Heidi Said:

How can I become a social worker???? will i be REALLY helping people?

We Answered:

I have a BA in social work. I loved my major but this field can result in burn out easily and can be a difficult area to work in. I would suggest for you to really think about it before you go into the social work field. If you would like to help people, then I would suggest for you to go into counseling (there are some minor difference between social work and counseling). To get a good job in both social work and counseling, you would need have at least a masters.

Timothy Said:

How is life as a social worker?

We Answered:

Well I couldn't tell you, i was actually hoping somebody would tell you how it is too because i want to study to be one and im starting in september. well i hope we stay in touch ok. good luck.
natyrbd_poncholove18@yahoo.com

Beatrice Said:

Social Worker?

We Answered:

Take a Psychology course in high school, if possible... Your focus will be in social sciences in college. You would have to be in college for 4 years (but a Master's would be better than a Bachelors) There are so many places social workers can work. Google: Social worker. Good Luck in your endeavors!

Gladys Said:

why do you desire to study social worker?

We Answered:

I am studying to become a Social Worker because not only because of the events I have been through in my own life but also witnessing the events going on in others. I have a strong passion for helping people. I believe that if a person has the will power, they can be helped. It is very much a personal decision. If it is the correct one for you, you will know. If it is something you are interested in, I suggest taking a class and see if you like it :)

Fernando Said:

What do you study to become a Social Worker?

We Answered:

I suggest you pay a visit to the local social workers meetings at your local council, where you will obtain first hand knowledge of all the requirements as well as much information on the practical side of the work.

Penny Said:

What do i need to study to become a social worker?

We Answered:

you really need to talk to your school counselor / academic advisor at your school, they should know.

Kelly Said:

Do you need a BSW in order to become a Social Worker?

We Answered:

I've been a social worker for 7 years and I have a BA with a double major in government and psychology. So no, you don't have to have a BSW degree. Also, most MSW programs accept a wide range of undergraduate degrees. You didn't mention what kind of social worker you wanted to be so I'm putting a list below (sorry but it's long) to give you ideas. Feel free to e-mail if you have a question.

Here’s the main kinds and what they do (hope it helps):

There are social workers that work for CPS. They are investigators and case managers. They deal with allegations of abuse and children that have suffered from abuse and neglect. It is demanding but rewarding work and pays really well in a few states. (I do this in California)

There is also APS (Adult Protective Services). They investigate allegations of abuse and neglect among the elderly, including financial abuse. Their educational requirements are the same as CPS and the pay is about the same.

Public school districts also have social workers. They do some counseling with children and usually help families access services in their area.

Hospitals also have social workers. Their job is usually to report to CPS if there are concerns (school social workers do this too) and to help families with services - such has finding respite care, helping new moms sign up for WIC and get free car seats. They usually don't have long-term involvement with a family.

The military hires civilian social workers for their Family Advocacy programs. They do a little informal counseling, help military families with getting services and run programs - everything from anger management and domestic violence classes to parenting classes and social groups.

Family Courts also use social workers (at least in California) as family court mediators. You meet the parents, assess where the child would be best off and then make recommendations to the judge.

For the military, hospitals, school and family court you almost always need a masters degree (MFT – Marriage and Family Therapy or MSW – Master’s of Social Work). For CPS you usually only need a bachelors degree. Keep in mind (if money is an issue) that the government offers the Title IV-E program in just about every state. The program is for students who want to get their MSW. You get free tuition (plus a stipend for living expenses) to get a MSW degree. Then to pay it back, you have to work in that state (where ever you went to school) for CPS for a certain number of years. It's usually three years or four. This is a great option and if you do this, choose somewhere like California or New York where CPS workers actually get paid well.