Nontraditional career paths for social workers
When you think of jobs that require a social work degree, you probably envision the clinical roles that licensed social workers most typically hold. School social workers, social workers who work directly with families and children, and substance abuse social workers are a few that might easily come to mind.
The latest data collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that social work is growing at the rate of 7%—more quickly than other occupations. The field is expected to add more than 50,000 jobs over the next ten years. Many of these new jobs expand the field of social work in exciting, and sometimes unexpected, directions. As a result, there have never been more nontraditional opportunities for social workers with a Master’s in Social Work (MSW).
Social workers are trained in active listening, conflict resolution and cultural competency. They also practice empathy and are highly adept at planning for a crisis, staying organized, handling high-stress situations, and interacting with at-risk individuals. It should come as no surprise that this diverse and highly transferable skill set would make social workers uniquely suited to perform a wide range of roles.
Let’s take a look at some of the non-traditional career paths where social workers are finding fulfillment, stability, and success.
Where do social workers typically work?
The majority of social workers are employed in the clinical setting. That means that they provide direct clinical interventions to individuals or groups as part of their official responsibilities. Clinical social workers focus on diagnosing, treating, and supporting people who have been assigned to their caseload.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 18% of social workers provide individual and family services, with 26% working for local or state governments and another 10% working for employers who provide educational services. However, the amount of non-clinical social worker roles, also called occupational social worker jobs, are increasing as the importance of mental health is better recognized in a wide variety of fields.
The pay range and jobs available for social workers can vary by location. The annual median wage for social workers is $58,380. The top ten percent of social workers earn more than $94,910. Having a master’s degree in the field opens social workers up to higher paying opportunities.
California, Florida, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio are the states that employ the most social workers in less traditional roles. Washington, D.C., New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Oklahoma, and Washington are some of the top-paying states for these types of jobs.
For these less traditional pathways, a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree can be a big asset. This degree increases earning potential and opens up leadership opportunities. An MSW is not required to pursue these jobs, but in some cases, it is very much preferred.
What other kinds of jobs are available for social workers?
International and humanitarian social work jobs
If you are interested in global affairs, care deeply about displaced and marginalized communities, or simply want a job where you can help meet the physical needs of people, these roles might appeal to you. Global organizations like Oxfam, the Red Cross, UNICEF, and the International Rescue Committee hire social workers to coordinate crisis response, distribute resources, and protect human rights. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) typically look to hire employees with a master’s degree as well as some experience.
Job titles that fit this description include:
- International aid worker
- Disaster relief coordinator
- Human rights advocate
Criminal justice and conflict resolution social work jobs
Social workers who work within the legal and criminal justice systems support individuals and families who have been impacted by crime and incarceration. Some of these social workers come alongside families to support them through the investigation, trial, and sentencing process. Others work alongside individuals who are incarcerated, on parole, or on probation. These types of social workers may spend time at incarceration facilities and courthouses as part of their job. Social workers who work in these roles have a unique insight into how to reform the criminal justice system on a system-wide level.
Job titles in this category include:
- Restorative justice coordinator
- Forensic social worker
- Victim advocate
- Correctional social worker
Workplace and employee well-being social work jobs
Social workers have traditionally come alongside families and individuals to provide assistance and strategies to navigate challenges. But increasingly, social workers are being tapped in to help corporations, nonprofits, and professionals build thriving, empowering workplaces.
Social work jobs in the corporate world tap into the strengths that social workers have in communication, empathy, and cultural competency. They may work in an office setting, work from home, or consult with multiple clients in several locations.
Some job titles in this category include:
- Human resource specialist
- DEI consultant
- Career counselor
Community health and awareness social work jobs
Social workers who are interested in talking to the public-at-large outside of the clinical setting may be interested in community health or community awareness jobs. These types of jobs aim to educate at the population-wide level, explaining the importance of mental health initiatives or sharing best practices for health and safety. Social workers in these occupations may fulfill their roles and responsibilities from home, in a community health clinic, or through traveling to speak at conferences and other professional gatherings.
Social workers who enjoy making presentations, organizing information, and giving and receiving feedback on new policies may enjoy these types of social work jobs. Opportunities in this category include:
- HIV/AIDs educator
- Public speaker
- Public health social worker
Research, policy, and advocacy social work jobs
Many people become social workers because they want to be able to effect large-scale, system-wide changes that benefit underserved populations. Working in the clinical setting is one way to transform communities, but some social workers want to see change implemented at the legislative or policy level.
Social workers can work with nonprofits, elected officials, government health organizations, and research universities to find ways to help diverse and marginalized populations. The workplace setting for these roles may be a traditional office space, but often these roles have a flexible schedule and allow working from home. Examples of social work jobs like this include:
- Nonprofit grant writer
- Clinical research coordinator
- Legislative policy analyst
End-of-life care and grief support social worker jobs
These types of social worker jobs can provide emotional as well as practical support for individuals and families as a loved one comes to terms with the end of their life. They can provide clinical care to those who have received a terminal diagnosis or those who are simply reaching the end of their natural life expectancy. As the U.S. population ages, more hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice agencies are encountering demand for these types of services and hiring social workers to meet the need.
Social workers can perform these roles in a wide variety of settings, including funeral homes, hospitals, nursing homes, and at family residences.
Job titles for social workers in this category include:
- Hospice social worker
- Death doula
- Bereavement counselor
- End-of-life-care planning consultant
How do you become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)?
Even if you pursue a non-traditional career path, you will still need to be licensed to practice any sort of social work. Becoming a Licensed Master Social Worker requires earning a graduate degree in the field, such as an MSW. You must also pass a licensing exam and meet the requirements of your state of residence, which can vary.
Steps to become a LMSW typically include:
Step One: Complete an MSW program
Earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree that is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). Within that degree program, you will need to complete several hundred hours of supervised fieldwork. Fieldwork allows you to put the skills you are learning into practice. A strong program will assist you with finding a practicum program that is local to you and streamlines the fieldwork process.
If you have a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related discipline, you may be able to complete your MSW in about a year of full-time study. For students attending part time or students getting into social work from another career, the MSW can take up to four years to complete.
Step Two: Apply for licensure and sign up to take your licensing exam
Each state has its own licensing requirements, so it is important to look into these before you submit your application and sign up to take the licensing test. Requirements may include fees, a background check, submitting transcripts, and pre-licensure continuing education credits, such as mandated reporter training.
Step Three: Pass the ASWB Masters exam
A high-quality MSW program will prepare you well for the Association of Social Work Board’s (ASWB) licensing exam. This timed exam can have as many as 150 scored, multiple-choice questions as well as 20 questions that don’t contribute to your score. The passing score varies from state to state.
Case management and human development as well as questions about ethics best practices are covered in the test material.
Step Four: Finalize your LMSW license
Once you have passed the ASWB exam, you can submit your score and pay any final licensing fees required by your state. Your license will come shortly after this process has been completed, and you will be licensed to provide case management, advocacy, and mental health services.
Make a difference with your MSW
At St. Bonaventure University Online, you can earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) in as little as 31 months. Designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, the program gives you the clinical knowledge and skills you need to be a compassionate leader who can effect change in your community.
The coursework is 100% online, with no requirement to visit St. Bonaventure’s campus. Socially conscious clinical practice is at the core of the curriculum, and practicum placement assistance is available.
