child social worker education requirements

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Home / Social Work Careers / Become a Child and Family Social Worker

Become a Child and Family Social Worker

As a child and family social worker, you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in your community by advocating for children and parents alike. These types of social workers are responsible for connecting families in need with essential services as well as monitoring the well-being of children and their families. 

For people who want to work with children and help those in challenging circumstances, this may be an attractive career path. This guide is designed to help you learn more about child and family social work—including how to become a child and family social worker, what the career outlook looks like in this field and more.

What Does a Child and Family Social Worker Do?

Child and family social workers focus on assisting children and families, especially those with living situations that put the children at risk of neglect or abuse. Some common tasks fulfilled by social workers in this field include: 

  • Identifying and monitoring the well-being of at-risk children
  • Providing counseling to improve the social and psychological function of children and their families 
  • Arranging adoptions and foster homes for children
  • Assisting families through fostering and adoption processes
  • Acting as a liaison between a school and its at-risk families

Steps to Becoming a Child and Family Social Worker

Becoming a social worker  is a big decision that requires completing specific educational and training requirements. Most states require a  master’s in social work (MSW)  and the completion of a social work licensing exam to become a social worker, but this may vary depending on where you live and what type of career you are pursuing.

If you’re thinking about becoming a social worker but aren’t sure what the process entails, read about child and family social worker requirements below.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step to becoming a child and family social worker is completing your undergraduate studies. In addition to listening to lectures, completing assigned readings and performing research, earning a  bachelor’s in social work (BSW)  may require field experience or work placement. Field experience is designed to provide students with an opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations while allowing them to develop new knowledge.

Research Advanced Degrees

Although there are some social work positions available to those with a BSW, many prospective child and family social workers choose to continue their education with advanced degrees. To become a clinical social worker, an MSW is required. 

Whether you choose to enroll in-person or online, it’s important to choose an MSW degree program that fits your lifestyle and helps you meet your career goals. Many MSW degree programs offer specializations in child and family social work that may help you prepare for your future workplace.

Sponsored online social work programs

University of Denver

Master of social work (msw).

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

  • Complete the Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the Online MSW Program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
  • No GRE Required
  • Customizable pathway options include Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness concentrations

Fordham University

Fordham’s skills-based, online MSW program integrates advanced relevant social work competencies, preparing students to serve individuals and communities while moving the profession forward. This program includes advanced standing and traditional MSW options.

  •  Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available.
  • There are four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy.
  • Pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time track.

Hawaii Pacific University

Master of social work.

The online Master of Social Work prepares aspiring social work leaders to develop a multicultural social work practice, advocate for social and economic justice, and empower diverse communities affected by systemic inequities within civilian and military-focused areas. 

  • Learn how to develop a multicultural social work practice.  
  • Pending accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
  • Complete in 18 months full time, or in 36 months part time on the traditional track.
  • Complete in 12 months full time or 24 months part time on the Advanced Standing Track. 

Simmons University

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months . GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

  • Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW 
  • Full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks 
  • Minimum completion time: 9 months

Howard University

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

  • Concentrations: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice
  • Complete at least 777-1,000 hours of agency-based field education
  • Earn your degree in as few as 12 months

Syracuse University

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

  • Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
  • No GRE required
  • Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice

Case Western Reserve University

In as few as a year and a half, you can prepare for social work leadership by earning your Master of Social Work online from Case Western Reserve University’s school of social work.

  • CSWE-accredited
  • No GRE requirement
  • Complete in as few as one and a half years

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Pass the ASWB Examination

To become a licensed social worker, you must pass the  Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) examination . The ASWB administers several different levels of social work exams: bachelor’s, master’s, advanced generalist and clinical. The exam you take depends on your education level and what type of social work you want to practice. Each level of the ASWB exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within a four-hour window.

Before registering for the ASWB exam, be sure to check with your local social work licensing board for specific eligibility information.

Get Licensed

Once you’ve passed the ASWB exam, you’ll need to obtain  social work licensure  to begin your career as a child and family social worker. The process of obtaining licensure varies from state to state, but in general, it involves submitting an application and paying a licensing fee. After you complete the ASWB exam, your results will be forwarded to your local social work board for review.The type of social work licensure you obtain depends on which category of ASWB exam you took, as well as what licenses are available in your jurisdiction. For more information,  find your local licensing board website .

