Social Worker

Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.

Educational Requirements

for Child, Family, and School Social Workers
The typical entry level education for this occupation is a bachelor’s degree. Those with a master’s degree have a competitive advantage in the labor market.

Knowledge

Examples of the knowledge needed for success in this occupation is listed below, in order of importance.
  • Therapy and Counseling: Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
  • Psychology: Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
  • English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Sociology and Anthropology: Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
  • Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Skills

Examples of the skills needed for success in this occupation are listed below, in order of importance.
  • Speaking: Talking to others.
  • Active Listening: Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
  • Reading Comprehension: Reading work-related information.
  • Social Perceptiveness: Understanding people’s reactions.
  • Monitoring: Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.

Abilities

Examples of the abilities needed for success in this occupation are listed below, in order of importance.
  • Oral Comprehension: Listening and understanding what people say.
  • Oral Expression: Communicating by speaking.
  • Written Comprehension: Reading and understanding what is written.
  • Problem Sensitivity: Noticing when problems happen.
  • Speech Clarity: Speaking clearly.

Detailed Work Activities

Examples of the detailed work activities involved with this occupation are listed below, in order of importance.
  • Counsel clients regarding interpersonal issues.
  • Advise clients or community groups on health issues.
  • Interview clients to gather information about their backgrounds, needs, or progress.
  • Maintain client records.
  • Write reports or evaluations.