
Foundations of Social Work Practice: Understand the theoretical foundation and skills for effective culturally competent communication and interviews with individuals, families, small groups and larger systems. #LEVELS OF SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE PROFESSIONAL#
Social Service Delivery Systems: Federal, state, not-for-profit and for-profit social service delivery system’s purpose, structure and professional roles.To outline a typical course program, we’ll use the example of the Bachelor of Social Work at the School of Social Work at Arizona State University, below. Criminal justice social worker, providing services to inmates and their families.Gerontology social worker, offering emotional support and helping the elderly with housing, transportation, and long-term care.Court-appointed special advocate, working on behalf of children brought before the court.
Child protective services worker, investigating claims of child abuse, neglect, and juvenile delinquency. Child life specialist, advocating for children in the health care system and alleviating the stress of hospitalization for children and their families. Case consultant, evaluating cases and meeting with individuals in need of services. With a Bachelor of Social Work, you’re qualified to work in the following capacities: For this reason, the BSW is also the minimum qualification for most state social work licensing and certification programs. It prepares students for direct service positions on the individual or community level through a curriculum that may centers on basic individual and family support services, national social welfare policy, casework planning, and intervention strategies.Īccredited BSW programs also require at least 400 hours of supervised field experience. The four-year Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree is commonly the base requirement for a job in social work. Most roles will focus on assistant or associate level tasks and you’ll likely need to work under a supervisor’s watch as you do your job. Though you’re limited to what you can do with an associate’s in social work, it can be a stepping stone to your bachelor’s degree or offer entry-level experience in career fields such as human services, social services, and healthcare.
Then, you can go on to complete a Master of Social Work (MSW) and a doctoral program, if you choose.
Unlike most psychology and education-related specialties, in which you specialize on the master’s level, social work offers associate’s degree programs and specialized bachelor degree programs, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Earning a four-year undergraduate degree is the initial step in your education toward becoming a social worker.