Apply for NASW’s Certified Advanced Children, Youth and Family Social Worker Credential

Some social workers may also choose to apply for the  Advanced Children, Youth and Family Social Worker Certification from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) . Obtaining this social work certification is an optional step that provides a clear way for MSW-level practitioners to signify that they are experienced with child and family social work. It also allows social workers to distinguish themselves from others in the field.

Child and Family Social Work Job Outlook 

The typical  social worker salary  differs based on where you live and what type of work you do. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on social workers,  the median child and family social worker salary in 2020 was $48,430 per year . BLS data also shows that the industry in which you work can have an effect on your potential earnings. For example, social workers who worked in local government had  higher median salaries  than social workers who worked in individual and family services. 

Regardless of your specialization, the BLS projects a positive job outlook for social workers. It is projected that  social work jobs will grow by 12% from 2020 to 2030 . This is faster than the average projected growth for all professions. 

Child and Family Social Worker FAQs

Before you enroll in a social work degree program, it’s important to research potential careers that might interest you. Below, we address some commonly asked questions about careers as a child and family social worker.

How long does it take to become a child and family social worker? While the amount of time it takes to become a social worker varies depending on the individual, it generally takes about four to six years to complete child and family social work requirements. Earning your bachelor’s degree takes roughly four years, and earning your MSW usually takes another two years. In addition, child and family social workers who want to work in a clinical setting are required to complete at least two years of supervised work experience before earning a license.

Is child and family social work a good career?  Social work may be a very rewarding career, but this perspective will vary based on the person. If you want to provide services to vulnerable youth and help families navigate complex situations such as finding foster care services or housing, then a social work career in child and family services may be a good fit for you.

Where do child and family social workers work?  Child and family social workers usually have an office as their base, but they are often out in the community performing outreach, visiting clients and developing programs that connect people to resources like food stamps and childcare. Some social workers may also work remotely on occasion, meeting with clients over video conference.

What skills make a good child and family social worker?  Crucial skills for social workers include active listening, critical thinking and effective communication. It is also important for child and family social workers to be empathetic and to have patience for their clients.

Last updated October 2021

Child and Family Social Worker

Child and family social workers serve important roles in their communities by connecting families in need with services and monitoring the well-being of at-risk children. Social workers assist in abuse and neglect investigations and help place children in safe environments. They also help arrange adoptions and foster homes for children, facilitate transitions and assist families through fostering and adoption processes, and assist in reuniting separated siblings and families.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 16% growth in social work jobs between 2016-2026, making right now a great time to enter this important field.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 16% growth in social work jobs between 2016-2026, making right now a great time to enter this important field. To become a family social worker, you must follow certain academic paths toward earning the degree and credentials required to practice. This guide will introduce you to the field of child and family social work and answer many of the common questions students have when considering a job in this field.

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What does a child and family social worker do.

Social workers work in a primary location, like a social services office, but will also have to travel around their local area to visit with clients in their homes. These home visits ensure the well-being of the children and families on each social worker’s caseload outside of in-office appointments. Through both office and home visits, social workers must identify any academic, behavioral, and social problems affecting the children and families under their care and facilitate the necessary steps to correct these issues in healthy, sustainable ways.

Child, family, and school social workers also work within schools to identify at-risk children. They respond to teacher and staff reports and reach out directly to students and their families should they determine assistance is needed. Social workers may then work with teachers and school staff to implement methods for helping the student in need thrive in a healthier academic environment — both in school and at home. All social workers also write up case notes on each case they have after a meeting. These case notes serve an important purpose in monitoring each client’s progress, better understanding their individual needs, and determining which services would help them the most.

What’s the Difference Between a Child and Family Social Worker and a Child and Family Counselor?

It may seem as though child and family social workers and child and family counselors operate in the same capacity, but they actually serve in very different roles. Both professionals do work with students, children, and families, but how they work with them differs. Social workers come in on a more action-oriented front; they work to connect people in need with community and social services, monitor the safety and well-being of their clients, and take action to correct and improve any unsafe or unhealthy situations.

