Author & Child-Welfare Advocate
As a social worker, I work with young people in the system to make sure they are thriving in their home, school, etc. I also run a nonprofit and my job changes daily. I organize meetings, fundraise, advocate, and more. As a speaker, I travel the country and globe addressing businesses, schools, colleges, and groups that work with children, women, and families.
I only see ten clients a year and I see them for about 30-45 minutes per day. When a child comes in for their appointment, we start with a feelings check-in. I let the child take the lead depending on what feelings we're exploring that day. I don't do talk therapy, I do play therapy. The child will play and we'll explore emotions through that. Then the parent(s) can come in and see their child play. While the child plays, I point out different cues and words that parents should pay attention to.
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Master's degree (39%)
Some college, no degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Psychology, General
Bachelor
Sociology, General
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Organizational Communication, General
Graduate
Clinical Psychology
Author & Child-Welfare Advocate
Information Specialist/Webinar Coordinator ,
Virginia Parent Training & Info Center; PEATC
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
