As you look to choose a post-secondary school degree, one of the top concerns on the list is usually the job potential. Clearly, you want to pick a degree that is in-demand and has plenty of different avenues to take where your career is concerned. The masters of social work online program is one that appeals to a great many people, not just because it’s an interesting and rewarding line of work to get into but the fact it’s such an in-demand field at the moment.
So, what can you do with your online masters of social work? What kind of careers could you pursue? Here’s a look at some of the options available.
Child Welfare
If you feel passionate about kids and are looking for a way that you can help make their lives the absolute best possible, then a career in child welfare could be the right avenue to take.
As a child welfare caseworker, it will be your job to make sure that the lives of the children you work with are improved. It will be up to you to provide them with tools and services that will help create a plan that works for them. You’ll also work with their caregiver/parent/guardian. As far as whom your employer will be, it could be the school board or the local or state government.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a child welfare caseworker in 2015 was $42,350.
Public Health
A public health social worker also works with individuals and families. In this job, you will be helping those who live in needy or poverty-stricken communities, people who need help improving their well-being and health. More specifically, you may work as a substance abuse advocate, policy analyst, program director, disaster response worker, maternal/child health advocate, community services administrator, or a trauma intervention advocate.
You will most likely work in a residential care facility, nursing facility, hospital, state or local government, or at a place that offers educational services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between now and the year 2024, this is a field that is expected to grow by 19%, which is a very positive job outlook.
School Social Worker
School social workers work with both the children and their families. The goal is to help the child achieve their full academic potential and ensure their well-being is kept a top priority. It’s not unusual for a school social worker to deal with such issues as truancy, misbehavior in the class and at school in general, teenage pregnancy, and offer advice to the teaching staff. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a school social worker is $47,510.
Open a Variety of Doors
A masters in social work online is a wonderful way to open a variety of career paths and doors that will not only provide you with a challenge but give you plenty of rewards along the way.
Kara Perez is the original founder of From Frugal To Free. She is a money expert, speaker and founder of Bravely Go, a feminist financial education company. Her work has been featured on NPR, Business Insider, Forbes, and Elite Daily.