Job Duties
Family social workers work to improve the social and psychological behavior of children and their families. By providing social services and assistance, they attempt to increase the well-being of children, as well as increase their academic progress. Some work with single parents, while others arrange for adoptions or locate foster homes for children who have been abandoned or neglected. They often work in the school system, helping children deal with such issues as teen pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. They work with teachers, giving advice on how to deal with challengin children in the classroom.
Some family social workers specialize in working with senior citizens, organizing support groups for caregivers or for children of seniors. They may give advice to the elderly concerning housing, transportation, and long-term care. They monitor these services for their clients. Family social workers may also work with employees who are experiencing job-related stress or challenges. They most often work in individual and family service agencies, schools, or Sate or local governments. They are often referred to as child welfare workers, family services social workers, child protective services social workers, occupational social workers, or gerontology social workers.
Job Skills
Those interested in becoming family social workers should have a number of desirable traits. They need to be very emotionally stable and mature. They must be able to handle a high degree of responsibility. They should have the ability to work on an independent basis without supervision. They need to be able to work well in a team setting and get along with coworkers. And they need to be able to inspire trust and respect in their clients.
Income
In 2002, family social workers earned a median annual salary of $33,150. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $21,270, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $54,250.
Training and Education
The most common minimum educational requirement to obtain a job as a family social worker is a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW). Those who have bachelor's degrees with majors in psychology, sociology, and other related fields may be able to qualify for entry-level positions. Many positions also require a master's degree in social work (MSW), particularly positions in health settings and clinical work. Jobs in public and private agencies may also require an advanced degree. There are about 436 BSW programs and 149 MSW programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. (CSWE).
BSW programs require a minimum of 400 hours of supervised field experience in addition to academic classes. MSW programs last 2 years and include a minimum of 900 hours of supervised field instruction. Part-time programs are available, usually lasting about 4 years. Social workers are required to be licensed in all States and the District of Columbia. They can advance to supervisor, program manager, assistant director, or executive director of a social service agency or department. You can explore more about training for family social worker careers by clicking on this link for schools offering human services degrees.
Employment
In 2002, family social workers held about 274,000 jobs. About 40% were employed by State and local government agencies.
Job Outlook
Between 2002 and 2012, employment of family social workers is expected to increase faster than the average. This will be partially due to increasing student enrollment in public schools and partially due to increased emphasis on helping disabled students become integrated into the student population. Competition will be higher in cities, but opportunity should be good in rural areas.
http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/medical_careers/family_social_worker