Social workers need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to practice, while counselors often need at least a master’s degree.

Counselors, while they do have a concern about the safety and well-being of their clients, work primarily in therapeutic settings, providing behavioral therapy and counseling. They may, however, contact social services or a social worker should they notice any red flags or have any concerns with a client; the social worker can then intervene.

Counselors and social workers also have different academic backgrounds. Social workers need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to practice, while counselors often need at least a master’s degree. Both must meet specific state standards and earn specific licensure.

How Do I Become a Child and Family Social Worker?

Education needed to become a child and family social worker.

Child and family social worker education requirements vary based on the capacity in which each professional ultimately practices. A bachelor’s degree and licensure will allow social workers to practice at an entry-level position, while a master’s degree would allow them to practice at a more advanced level, offering services such as counseling to their clients.

The master’s in child and family social work degree can potentially take around two years to complete, but this time frame might not include the field experience and internship required by most programs. Students seeking social work licensure generally complete a set number of supervised clinical hours in a social work setting prior to earning their license. The requirements for these internships may vary from state to state and program to program.

Below, you’ll find more information about the levels of social work degrees you can earn, how each degree will benefit you as you work toward becoming a child and family social worker, and where you can find more detailed information about each type of degree.

Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Social Work

The bachelor’s in social work generally prepares students for eventual graduate study in the field. It also provides the credentials necessary for some entry-level jobs in social work. Students in these programs will often take general education courses.

Master’s Degree in Child and Family Social Work

The master’s degree in child and family social work often serves as the minimum degree required to practice in this area. Master’s programs in social work generally include a practicum or field experience in the form of a supervised internship.

Doctoral Degree in Child and Family Social Work

The doctoral degree in social work prepares social work professionals to practice at an advanced level. Depending on the program, this degree may emphasize a more clinical career path in social work, such as counseling, or a more research-centric approach, preparing for a supervisory role in the field.

Accreditation for Child and Family Social Work Programs

Earning your degree at an accredited institution is the first step toward starting your child and family social worker career. When a school has accreditation, it means certain agencies have vetted the rigor and quality of the school’s academic programs to assure they meet or exceed set standards. When you attend an accredited school, your degree will hold more weight with future employers than one from a nonaccredited school. Attending a nonaccredited school will also prevent you from meeting the requirements for social work licensure in most states .

Apart from institutional accreditation, social work programs often have programmatic accreditation. This programmatic accreditation most often comes from the Council on Social Work Education . Many states require you to earn your degree from a CSWE-accredited program before you can sit for licensure exams, so you can use the directory of accredited schools on the CSWE website to ensure your program has this accreditation.

Licensure and Practicum Requirements to Become a Child and Family Social Worker

To earn either level of this license, you must attend a CSWE-accredited program and pass the required exam from the Association of Social Work Boards.

All social workers must have a license in order to practice — even those working entry-level social work positions with a bachelor’s degree will need to meet certain state licensure requirements. You can earn specialized credentials and certifications in children, youth, and family social work, both at the bachelor’s and master’s level of practice and licensure.

To earn either level of this license, you must attend a CSWE-accredited program and pass the required exam from the Association of Social Work Boards . Social work degrees prepare you for these exams and include the necessary internships and supervised practicum hours you must complete prior to taking them. You may incur certain fees when you apply for licensure and for license renewal, and these fees vary by state. Below, you’ll learn a bit more about state licensure and what each state requires.

Child and Family Social Worker Requirements By State

Before you begin a child and family social worker degree, make sure you research the specific licensure requirements for social workers in your home state. These requirements can vary depending on where you practice, so gear your academic path to that state’s requirements. Many states will allow you to carry over an earned license from another state, but you may have to complete some paperwork in the process. You also have to renew your license, often every two years, depending on the state you practice in. Certain ongoing education requirements and practice standards have to be met in order to maintain your license. You can learn more about your home state’s requirements below.

