What is the highest paying MSW job?

50 Highest Paying Jobs in Social Work #1 Director of Corporate Social Responsibility. ... #2 Professor of Social Work. ... #3 Employee Assistance Program Counselor. ... #4 Veteran's Affairs Social Worker. ... #6 Social Science Researcher. ... #7 Director of Development of a NPO. ... #8 Housing & Community Development Director. More items...

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Promotion

Social Work is a field that boasts an impressively wide spectrum of career possibilities. While the discipline is famous for its important and meaningful contributions to society, it is not generally associated with impressive pay relative to the achievements and background of its work force. There are, however, plenty of jobs in the social work profession that are both fulfilling and can offer more than adequate compensation. The following is a list we have put together to highlight some of the highest paying jobs in social work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will be driven by increased demand for healthcare and social services, but will vary by specialization.” If you’re interested in finding out about well-paid and meaningful careers in social work, you’re in the right place! Our unique ranking takes its figures on pay and job outlook from Payscale and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and sources career information primarily from the National Association of Social Worker‘s and the Council on Social Work Education‘s websites. Our ranking criteria considers average annual compensation, job outlook, as well as the inclusion of a wide diversity of career paths for the aspiring and curious social worker.

#1 Director of Corporate Social Responsibility

Average Salary: $93,400

Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) currently does not have data on the job outlook of workers involved in sustainability activities. Social work has evolved from a profession focusing on people living in poverty to one associated with governmental programming to one offering counseling and health-related services in nonprofit and private-practice settings. But now there is an emerging trend: Social workers are moving into corporate America. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nearly a 20 percent growth in social work jobs by 2022, with many of them in the private sector outside of what used to be the “normal” social worker’s environment. Today’s worker expects corporations to be socially responsible. People are no longer just looking for a product or service. They also pay attention to how companies contribute to the greater good in society and in their employees’ lives. Communities expect corporations to give back in some way, and thus corporate social responsibility helps companies be successful. Most of the socially responsible efforts by corporations are in areas traditionally supported by social work, including public safety, community development, education, public health and diversity. Over the past few decades, many corporations have learned to tap into the expertise of social workers by creating roles for them within the corporate hierarchy. companies have found that social workers’ expertise in social justice fits well to meet their specific needs. Google, for example, has recently hired a social worker to review privacy and user policies and determine how to identify and address child pornography in Google searches. Social workers can also play a vital role in the establishment of the structure and policy of an organization. Because social workers are trained in interconnectivity and the systems operating in people’s lives, they bring new perspectives on organization management. For instance, they can help establish healthy conversations when organizations struggle with change or problematic dynamics such as bullying or harassment. They can also help establish policy and practices for recognition and appreciation of workplace diversity as well as training employees. We are still just scratching the surface when it comes to corporate social workers. If you want to earn money on the side while doing social work, then start betting on sites like 10x10bet.

#2 Professor of Social Work

Average Salary: $84,919

Job Outlook: Very good (15% growth rate within the next decade)

A professor’s primary role involves teaching courses in the area of social work. The job often includes a combination of teaching and research. Most universities require scholarship, and they define that by their own standards. In Tier One schools, you will find that this involves a greater emphasis on grants, research, and publication. Other programs are more liberal in their definition of scholarship. Professors develop and design curriculum plans to foster student learning, stimulate class discussions, and ensure student engagement. They also provide tutoring and academic counseling to students; maintain classes related records; and assesses student coursework. Service to the community, a key aspect of the job, involves more than engaging with students through lectures or office hours. Faculty members are asked to serve on various department and university committees to improve the curriculum or to address other concerns of the university. Student development and discipline, faculty governance, and the development of new programs are just a few of the many examples of these types of service-oriented activities. The assistant professor is traditionally regarded as the entry-level position for recent doctoral graduates or post-doctoral trainees. Most social work programs require faculty to hold a doctoral degree in a field similar to social work. Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation standards state that the Ph.D. in social work is preferred. An assistant professor is nobody’s assistant. Instead, she or he is a professor at the beginning of the promotion ladder. Most assistant professors do not have tenure. The timing for possible promotion to an associate professor position varies from school to school, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that a 7-year time frame is typical. As a professor, you’ll be expected to complete research and writings. This work keeps you current with field trends, research, and topics. You’ll probably be required to seek publication for your work, as well. Important to social work is working toward accreditation or “reaffirmation of accreditation” with the CSWE. This is the national standard benchmark for programs, and in many states, graduation from a CSWE-accredited school is necessary for licensure. This is a continuing large project for faculty.

