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Getting Your Social Work License And Choosing A Career Path

If your heart is set on helping people and giving of yourself, social work might be right up your alley. The field of social work is growing at a rate of 11% over the next several years. You get the daily reward of helping people and can work in several different sectors. It begins by handling your social work licensing requirements so that you can operate professionally. In this article, you'll learn more about getting your license and working in the field.

How can you go about handling your social work licensing?

If you want to work in social work, there is always a need. These jobs are in-demand and come attached with salaries of about $50,000 or so. Before you can step foot into the field, you have to first get your bachelor's degree. Look for a university that offers social work programs or degree paths in related industries. Most states will also require you to get a master's degree specifically in social work, along with internship experience. After that, you will have to go through several hours of fieldwork, as outlined by the state you are seeking a license in. From there, you will sit for your social work exam, at which point you will be granted a license.

What types of social work can you go into?

After you get your license, you can start exploring the several different career paths available to people with a social work license. Here are some of the fields of social work that you can look into that may speak to your heart and your expertise:

1. Child welfare social work — These professionals deal with children who may be at risk for abuse or adverse living arrangements. They work for cities and states, school systems, juvenile detention centers, and other related places of business. They serve as an advocate for children who can't advocate for themselves. 
2. Social work for substance abuse — Substance abuse social workers serve to help people who have struggled with addiction. They help partner them up with resources for mental health, counseling, and more so that they can get their lives back. 
3. Criminal justice services — Social workers in the criminal justice field serve as advocates for people in the system. They help to make sure that they are treated fairly in jail or prison, assist them in finding jobs after incarceration, and provide several other resources and services. 

Start with these tips if you're thinking about getting your social work license.