How To Become a Social Worker: A Step-by-Step Guide

Amidst a sea of options, whether you’re at the threshold of higher education or contemplating a career shift, choosing a career path can seem daunting. Well, if you’re passionate about making a real, positive difference in the lives of others and believe in the transformative power of a helping hand, then a career in social work is the perfect fit for you.

Much like in any other profession, you’ll need to fulfill specific educational and training requirements to embark on this fulfilling journey. So, read on and discover how to become a social worker so you can help create a brighter, better world for all.

Understanding Social Work

Social work is a profession that focuses on fostering social change and promoting social justice in society. It involves understanding human behavior, development, and the social, economic and cultural institutions and interactions.

Social work professionals provide direct services to people, helping them manage and overcome issues such as abuse, addiction, poverty and mental illness by providing counseling and connecting them with needed resources in order to empower them to change their lives. 

These trained professionals work across various settings, including hospitals, schools, government agencies, non-profit organizations and private practices. In their approach to helping people, social workers consider not only the immediate challenges individuals face, but also the broader systemic factors influencing their lives and aim to help improve it.

How To Become a Social Worker

Acquiring the necessary educational qualifications, gaining practical experience and obtaining the required licensure are essential to join and thrive in social work. The following steps will ensure you’re equipped with the knowledge, skills and professional standing needed to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and communities.

Earn a bachelor’s degree 

The initial step toward becoming a social worker involves earning a  Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or a similar degree like psychology or sociology. This foundational education introduces the core principles of social work, equipping you with essential knowledge, values and skills necessary for a solid start in social work practice.

A BSW curriculum typically includes courses that cover five key areas:

• Human Behavior in the Social Environment
• Research Methodologies in Social Work
• Social Work Practice
• Social Welfare Policies and Services
• Internships, Case Studies and Field Placements

Gain experience

After obtaining your bachelor’s degree, a multitude of entry-level social work positions become accessible, providing you with the opportunity to explore and pursue these roles. Engaging in internships or volunteer work is another valuable avenue to gain hands-on exposure, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. This experience enhances a range of crucial skills, including communication, problem-solving and empathy.

Moreover, during this phase, networking with seasoned professionals and mentors can be invaluable, offering valuable insights and guidance. Attending workshops, conferences and seminars within the field of social work not only nurtures connections but also ensures you stay abreast of emerging practices and research.

As you accumulate experience, you can continue growing through hands-on involvement or advance into higher-level positions by pursuing graduate degrees. This additional education can open doors to promotions and increased responsibilities within the field.

Consider earning a master’s degree

A Master of Social Work (MSW) degree provides advanced training and opens up a broader range of career opportunities than those attainable with a BSW. An MSW program explores specialized areas of social work, such as clinical practice, policy analysis or community development.

For instance, our MSW program’s curriculum incorporates both theoretical learning and practical fieldwork overseen by experienced social work practitioners. The key courses encompass essential subjects, such as:

• Fundamentals of Generalist Social Work Practice
• Social Welfare Policy and Services
• Human Behavior in the Social Environment
• Professional Writing for Social Work
• Generalist Social Practice with Organizations and Communities
• Social Work Research
• Theories and Perspectives: Hispanic Children and Families
• Psychopathology
• Social Work Practice: Hispanic Children and Families
• Social Work Practice with Hispanic Elders
• Foundation Integrative Seminar
• Foundation Field Education

For those with an undergraduate degree in social work, we also offer an advanced standing program with a specialized track that includes reduced credit requirements and less extensive fieldwork.

Ultimately, obtaining an MSW degree not only grants eligibility for assuming leadership positions but also opens doors to achieving clinical licensure so that you gain the expertise and credentials needed to take on influential roles within the field of social work.

Earn your license

Each state has an independent licensing board responsible for regulating clinical social work and determining the licensure requirements. 

Therefore, you must consult your state’s board to confirm that you have fulfilled all necessary requirements prior to enrolling for your social work licensing examination, administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).

