When asked what you think the career in greatest demand might be you would probably say doctors, nurses or even IT professionals. However, there is another profession that is in great demand and one that is often overlooked. This could be because it is one of the most misunderstood professions based on how we perceive it to be, but the truth is, there is a real need for social workers, especially those with a masters in social work – so if you guessed social workers, you were right!
Why Social Workers Are in Demand
Because most people associate social workers with the Welfare Department, it’s hard to conceive why this one profession is in such high demand and why there is a shortage of case workers. Actually, that is just one segment of the society where social workers play a vital role and it is increasingly evident that social workers are needed across a wide array of industries. Perhaps the number one reason why social workers are in short supply is because, as stated, there is a misperception of just what it is that they do.
Where Social Workers Are Employed
The average person would be amazed at just what they could do if they even studied for an MSW online such as from this university. Social workers are employed by:
- Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- Schools
- Prisons
- Human Services Agencies
- Mental Health Facilities
- Large Corporations – Often in Human Services
- Community Development Projects
- Child Welfare Organizations
- Non-Profit Social Programs
And, the list could go on and on and one. Each setting demands a certain specialization, which is usually completed during master’s degree clinicals. Each group has varying types of needs and so it is always best to have a focused level of expertise for each type of placement.
General Information on Social Work
Many experts believe that there is a huge need for social workers because of the stresses involved with living in such a fast-paced society where everything is expected to be delivered yesterday. Technology has been a huge influence on this mindset and one of the main triggers to stress related depression. Today, people pick up their cell phone, access the Internet from wherever they happen to be standing and get immediate answers to any question they should happen to need an answer for. Unfortunately, humans are not computers and cannot hope to compete in terms of speed, so they are left feeling somehow inadequate or inferior. This is a societal dilemma and why social workers need to step up to the plate to help people relearn coping mechanisms.
If you are looking for a career with a future, there is nothing quite like a job where you feel you are doing some good in the world. As far as job prospects going forward, the outlook is good (better than the national average for all occupations) so it will be a field worth studying. Whether you go on to get your doctorate in clinical social work or choose to become a team leader with a masters in social work, there will be a job for you now and in the future. As you can see, there is a need so this is a profession you can rely on.