{"id":170,"date":"2022-12-16T03:46:21","date_gmt":"2022-12-16T03:46:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/career-insider.com\/?p=170"},"modified":"2023-07-15T05:26:25","modified_gmt":"2023-07-15T05:26:25","slug":"progressing-in-your-social-work-career","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/career-insider.com\/progressing-in-your-social-work-career\/","title":{"rendered":"Progressing in your social work career"},"content":{"rendered":"
If you want to take your social work career to the next level, establishing a career management plan could help you advance in this constantly evolving market. Progressing forward in your social work career could give you a sense of accomplishment, allowing you to showcase your skills, and, of course, it can even result in better pay.<\/span><\/p>\n Career planning revolves around establishing objectives for every stage in your career to help you make purposeful and logical moves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Instead of something that you do just once and set aside, career planning should be an ongoing process in which you recognize opportunities in your present position to improve your skills, broaden your horizons and build your knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n This article discusses the steps you can take to progress your career in the social work industry.<\/span><\/p>\n What is the value of a social work career?<\/b><\/p>\n Social work education shouldn\u2019t be considered a simple one-off experience. If you have a social work degree, consider your commitment to professional development a continuous pursuit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Development in a social work career involves various practices such as training and networking to improve your efficiency.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As times change, social workers must work toward getting the latest knowledge in their respective areas.<\/span><\/p>\n The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) refers to continuing education as a primary contributor to professional development.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Social workers who actively participate in educational opportunities can maintain and enhance their proficiency in service delivery, according to the NASW\u2019s Rules of Professional Education. This helps change lives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As the foundation of social work is in education, a master\u2019s in social work degree can help you find your purpose and lead the way to newer career paths.<\/span><\/p>\n That said, a degree is the beginning of your social work education. Social work requires aspiring social workers to advance professionally and benefit from new learning opportunities throughout their careers.<\/span><\/p>\n Pursuing a master\u2019s in social work<\/b><\/p>\n Many BSW graduates or graduates of programs in related fields, such as human services and psychology, can continue their education by applying for a Master of Social Work (MSW) program \u2013 for example, via <\/span>Keuka Online MSW Advanced Track<\/span><\/a>. Getting a master\u2019s degree may lead to more job opportunities for graduates and allow them to work on specified populations or a more generalized practice.<\/span><\/p>\n The requirements of an MSW Program<\/b><\/p>\n To apply for an MSW program, applicants must have a bachelor\u2019s from an accredited university or college. A bachelor\u2019s in social work is not usually required unless a candidate applies for advanced education. However, most universities may require candidates who have exhibited an understanding of social work or a similar field. As with a BSW program, MSW candidates may be assessed based on criteria such as:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The expected coursework for MSW degrees<\/b><\/p>\n While there is no pre-established curriculum for an MSW program, such degrees are usually designed to involve generalist and specialized instruction. Examples of foundational courses can include subjects such as:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n On the other hand, specialized courses may cover a broader range of topics that could include trauma, health, mental health, schools, children, veterans, policy, social services leadership, and clinical social work. Specialized courses from the same course of study can include:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Numerous MSW programs also make it necessary for students to complete a clinical component, enabling them to demonstrate the application of academic education via a project, most often achieved via a field education agency.<\/span><\/p>\n Licensing in the social work career<\/b><\/p>\n Although a master\u2019s degree in social work is crucial to career progression, licenses obtained via regulatory boards are just as vital.<\/span><\/p>\n For instance, a social worker holding an MSW but not clinical licensure (LCSW) is not allowed to practice therapy with clients.<\/span><\/p>\n Social workers must partake in regular continuing education practices to maintain licensure in most US states. This lets them stay updated with modern research and the latest professional techniques.<\/span><\/p>\n Moving forward with your education will also help you to stay in contact with other professionals and give you networking opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n Some licensing can differ from state to state. There are multiple specific titles and certification levels. The most common requirement for obtaining these licenses is an MSW. You can determine your state\u2019s licensing requirements by referring to the Association of Social Work Boards\u2019 database.<\/span><\/p>\n Below are a few examples of licenses that require an MSW in most states:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n What exactly is career progression?<\/b><\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
\n