The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) estimates that there are as many as 672,000 social workers in the United States workforce today, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the profession will grow 16% through 2026 — much faster than the economy as a whole. Social workers practice in a variety of settings, but they usually fall in one of three main categories of social work: clinical, macro, and direct.
Macro social workers don’t connect one-on-one with clients. Instead, they work toward policy change and program implementation. However, both direct and clinical social workers engage with clients firsthand. Clinical social workers must hold at least a master’s degree in social work (MSW), and they have the authority to diagnose and treat clients with mental illnesses and substance abuse problems. Most states require clinical social workers to complete thousands of hours of supervised experience before obtaining licensure. On the other hand, graduates with just a bachelor’s in social work (BSW) can proceed straight into a direct social work position, such as case manager, care coordinator, or healthcare social worker. Direct social workers aren’t required to meet the same education and experience standards as clinical social workers.
Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) provide a range of social work services, including treatment for mental illnesses. Each state has its own requirements for LCSWs, and some even refer to them with a different title, but they all require an MSW. MSW programs often allow students to specialize in a particular area of practice, such as substance abuse counseling, child and family social work, mental health counseling, and disability services.
Almost all clinical social work jobs require applicants to have an MSW. Some candidates find that choosing a specialization helps in finding employment. States vary in their standards for clinical social workers, but most require candidates to obtain special licensure. Graduate-level social work programs can prepare candidates to become LCSWs (or their state’s equivalent of that title). In addition to earning a master’s degree, social workers who pursue this license must pass a clinical-level standardized exam and complete required supervised work hours.
LCSWs can work in clinical settings to diagnose and treat patients with psychiatric disorders. Many work in mental health treatment facilities to help people struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and similar conditions. These social workers may also practice in substance abuse rehabilitation facilities to help treat those struggling with addiction, while others might open their own private practices to counsel families and children. Salaries for LCSWs vary widely, but Payscale reports the average LCSW salary ranges between $40,673 and $76,321, depending on years of experience, specialization and geographical location. Generally, LCSWs in hospitals and private practice make more than their peers.
Direct social workers help clients navigate complex systems, find appropriate resources, and manage life’s difficulties. The education and licensing requirements for these professionals vary by state and position, but most direct services positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. Many also require candidates to hold a specialization certificate or a master’s degree.
Direct services is perhaps the most diverse of the three social work categories, with positions available in a variety of settings. For example, direct social work in healthcare requires practitioners to help patients understand their insurance, advocate for their healthcare rights, and find the appropriate resources to use during recovery. Child and family social workers visit homes to ensure child safety, evaluate potential foster care homes, and help with adoption proceedings. Direct social workers also practice in schools, where they identify students in need, discover the root of their problems and connect them with resources.
Generally, direct social workers must have at least a bachelor’s degree, but professional certifications and higher degrees can help them move forward in their careers. At undergraduate and graduate levels, a social work student can choose a concentration, such as gerontology, children and families, healthcare, or school social work. A social worker’s income potential changes based on their specialty and level of education. Salary.com reports that the national average for social workers with a bachelor’s degree is $55,498, and for those with a graduate degree it’s $62,043.