Employment & Salary for Child and Family Social Workers

The need for qualified social work professionals continues to increase across all areas of the field. Child and family social workers practice in a variety of settings, such as private, charter, and public schools. Child and family social worker salary averages vary based on where they practice and the types of certifications and licensure they hold. For example, child and family social work exists as a specialization under the general social work practice umbrella, but some of these social workers may also hold additional certifications, like in counseling or clinical social work, that allow them to practice in different capacities and potentially earn different salaries. The amount of time you practice also influences how much you earn. The table below shows the average salary for child and family social workers based on experience.

How to Find a Job as a Licensed Social Worker

Earning extra certifications during the course of your degree may provide you with an advantage on the job market, as you’ll have more marketable skills and specializations and likely have the ability to work in a wider range of settings. You may wish to start with local government agencies and family services centers in your community, as these industries tend to hire the most social workers. You can find many positions through job boards within social work organizations such as the Social Work Job Bank , the career center at the National Association of Social Workers , and the job board at the Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care .

Child and Family Social Work Resources

  • American Council for School Social Work The ACSSW works to support and promote the work of school social workers. They provide continuing education programs, resources for social workers and the public, and access to journal articles and research in the field.
  • School Social Work Association of America The SSWAA supports school social workers and their practice. Members can take advantage of practice liability insurance protection, resources for social work students, and professional advocacy.
  • National Association of Social Workers The NASW provides a depth of valuable information to social work students and practicing social workers alike, including information on licensure, academic programs, practice, and advocacy.
  • Social Work Graduate Application Guide This guide provides valuable insight on making your application to graduate social work programs as strong as possible. It offers information on the types of programs that exist and what you’ll need to enroll in them.
  • Social Work Today Resources Both students and practicing social workers will find these resources useful; here, you’ll find links to various social service programs and organizations as well as many national social work associations.

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child social worker education requirements

How Become a Child Social Worker – Schooling and Degree Programs

What is child social work.

Child social work is a vocation that is very important in our society due to increasing marital issues, drug and alcohol abuse, physical and sexual abuse, poverty, and homelessness. Child social workers are also known by other titles such as “Child Protective Services Social Workers”, “Child Welfare Social Workers”, and “Children’s Social Workers”.

Child social workers help investigate complaints and protect vulnerable children from violence and neglect under the mandates of CAPTA. The federally regulated Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) is an act that is authorized to help protect children in this society.

In addition, every state has additional rules and procedures to enforce compliance against any type of mistreatment or lack of care regarding children.

Although the government will not intrude in a family unless absolutely necessary, a child social worker does have the authority to safeguard a child who: has health issues; does not have adult supervision; has learning or behavioral problems; or is in serious danger due to cruelty, lack of proper nurturing, and provision.

It is the social worker’s job to evaluate the quality of care that a child receives by meeting with the child and family on a consistent basis in their home environment. A child social worker can go through the proper legal channels in order to have a child taken from its home and placed in an alternative location that is safe if the situation warrants it.

If a child is removed momentarily, the social worker will attempt to restore the child to the family as soon as the safety and well-being of the child can be established.

Where Does a Child Social Worker Work?

The work environment will vary depending on which area of social work that you specialize in. Child social workers can be employed in many different types of agencies including state agencies, police departments, community centers, rehab centers, mental health agencies, schools, family service agencies, hospitals, and the U.S. government.

It is important to understand that a job in child social worker can be emotionally challenging and will often require working with families that have serious problems. The job is often very demanding, especially for experienced social workers, due to the extremely high case load. So, they are often required to work late into the evening and on weekends.

In addition, there is often a lack of needed funds and supplies from agencies in the community; legal oppositions; limited training; fear of retaliation; high employee turnover; and low earnings. Although the job does have its share of obstacles, many professionals have a desire to make progressive changes in the everyday lives of the families and children that they serve.

What Does a Child Social Worker Do?

Many times it is the responsibility of a child social worker to work with Child Protective Services by investigating allegations of life-threatening situations.

