What does a child social worker do?
Child social workers help children and their families by providing services and assistance to improve social and psychological well being. They being by evaluating the needs of the child and family and offer a variety of services to improve their unique situation. They provide a variety of services such as counseling and they research a variety of resources for children and families. They also help children with academic related issues.
Child social workers may specialize in a specific area such as child protective services, foster care, and adoption.
What kind of training does a child social worker need?
Child social workers typically need at least a bachelor degree in social work or other related area. Many child social workers have a master degree. Prospective child social workers often complete courses in psychology, sociology, child development, and social work. Many aspiring child social workers complete internships while pursuing their education to gain practical experience in the field. Most employers provide some on the job training to enable new child social workers to learn the necessary policies and procedures. All states require child social workers to be licensed or certified. Requirements typically include minimum education and experience and passing a written examination. Child social workers must complete continuing education and additional training on a regular basis to maintain their licenses and certifications and keep their skills up to date.
What are the prospects for a career as a child social worker?
Employment of child social workers is expected to grow as fast as average for all professions, increasing 12% from 2008 to 2018 (1). The growing population and increased for child social services will drive job growth.
Job prospects are expected to be favorable, especially for child social workers with extensive experience. Many job openings will arise from the need to replace child social workers that retire, transfer, or leave the field for other reasons.
How much do child social workers make?
As of April 2010, child social workers with less than 1 year experience earn average annual salaries between $27,633 and $37,644. Those with 1 to 4 years experience earn average annual salaries between $28,736 and $41,158 (2).
A career as a child social worker is an excellent choice for individuals with a strong interest in providing social services to children and their families. Child social workers must have a solid understanding of a variety of social services and ability to interact with many different children and their families. Patience, detail orientation, enthusiasm, and good listening skills are necessary characteristics. Child social workers must have strong communication and interpersonal skills. They must be able to work independently as well as part of a team.
