Social Worker

Social workers assist individuals and groups with problems such as poverty; illness; substance abuse; child, spouse, or elder abuse; lack of financial management skills; emotional and mental health disorders; and inadequate housing. There are five types of certified/licensed social workers: social work associate, licensed social worker, advanced practice social worker, licensed master's social worker, and advanced clinical practice social worker.

Work Environment
Social workers often work independently, but they may also work within a team that consists of physicians, psychologists, lawyers, nurses, therapists, teachers, clergy, and other professionals concerned with a client's welfare. They also consult and work with members of the client's family. Working conditions vary with the nature of the work, type of employer, and the location. Social workers may find employment in agency offices, hospitals, clinics, schools, family service centers, private practice, prisons, or courts of law.

Job Outlook
The demand for social workers in Texas is expected to increase by 26 percent annually, while opportunities for social workers are projected to grow by 34 percent at the national level.

Length of Training/
Requirements
Training for social workers ranges from an associate degree to a doctoral degree. The bachelor of social work degree (B.S.W.) prepares students for general practice. Students wishing to specialize must earn a master of social work (M.S.W.) degree.

Salary
Salary depends on education, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $35,000 - $55,000.

Educational Programs
Bachelor's/Master's Degrees
Baylor University
Houston Baptist University
Howard Payne University

Lamar University
Midwestern State University
Our Lady of the Lake University
Paul Quinn College
Prairie View A&M University
St. Edward's University
Southwest Texas State University
Stephen F. Austin State University
Tarleton State University
Texas A&M University - College Station
Texas A&M University - Commerce
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Texas Christian University
Texas Lutheran College
Texas Southern University
Texas Tech University
Texas Woman's University
Trinity University
The University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at El Paso
The University of Texas at San Antonio
The University of Texas at Tyler
The University of Texas Pan American at Edinburg
University of Houston - Clear Lake
University of Houston - Downtown
University of Houston - Main Campus
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
University of North Texas
West Texas A&M University

Professional Associations
Council on Social Work Education
1600 Duke St.
Alexandria, VA 22314-3421
703/683-8080

National Association of Social Workers
750 First St. NE, Ste. 700
Washington, DC 20002-4241
800/638-8799 or 202/408-8600

National Network for Social Work Managers, Inc.
1316 New Hampshire NW, Ste. 602
Washington, DC 20036
202/785-2814

Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners
1100 West 49th St.
Austin, TX 78756-3183
800/232-3162
Fax: 512/834-6677