Child and family social workers help protect at-risk children and support families. According to the BLS, these professionals make a median annual wage of $47,390.
These social workers respond to crises and help families access services, such as food stamps and housing opportunities. Most hold at least a BSW. Becoming a child and family social worker does not require a license.
School districts often hire to assist struggling students. These professionals partner with teachers and parents to create plans that address emotional, behavioral, social, and/or academic development issues.
Licensed school social workers often hold a master's degree, though specific requirements vary by state. The BLS reports that school social workers make a median annual salary of $47,390. Most CSWE-surveyed school social workers work in elementary schools and preschools.
When hiring mental health social workers, many employers require a master's degree and a license. In some states, a bachelor's degree may suffice, though mental health social workers without licenses and an advanced degree may be limited to performing certain responsibilities.
Mental health social workers help people cope with mental, behavioral, and emotional issues. The BLS reports that these social workers earn a median annual salary of $46,650. Many find work in clinical rehabilitation centers and private practices.
Substance abuse social workers can find employment at rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, and detention centers. In these settings, professionals assess, treat, and create interventions to help individuals suffering from alcohol and substance addictions.
These professionals also address other comorbid addictions that affect individuals, families, and communities, such as gambling or sex addiction. Mental health and substance abuse social workers make an annual mean salary of $51,670.
Healthcare social workers provide information and services to make navigating the medical world easier for their clients. They might help people come to terms with a medical diagnosis or educate doctors and healthcare professionals about a patient's emotional needs.
Healthcare social workers, according to the BLS, make a median annual wage of $56,750. Besides client-based services, healthcare social workers also influence healthcare policy and advocate for patients' rights.
Clinical social workers must hold a master's in social work, complete two years of supervised work experience in a clinical setting, and obtain state licensure. Licensed clinical social workers earn an average annual salary of $58,390, according to PayScale.
Clinical social workers can provide individual therapy, and may help clients cope with mental health conditions or assist them in finding housing and jobs. These professionals work at hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and clinics.
Working as a social and community service manager requires at least a bachelor's degree, although employers might look for a master's degree in social work or a related major, such as public health. Social and community service managers partner with community leaders to develop and deliver programs that best serve a community's needs.
These professionals must juggle multiple tasks, such as writing grant proposals, managing administrative staff, and monitoring the success of outreach work. They make a median annual salary of $112,480.
Colleges hire social work teachers for both part-time and tenure positions. Social work teachers at four-year colleges and universities need a minimum of a master's degree, but more often a doctorate.
Community colleges may hire part-time instructors who hold a master's degree in social work. Pay for social work teachers depends on the setting; social work teachers make an annual mean wage of $78,320 and $72,090 at four-year and two-year colleges, respectively.