8 Career Paths You Can Pursue with a Social Work Degree

At Sacred Heart, a personalized approach helps social work students find their unique calling

While the work of social workers can be celebrated anytime, March is specifically designated as a time to recognize these professionals. Social Work Month places a spotlight on one of the fastest-growing careers in the United States and globally.

But social work is not a singular job. It’s a broad field with many avenues to pursue, all providing an opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities.

Social workers can work for corporations, nonprofit agencies, international organizations, health care facilities, political action groups and correctional facilities. With a foundation in empathy, critical thinking and problem-solving, a social work graduate can pursue a range of careers that contribute to societal well-being.

Through individualized learning, close faculty contact and advisement and a highly personalized focus to students’ interests, Sacred Heart’s social work programs, including an online MSW program, will prepare you to best serve others in whatever career path you choose.

Learn more about Sacred Heart University’s social work programs.

If you want to make it your job to improve the lives of others and help them overcome challenges, here are eight career paths you can pursue with a social work degree.

1. Advocacy & Community Organizing

Social work graduates who work in advocacy and community organizing push for policy changes and ensure that marginalized communities have a voice in decision-making processes.

You might work for:

• Nonprofits
• Governmental agencies
• Grassroots organizations

You might organize campaigns, lobby for laws that protect vulnerable populations or collaborate with local, state or national leaders to address social needs. You’ll work with diverse communities, educating the public on social issues and helping others to become active participants in their own communities. The average annual salary for policy analysts ranges from $79,000 to $110,800.

2. Aging

An aging population will increase the demand for social workers who specialize in the concerns of older adults and their families. You’ll help them to navigate challenges, such as securing health care services and long-term care, managing finances and addressing mental health concerns.

You could work in:

• Nursing homes
• Home health care agencies
• Senior centers
• Community agencies

You might create programs that promote active aging and social engagement or ensure older adults have needed resources and support. Salaries for these social workers range from $52,800 to $68,000 a year.

3. Health care

Social workers in health care settings support patients, families and health care professionals in addressing the social and emotional needs of patients and their families. They help patients and families manage emotional and financial challenges. They offer counseling and advocate for patients. A health care social worker might connect patients with resources, such as support groups and financial assistance.

Your skills and expertise would be valued in:

• Hospitals
• Hospice care facilities
• Clinics
• Outpatient care centers

You also would help families adjust to the impact of illness on their loved ones and provide guidance on end-of-life care. The annual salary ranges from $44,200 to $86,130.

4. Developmental Disabilities

Social workers specializing in developmental disabilities work closely with individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities to enhance their quality of life and promote independence. They advocate for their rights and help them to be present and active in society.

You might be employed by:

• Schools
• Community organizations
• Nonprofit organizations
• State or local agencies or governmental departments

Developmental disability social workers assist in finding educational opportunities, health care services and financial assistance. In this role, you help find access to vocational training, employment opportunities or social programs. The average annual salary is $60,000 to $93,500 a year.

5. Justice & Corrections

Social workers in the justice and corrections system work with individuals in the criminal justice system, including those incarcerated, on probation or facing legal issues. They provide counseling, case management and support that lead to rehabilitation and successful re-entry into society.

You might work at:

• Juvenile detention centers
• Correctional institutions
• Probation offices
• Re-entry programs

You’ll likely address mental health and substance abuse issues, handle crisis interventions, facilitate life skills training, connect clients with community resources and advocate for policy changes. You’ll work with a network of professionals, including lawyers and parole offices, and may work with victims of crime, offering counseling and support. The annual salary is $59,000 to $91,500.

6. Clinical Social Work

Clinical social work is one of the most well-known paths for social workers. These professionals diagnose and treat a range of emotional, behavioral and psychological issues in individuals, couples and families. They use evidence-based therapeutic approaches to support clients in achieving mental and emotional well-being.

You will likely work in:

• Private practice
• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation centers
• Mental health clinics
• Corporations

Clinical social workers help patients to address and treat issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties and substance use disorders. This path requires specialized training and certification, typically requiring an MSW degree with a clinical focus, supervised clinical experience and a professional license from the state in which you’ll practice. Salaries range from $68,500 to $106,500.

7. School Social Work

Every day, students benefit from the expertise and knowledge of school social workers. Typically employed by a local school district, they may work at multiple schools to provide students with emotional, developmental and educational needs.

You’ll find school social workers in:

• Elementary, middle and secondary schools

School social workers help students navigate academic pressure, family issues and mental health concerns. They encourage students to achieve academic success and attain emotional well-being, often collaborating with teachers and parents to develop programs and services that support academic achievement and social development. School social workers may design programs to prevent bullying and to address substance use disorders. You can expect to make $45,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, certifications and where you work.

8. International Social Work

International social work is a career path for those who want to make a global impact. You may advocate for international policy changes, implement programs that address the needs of displaced or vulnerable populations or work to empower communities in developing countries.

This career path might take you to:

• Humanitarian aid organizations
• Nongovernmental organizations

You may also tackle hunger, poverty and human rights. If you work for a humanitarian organization, you may be among the first on the ground in times of a crisis or disaster to coordinate relief efforts, provide emotional support to those suffering and connect those affected to basic needs. Yearly salaries range from $59,000 to $91,500.

How does Sacred Heart University prepare you for a career in social work?

The School of Social Work prepares students for the field through an integrated model that combines various social work theories, methods and perspectives to provide a holistic and comprehensive approach to social work education and practice. Through fieldwork opportunities, students address complex issues and promote social justice.

Want to learn more about Sacred Heart University’s School of Social Work?

The first step in exploring your options or advancing your career is to learn more about Sacred Heart’s School of Social Work. If you are pursuing an undergraduate degree, visit SHU’s undergraduate admissions webpage or call 203-371-7880. For more information about graduate programs, reach out to Keith J. Hassell at hassellk@sacredheart.edu.