#3 Employee Assistance Program Counselor

Average Salary: $68,895

Job Outlook: Excellent (20% growth rate within the next decade)

One of the better known roles for social workers in corporate settings is that of counselor in an employee assistance program. Imagine if you owned a business and you had an employee who had been trained on human behavior, communication and conflict resolution? What if this employee also knows about diversity and organizational structure, as well as the skills needed for invested listening and relationship building? And what if this employee had a background in providing mental health services related to substance abuse, depression, anxiety and grief and loss? How could this employee contribute to the success of your business? As social workers can address issues that employees may encounter such as depression, substance abuse and family issues, they are a logical choice as employees in this capacity. Social workers are also good at understanding human behavior, interpersonal relationships among workers, and the challenges of dealing with different personality types and stresses. Both Motorola and 3M have employee assistance programs that have hired social workers. Some organizations have found that social workers can help clients achieve better outcomes. For instance, an attorney’s office assisting clients with divorce and custody issues may find that they lack access to dependable transportation, child care or financial resources. Social workers, in the role of resource coordinator and advocate, can help these clients with access to additional supports that will allow them to attend their legal appointments with more consistency. The same can be true in medical, educational and other settings. An estimated 97 percent of companies with more than 5,000 employees have an Employee Assistance Program.

#4 Veteran’s Affairs Social Worker

Average Salary: $69,454

Job Outlook: Excellent (20% growth rate within the next decade)

The 2014 Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Service members compared service members to the general population and found that the rate of major depression is five times higher among soldiers, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is nearly 15 times as high, and intermittent explosive disorder is six times as high. VA social workers are responsible for ensuring continuity of care through the admission, evaluation, treatment, and follow-up processes. This includes coordinating discharge planning and providing case management services based on the patients clinical and community health and social services resources. Social workers often provide long-term case management services to veterans who are at high risk of being admitted to a hospital, those who have very complex medical problems, and those who need additional help and support. They are available when needed to provide and coordinate a variety of services including counseling and support services. Social workers can advocate and go to bat for those who have a hard time doing it by themselves. The U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs employs approximately 12,000 social workers. You will find social workers in all program areas in VA medical centers. Social workers can help educate veterans and their families about health care; what services and programs are available to them; how to live a more healthy life; how to deal with stress and loss; and how to find support groups and other self-help programs in their community. Social workers also educate other staff in the medical center and in the community about VA programs and services and about how problems veterans may be having in their personal lives can impact their health. Clinical social workers provide individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy to address emotional, behavioral and mental health. There continues to be a significant and growing need for social workers to provide services to our veterans, their families, and their communities.

#5 Executive Director of a Non Profit Organization

Average Salary: $64,260

Job Outlook: Very good (16% growth rate within the next decade)

