Do you want a job that directly impacts people's lives by helping them overcome challenges? Are you looking for a career that promotes social justice? Do you want to join a growing field with high job demand? If so, earning your bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) may be the right direction for you.
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Social workers can find employment with distinct responsibilities in diverse settings all over the world. Here are some of most common jobs in social work with a bachelor's degree:
Case manager
Case managers help people get the resources and support they require through assessing clients, coordinating care and advocating for services that will support their client's needs. They work in different settings, including healthcare, housing, employment and financial assistance. Case managers with a bachelor’s in social work typically work for hospitals, nonprofits and social service agencies.
Family support worker
A family support worker helps provide parenting education, supports parents who are experiencing violence or abuse, monitors family progress, reports concerns and helps families access their basic needs like food, housing and child care. They provide their services at schools, nonprofits, in government departments, for community outreach programs and make home visits.
Child welfare specialist
Child welfare specialists protect vulnerable children by investigating reports of abuse or neglect. They develop and monitor care plans, testify in court and prepare documents for legal proceedings. Child welfare specialists with a bachelor’s in social work typically work for nonprofit child welfare organizations, legal advocacy organizations and foster care and adoption agencies.
Community outreach worker
A community outreach worker works with large groups, neighborhoods or city populations. They conduct community needs assessments to identify gaps in services, promote programs, connect people to services and advocate for community improvements in areas like health, education, and housing.
Substance abuse counselor
Substance abuse counselors help those struggling with addiction through treatment planning, counseling, crisis intervention, education and referral to additional services. They typically work at treatment centers, correctional facilities or hospitals. Each state requires extra certifications and requirements for this job. Missouri’s requirements to be a substance abuse counselor are accessible on the Missouri Credentials Board.
Mental health technician
Mental health technicians provide care to those with mental health disorders. They assist psychiatrists, nurses or therapists in clinical settings by monitoring patients’ behavior, supporting daily activities and helping ensure a safe environment in treatment facilities. Mental health technicians with a bachelor’s in social work in psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, rehabilitation centers, community mental health facilities and outpatient health clinics.
Probation or parole assistant
Probation and parole assistants work with individuals on probation or parole to support rehabilitation and reduce recidivism. They provide administrative support, monitor compliance, collect data and assist with court processes. Probation and parole assistants also help clients find housing, employment and counseling services. They work for probation offices, parole offices, criminal justice agencies and community-based correctional programs.
While envisioning your future career in social work, you may be wondering how much do social workers make? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists out the median wages for each type of social worker and the industry they work for. On average, people with jobs in the social work fieldmade $49,500 in 2024, and those who work in educational services typically make the most with a median of $67,620 a year. Most jobs within the field of social work have full-time employees and their hours aren’t always typical nine to five workdays.
If you’re passionate about the jobs listed above and are looking to attend college for social work, check out Southeast Missouri State University’s BSW program.
Want to expand your career flexibility? Consider continuing your education and check out what jobs are available with a master's degree in social work, or more commonly known as an MSW.