Many factors are taken into consideration including the criminal history of the parents, cleanliness and health of the children, living conditions, etc. Based on the result of the assessments, some of the following actions may be a necessary part of your job duties:

  • Looking for practical solutions in order to keep families intact including providing advice through individual counseling sessions and classes in adult living and parenting, etc. If parents do not comply, then it is the responsibility of the child social worker to explain the end result for failure to act accordingly.
  • Taking children from a home environment that is violent and placing them with families that are compassionate for their well-being.
  • Obtaining jobs and an appropriate shelter for families that don’t have a suitable residence; acquire help from non-profit organizations; assist with enrolling in the food stamp and WIC programs; and provide special tutoring classes for students who are struggling with school.
  • Helping expectant mothers, parents, and children to legally get through the adoption process.
  • Determining if a foster home is an appropriate place to place children and screening the home to ensure that the children are having their needs met and being taken care of properly.
  • Providing help to children and women that have been victimized by brutality in the home.
  • Always properly recording all steps regarding: Intervention, assessment reports, and statistical information. The reports should be accurately prepared with the proper dates and times. In addition, legal actions should be seriously contemplated and in full agreement with all state and federal laws.

What are the Requirements to Become a Child Social Worker?

Child social worker degrees.

The first step in your career will be to choose a college that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education . The actual coursework can be completed at many universities throughout the world and some degree programs are even offered on-line.

Those that are offered by internet may allow you to study at your own convenience. However, some of the programs may require you to be online at specific times for lectures and mock clinical sessions.

Bachelor’s Degree. While studying to receive your Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, you will be exposed to coursework that will teach you how to: understand human behavior, work with children and families who are in crisis situations, and interview clients. You may also learn about substance abuse and the legal aspects of social work.

  • Entrance Requirements. Admission requirements typically include sending your official high school transcript and a copy of your ACT OR SAT scores to the college of your choice for consideration. The scores will vary by college, however, the average ACT to be considered is 19-22 and the average SAT is 846-970. In addition, students seeking admission based on GED scores should send copies of those.
  • Core Requirements. For an undergraduate degree, it will normally take four years of education and will require around 120 credit hours. In most cases the degree will be referred to as a “Social Work” degree without an emphasis on a particular field.   Although colleges differ, some of the major core requirements should include classes such as: Social Welfare: Policies and Services, Human Behavior and Social Environment, Diversity Issues in Social Work, Methods of Social Work Practice, and Field Instruction in Social Work.
  • Important Career Advice. In order to gain relevant job experience, you may want to go ahead and complete field work under a licensed social worker even if your college of choice does not require it. In addition, you may want to join a student organization, your school’s social work organization, and/ or the National Association of Social Work. Likewise, if you can participate in volunteer opportunities or community service these activities can enhance your resume and give you an advantage in your job search.

Master’s Degree. If you choose to pursue a Master’s Degree, then you may gain a multi-faceted understanding of the social and economic factors regarding public health, you will learn how to supervise large caseloads, and successfully complete clinical assessments.

It is a good idea to consider a Master’s Degree because many employers are now requiring them in order to acquire a job; and some states require them in order to secure licensure.

In addition, if you plan to advance in the social work field into a position of executive director, assistant director, program manager, or supervisor; or if you plan to work in the clinical field, health field, or private practice, then you will need a Master’s Degree at a minimum.

  • Entrance Requirements. Most colleges require at least a 3.0 overall grade point average overall average on a 4.0 scale to be admitted to the program. In addition, acceptable scores are needed for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test. (This will vary according to the university). Test scores generally have a time limit of acceptance for each university. The graduate school may also consider your application, letters of recommendation, grades, statement of purpose, professional achievements, etc.
  • Core Requirements. Most Master’s degrees will take 2-3 years. (There is normally a time limit for how long you have to complete the degree with the average being around four years from the time that you enrolled in the first class). Credit hours may vary; however, the average requirement is around 60 hours of study and normally includes at least 900 hours of supervised field instruction or internship. In addition, students are expected to demonstrate proficiency of graduate level writing abilities
  • You have the option to become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) . (The LCSW degree focuses on the clinical aspects of social work, is more involved, and requires more supervised field hours). Most of the degrees now come with the option of writing a thesis with the coursework that is based on a pass or fail grade. This is a good option if you plan to pursue a PhD.
  • Some of the typical classes for a Master’s Degree include: Social Work Practice, Social Work Policy, Human Behavior in Social Environment, Race Ethnicity, Gender, & Diversity, Rural Urban Social Work, Applied Social Work Research, and Field Practicum Seminar, Social Work Practice with Groups, Family & Child Welfare Policy, Family Theories & Processes, Needs Assessment/Program Evaluation, Assessment of Individuals, and Integrative Seminar. A comprehensive exam will then need to be passed based on a pass or fail grading system.