Generally, to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), you must complete a specified number of supervised clinical hours, pass a licensing exam and fulfill continuing education requirements.

If you’re interested in non-clinical roles, there are other licensing options, such as licensed bachelor social worker (LBSW) or licensed master social worker (LMSW), which signify varying levels of expertise and scope of practice.

Social Worker Skills

Beyond the foundational knowledge acquired through education, to succeed in the field of social work, you must also develop specific skills and attributes that enable you to have effective interactions with your clients and colleagues, conduct thorough assessments and provide support to the individuals and communities facing challenges. Some of these skills and traits include:

• Empathy: Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes to better understand their feelings and thoughts helps you build strong connections with your clients.
• Communication skills: Clear and effective communication is crucial in conveying information and offering guidance. Paying close attention and asking the right questions helps you understand your client’s needs and build trust.
• Organization and multitasking skills: You must be able to manage various tasks and clients simultaneously and avoid overlooking their needs.
• Advocacy: You must stand up for social justice and help clients access resources, ensuring their needs are met and their rights protected.
• Recordkeeping: Accurate and detailed documentation is essential to record client progress, treatment plans and interventions.
• Ethical awareness: You must adhere to a strict code of ethics and make decisions that prioritize your client’s best interests and well-being.
• Collaboration skills: You’ll often collaborate with other professionals, agencies and community resources to provide comprehensive care and support.

Social Worker Salary

The field of social work is incredibly diverse, encompassing a wide array of roles, each with its unique responsibilities and areas of focus. Consequently, salaries within the social work field can vary significantly depending on the specific position you pursue.

For example, the estimated total pay for standard social workers is approximately $73,443 per year in the United States, with salaries typically ranging from $60,000 to $90,000 per year. On the other hand, medical social workers and licensed clinical social workers earn around $77,323 and $89,002 per year, respectively.

In addition to the role you pursue, your experience can also influence your earnings. Average salaries based on years of experience are reported to be as follows:

In addition to the role you pursue, your experience can also influence your earnings. Average salaries based on years of experience are reported to be as follows:

• $60,416 for up to one year of experience
• $63,051 for one to three years of experience
• $68,017 for four to six years of experience
• $70,715 for seven to nine years of experience
• $74,482 for ten to fourteen years of experience
• $78,968 for 15 or more years of experience

The Bottom Line

Becoming a social worker demands dedication and commitment. Meeting the necessary educational, experiential and licensure requirements is a journey that ultimately leads to a fulfilling career dedicated to helping others.

If you’re ready to take this significant step toward making a difference, we encourage you to explore our Master of Social Work program. Join us and be a part of the change!

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the work environment like for a social worker?

There are many settings in which social workers can work, such as hospitals, schools, government agencies, non-profit organizations, mental health facilities and private practices. Depending on their area of expertise, they may also work in community centers, correctional facilities or substance abuse treatment centers.

What degree is best for a social worker?

Generally, any degree in social work or another related field can open doors to entry-level roles as a social worker. However, for more advanced positions, especially in clinical or supervisory positions, a Master of Social Work is typically required.

What are some entry-level social worker roles?

Some entry-level social worker roles are case manager, social services assistant and group home worker.

Do you make a lot of money being a social worker?

Social workers are not among the highest-paid professionals, with salaries ranging from $60,000 to $90,000 annually. However, they often find the work deeply rewarding due to their positive impact on individuals and communities.

What social work job pays the most?

Executive director social workers are among the highest-paid professionals in this field, with an estimated total pay of $106,710 per year and salaries ranging from $65,000 to $177,000.

What is the lowest-paid social worker?

Entry-level roles in social work are typically the lowest paid. However, they serve as an entry point into the field, allowing you to gain valuable experience and advance to higher-paying positions.

Is an MSW degree worth it?

An MSW degree is worth it as it can significantly enhance your career prospects, opening up doors to opportunities for advanced roles, clinical practice and higher earning potential. 

Are social workers in high demand?

Yes, social workers are generally in demand, as data shows a 7% increase in the number of social work jobs from 2022 to 2032.