While in recent years there has been a shift away from experienced social workers as administrators of social service agencies, in favor of administrators with business training or experience, the perspectives gained by working as a direct service practitioner provide the administrator with an invaluable base for responsive and effective agency leadership. Think of an executive director of a non-profit organization as being the “jack of all trades and master of all.” At any given moment, an executive director needs to change hats according to the direct needs of the organization. The Executive Director is hired and supervised by and reports directly to the Board of Directors. Working closely with the Board, the director is responsible for implementing strategic goals and objectives of the organization, supporting the board in fulfilling its governance functions and to provide leadership toward fulfilling the organization’s mission and annual goals and objectives. The executive director of a non-profit organization wears many hats. The hats that an executive director of a non-profit wears are leadership, management, fundraising, communications, planning, strategizing, marketing, problem-solving, and often, whatever else comes his or her way. Leadership and management are two important duties of an executive director, and there are distinct differences between them. Leaders have visionary qualities who give scope to the organization’s problems and planning. They are charismatic communicators who rev up their troops in anticipation of achieving big dreams for the organization. Managers are the doers. They manage people, property, and assets towards fulfilling the goals that management and the board of directors set before them. They are the busy bees who organize, control and monitor the day-to-day activities of the operation. In addition to leading and managing a non-profit organization, the executive director must also have strengths in the areas of fundraising and communications.

#6 Social Science Researcher

Average Salary: $63,561

Job Outlook: Average (Little or no change expected within a decade)

Social work research informs professional practice. Through social work research, the profession can: assess the needs and resources of people in their environments; evaluate the effectiveness of social work services in meeting peoples needs; demonstrate relative costs and benefits of social work services; advance professional education in light of changing contexts for practice; and understand the impact of legislation and social policy on the clients and communities we serve. Research is a critical tool for all social workers. There is great need for hard data and quantifiable information in every area of social work including homelessness, domestic violence, recidivism, and mental health, to name just a few. One of the tasks of social work researchers is to help build the body of evidence-based practice (EBP). EBP is a process in which the practitioner combines well-researched interventions with clinical experience and ethics, and client preferences and culture to guide and inform the delivery of treatments and services. The practitioner, researcher and client must work together in order to identify what works, for whom and under what conditions. This approach ensures that the treatments and services, when used as intended, will have the most effective outcomes as demonstrated by the research. It will also ensure that programs with proven success will be more widely disseminated and will benefit a greater number of people.

#7 Director of Development of a NPO

Average Salary: $62,879

Job Outlook: Very Good (15% growth rate within the next decade)

While not all non-profit organizations have professional fund-raising officers on staff, any organization that counts on contributed income to provide a substantial portion of its budget should have a professional development director. In small organizations, the development director could conceivably be a volunteer. However, the important thing is that within even the smallest of non-profits, someone is given as his or her primary organization responsibility the coordination and implementation of contributed income programs. A development director’s principal charge is to create numerous, efficient, and compelling opportunities for donors to support an organization and to make the experience of giving satisfying and rewarding. It is not a good idea for an organization’s executive director to also fill the role of development director. If the organization has a valid mission, the executive director has a full-time role to play in coordinating and carrying out that mission. Fund-raising needs to be someone’s primary concern. To illustrate that point, look at the following breakdown of the time spent by a generic development director on various important activities: Plan fund-raising campaigns and activities: 25%; Manage fund-raising campaigns and activities: 25%; Recruit and train volunteer fund-raising leadership: 15%; Identify and cultivate prospective donors: 10%; Stay on top of advancements and changes that are pertinent to raising money within the community, to the organization’s mission and programs, and to the development profession: 10%; Forecast and evaluate the potential of fund-raising campaigns and activities: 5%; Produce solicitation materials and train volunteer solicitors for fund-raising campaigns: 5%; Manage personnel within the development department and interact with other organization staff members: 5%. Does this look like a job that can be done well as an adjunct to another? Development professionals must have a temperament suited to serving people’s needs. They have to be attentive, persistent, and flexible. They need to have a thick skin, and be willing to hide their light under a bushel. In fund-raising, the glory goes to the getters, not the facilitators. Well-trained and experienced development officers are in high demand.

