1. Hannah Denning Social Worker February 27, 2011

2. Earnings The median (average) annual earnings for ALL social workers: .$46,220 Child, family, and school social workers: $39,530 Medical and public health social workers: $46,650 Mental health and substance abuse social workers: $37,210 All other social workers: $46,220 The feeling of helping someone in need PRICELESS!

3. Educational Requirements The most common minimum requirement of all social workers is a Bachelor’s degree. May require majors in related subject such as psychology or sociology.

4. Entry Level Positions Entry level positions: Bachelor’s degree is necessary. Master’s degree in social work or related field may be required for certain positions.

5. Nature of Work Question: What do social workers do exactly? Answer: MANY THINGS! Too many to list, but let’s try! Help improve people’s lives Assist people in coping and solving issues in everyday lives Help family and personal problems Help counsel relationships Help clients who face a disability or life-threatening diseases Help clients deal with inadequate housing, unemployment, or substance abuse Assist families that have serious domestic conflicts Deal with child or spousal abuse Conduct research Advocate and improve services Can You Find It? What is the number one thing that all social workers provide, no matter what field they work in? Hint: It’s the most used word on this page!! If you said ‘Help’, you’d be right!

6. Working Conditions Social workers spend most of their time in their offices or residential facility They can travel locally and visit clients, meet with service providers, or attend meetings Understaffing and large caseloads are two factors that add pressure in some agencies Full-time social workers work a standard 40-hour week, however, some work evenings and weekends (Not so glamorous, but rewarding!)

7. Job Outlook Some good news! Social worker employment is expected to GROWfaster than average for all occupations through 2018!! Why? Growing elderly population and an aging baby boom generation will develop a greater demand for social workers in the health and social services. Don’t worry, social workers in private social service agencies: Your employment will grow as well!

8. Advantages/Disadvantages to Social Work Advantages: Help improve other’s lives! Have a sense of importance! Use skills and abilities for the greater good! Disadvantages: Stress. Depression. Low income.

9. Personal skills and abilities Personally, I believe I am the epitome of the perfect social worker. (I am confident, not cocky!) I have many traits and skills that I found are required in social work. Some personality traits I have are as followed: Compassionate Empathetic Strong Helpful Good at compartmentalizing Can handle stressful situations

10. What Can I Do to prepare I can continue making ‘Smile’ bags for the kids who enter the foster care system Take psychology, sociology, and related subjects in college Volunteer in related things such as the soup kitchen or good will