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Social Work Research Guide: Entry-Level Social Work Careers

This is a guide to selected Social Work resources available in the Libraries collections and on the Internet.

Entry-Level Social Work Careers

 Child Welfare

Child welfare specialists, also called child welfare workers, partner with community organizations to protect children. Their duties also include reporting suspected child abuse or neglect.

With less than one year of experience, an entry-level child welfare specialist can expect to earn an annual salary of about $35,450, according to PayScale. After gaining about 5-9 years of experience, PayScale reports that these social workers can expect to make about $46,549 per year. Employers do not require a license for this job.

 Social and Human Service Assistant

Social and human service assistants, interchangeably called social work assistants, have broad responsibilities working with a variety of different communities. They primarily assist social workers who help children, elderly people, and individuals experiencing homelessness.

The BLS reports that social and human service assistants make a median annual pay of $35,060. At a minimum, employers require prospective social and human service assistants to earn a high school diploma. Many also hold certificates or an associate degree.

 Health Educator

Health educators focus on creating the programs that inform communities about health services. They also train community health workers, collect data, and teach health education at high schools and middle schools. Health educators also work in hospitals, government agencies, outpatient care centers, and nonprofits.

A role as a health educator requires a bachelor's degree in social work or health education. Many health educators also hold a certified health education specialist credential. They earn a median annual salary of $55,220, according to the BLS.

 Social Science Research Assistant

Social science research assistants help scientists and researchers conduct surveys and carry out experiments. Training to become a social science research assistant begins with completing a bachelor's in social work program.

Social science research assistants might work for employers in scientific research services, colleges, or government agencies. Though their salaries depend on their workplace, the BLS reports that social science research assistants make a mean annual wage of $50,420.

 Social Work Case Manager

Social work case managers manage operations at agencies that provide community services. Unlike social workers, case managers do not typically provide one-on-one therapy.

To land a job as a social work case manager, candidates need at least a bachelor's degree, though a master's degree can improve employment prospects. Many in this position also hold the NASW certified social work case manager credential. On average, social case managers make a salary of $39,074, according to PayScale.