Ph.D. Degree. The Ph.D. in Social Work is a degree that emphasizes research regarding various problems in society. The degree will train you to work as a College Professor, Non-Profit Executive, Senior Social Worker, Human Services Director, or Clinical Director.

  • DWS Degree. The DSW focuses on observing human behavior in order to better understand why people act the way that they do. You will understand how to apply concepts that will prepare you for advanced jobs in various fields such as: Policy Advisory and Development, Education, or Clinical Practice.
  • Entrance Requirements. Most Ph.D. programs will take around three years to complete. Normally, it will require 45-50 credit hours and will include a dissertation and/or comprehensive exam.
  • For a graduate degree, try to locate a degree that emphasizes the particular field that you are interested in such as “child social work” and other courses that deal specifically with working with kids in general.
  • Core Requirements . Some of the types of coursework that you will study include: Human Behavior Theory: Selected Theoretical Frameworks for Social Work, Comparative Approaches to Social Work Research Quantitative Methods, Cross-National Perspectives on Social Provisions, Social Work Practice with Individuals: Theory and Research, Program Development and Evaluation, Foundations to Data Analysis, Theories & Research on Organizations and Leadership, Social Work Education: Issues and Processes, U.S. Social Work in Historical and Cross-National Perspectives, and Advanced Research Topics.

Child Social Worker Training

Most states require you to complete continuing education credits on a yearly basis in order to meet your certification requirements. You will need to check with your particular state for more information. Continuing education programs are available through organizations such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) .

Child Social Worker Licensure

Most states will allow you to apply for state licensure after you complete a bachelor’s degree. However, some states require you to first obtain a Master’s Degree in social work. You will also need to pass a national exam and complete a minimum number of supervised practice hours.

In order to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), you will need to complete approximately 3,000 hours of practical work experience in the field.

In addition, voluntary credentials are offered to you by the National Association of Social Workers if you have a Masters in Social Work or a Ph.D. These include such certifications as: The Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW), the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW), or the Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW). These endorsements are very important for those who go into private practice and are required and reimbursed by some health insurance providers. Depending on specialization, they can be renewed every 1-2 years.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Child Social Worker?

Typically, it can take anywhere from 4-6 years to become a child social worker including the time spent completing a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, supervised experience, and obtaining licensure.

What Can You Do With a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work?

A master’s degree in clinical social work is the minimum required degree for anyone wishing to administer psychotherapy in social work settings. The degree itself can, however, be applied to a great number of different directions.

Plenty of government positions need to be filled with social workers with this degree. For instance, institutions like children and family services, veteran’s affairs, social services, public schools, and the court system need clinical social workers.

In addition, people with this degree can work for private institutions, such as non-profit organizations, elder care institutions, rehabilitation facilities, private schools, and so on. All these workplaces have working in conjunction with clients in common.

What Skills and Qualities are Needed for a Child Social Worker?

  • Genuine Interest in People
  • Complex Problem Solving and Time Management
  • Organizational Abilities
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Ability to understand technical and legal regulations
  • Confidentiality
  • Detail-oriented
  • Active Listening Skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Sensitivity and compassion for children
  • Stress Tolerance

What is the Salary for a Child Social Worker?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers make an average salary of $56,680 per year. However, salaries can be set as high as $78,000 per year. Geographical location, job title, and years of experience will all influence the actual salary that you make.

What is the Job Outlook for Child Social Workers?

The social work field is expected to grow much faster than most occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . In fact, the projections show that jobs should increase by 9 percent from 2022 to 2032. This percentage will vary depending on your area of specialization.

Related Reading

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