Career Progression In Social Work – Generalist And Leadership Options

The need for outstanding social workers has never been greater. Societal crises and serious personal issues have made many people’s lives increasingly difficult. Social workers fulfill a crucial role and make a real and lasting difference to people struggling to cope. They require determination, empathy, emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills to excel in their profession.

Like few others, social workers possess a passion for people and a burning desire to make the world a better place. Societies across the globe owe dedicated social workers a debt of gratitude. Without them, many people would simply not survive. But what if you have many years of experience in the field and want to focus on progressing your career?

With social workers significantly contributing to improving communities and healthcare systems, many career options are available. This article examines the career paths open to social workers, delving into further education and career progression in social work leadership and generalist social work.

Social work job options

Every section of society requires social workers, including communities, schools, healthcare facilities, the military, state agencies, correctional facilities, and private corporations and clinics. Apart from supporting individuals and families, social workers act as advocates. They may help someone with a disability to access benefits and special assistance or support community groups in securing services and government funding. Aside from direct-contact work, social workers help to shape government policy, conduct research, and design and create new social support structures. The roles and everyday workload differ significantly depending on the specifics of a social work position. As in most careers, social workers can specialize in working with specific groups or in particular settings.

Four types of social work qualifications exist: a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), a Master of Social Work (MSW), a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) and a PhD in Social Work. Candidates who prefer studying online can obtain a social work qualification remotely – for example studying advanced standing MSW programs online – at Keuka College. The university offers versatile social work knowledge that can be translated to a range of generalist and leadership roles, for those with a preexisting bachelor’s degree who want to advance their careers.

When it comes to the most common social work fields, graduates can choose to work in many different areas, including management and administration, advocacy, aging, child welfare, developmental disability, healthcare, international social work, corrections and justice, clinical social work and mental health, substance use, occupational and employee assistance, politics, policy planning, education, research, and public welfare.

Job progression and salaries in social work

Aside from better remuneration, social workers may wish to progress in their careers and seek new challenges, such as moving into leadership roles or working as experts in a specialty. Other reasons include a desire to work in macro-level social work to help shape government policies or to lecture in social work.

The highest social work positions include roles in child and family social work, social policy analysis, human resources, and medical social work, with a role in corporate social responsibility management currently topping the salary ranking. Social workers seeking positions with a high salary should consider working for the federal government. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for a social worker in government services is over $82,000, which compares favorably to some private sector entry-level salaries, which come in at just over $37,000.

Other high-paying social work employers include universities, hospitals, insurance carriers, outpatient healthcare providers, local government agencies, professional organizations and industry advocacy groups.

In the US, location also plays a vital role in determining the salary, with social workers in California currently earning the highest wages.

Career advancement in generalist social work

As the scope of generalist social work is exceedingly broad, career progression options are abundant. Specialization in a generalist field, such as child protection, substance use or homelessness, to name but a few, is a solid career progression path. By acquiring expertise in a specific discipline, social workers become much sought-after and highly employable candidates. Specialty areas include research, school social work, public welfare, community advocacy and organization, healthcare, elderly care, disability care, criminal justice, administration and many others.

Generalist social workers typically need to complete a doctoral or master’s program to specialize and secure a relevant position.

Leadership roles in social work

Outstanding social work leadership will improve services at the micro, mezzo and macro levels. Social workers keen to reshape entire social support structures work in leadership positions. As a career progression option, transitioning into social work leadership will suit individuals interested in shaping policy, advocating for marginalized communities, and fighting for justice and equality for impoverished groups.

Social work leaders do not engage one-on-one with clients, but manage teams, ensuring the delivery of best practices and services. They require excellent leadership, collaboration and communication skills alongside exceptional problem-solving skills and expert knowledge in human behavior, legislation, human rights, and government structures.

Social work leaders typically work in social work management in government bodies, private services and corporations.

Most social workers in leadership positions hold an MSW, PhD or doctorate. Some universities offer master’s programs with a focus on advanced leadership. Continuing education credits and specialty certification also help to secure a social work leadership role. Most employers, however, only hire candidates with first-hand social work experience at the micro level, meaning candidates who have worked directly with clients for a considerable time.

Choosing the right social work career path

When weighing up social work career advancement options, you must keep the everyday workload and environment at the forefront of your mind. Examine what aspects of social work you enjoy most and seek out further education opportunities there while considering your location preferences and salary expectations.

Opportunities in social work are plentiful, so you will likely have a thriving career regardless of your choice.