#8 Housing & Community Development Director

Average Salary: $60,955

Job Outlook: Good (11% growth rate within the next decade)

A current trend in social services, backed by research and data on housing retention among poor and homeless populations, is the “housing-first” model. A large amount of federal, state, and private grant money has been made available in the past 10-15 years to support this endeavor within communities. The main idea in the housing-first model is that providing free or low-cost permanent, supportive housing to chronically homeless individuals is the best first step on the road to recovery. It enables folks to get their personal priorities and needs in order by having a home base from which to operate. Rather than first making individuals jump through hoops like substance abuse recovery programs and job training programs in order to gain housing, individuals are first placed into housing with the idea that these things will follow. It has also proven to lower the strain on a community’s emergency services when these individuals are not on the streets, making it a win-win for everyone involved. The director of a program such as this wears many hats. They are often responsible for fundraising efforts, employee management, creating criteria and a process for tenant intake and discharge, housing retention services, as well as overall vision and mission for the housing program. For individuals who are passionate about housing and homelessness, this is a job that helps create some of the most profound positive change for some of the most under-served and low-income individuals in our society. Housing First programs often provide rental assistance that varies in duration depending on the household’s needs. Consumers sign a standard lease and are able to access supports as necessary to help them do so. A variety of voluntary services may be used to promote housing stability and well-being during and following housing placement.

#9 LCSW with Spanish Language Skills

Average Salary: $60,148

Job Outlook: Very good (15% growth rate within the next decade)

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker or LCSW, is a sub-sector within the field of Social Work. LCSW’s work with clients in order to help deal with issues involving mental and emotional health. There are a wide variety of specializations the Licensed Clinical Social Worker can focus on. These include specialties such as: working with mental health issues, substance abuse, public health, school social work, medical social work, marriage counseling or children and family therapy. Some may choose to work purely in a research, policy making or administrative capacity. The possible career paths as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker are many and varied. Those LCSW-licensed therapists who are fluent in Spanish enjoy an advantage in both pay and work opportunities relative to therapists without that ability. Because Latinos have a relatively high percentage of those experiencing poverty, Spanish language skills enable assistance within a population that needs the help. The LCSW requires a minimum of a Master’s degree in Social Work. In most cases, it refers only to those licensed by a state board to provide Social Work based mental therapy. LCSW therapists must adhere to high standards regarding ethics and confidentiality as provided by the state board and jobs usually involves signing an ethics pledge or oath. Therapists can be involved in direct therapy with patients in private practice or they might be a leader or part of a team conducting research for a university or private enterprise. They use researched-based and strengths-based approaches to treating clients. LCSW therapists can assess and make clinical evaluations of client’s mental health and diagnose mental illness as well as make judgments on the best course of treatments based upon current clinical research in the social work field.

#10 Medical Discharge Planner

Average Salary: $58,631

Job Outlook: The BLS does not publish specific data for discharge planners

Discharge planning for social workers is one of the most vital facets in the practice of healthcare and mental health case management. The exact areas and fields that constitute discharge planning still remain debatable. These are also dependent upon the setting, in most cases. In a broader setting, the process involves linking patients and their close family members with vital resources that are outside of the present healthcare setting as a means of offering follow-up healthcare services. Discharge planning, which is a vital part of case management in social work/services, can also be defined as a process where a patient receives assistance in developing a healthcare plan to make sure that he receives ongoing healthcare maintenance even after being discharged from the hospital. It is also called “continuity of care” and aims to offer services that can help a patient become more independent despite his illness. Discharge planners fulfill roles and responsibilities that are extremely useful in improving the general welfare and well-being of patients.A good discharge planner is also someone who is skillful in performing more accurate assessments, conscious of different community resources, well-organized and has excellent communication skills. The field also requires other professionals that offer patient care services to be involved in implementing the process. This can include physical and occupational therapy, utilization review, speech therapy and nursing. The discharge plan developed for patients is a hospital-wide plan which involves not only the patient but his immediate family members, doctor, nurse, social worker, dietitian, pharmacist and others involved in his case. Discharge planning for social workers also works by initiating, coordinating and facilitating all efforts designed to improve the health of individuals.

#11 Program Evaluator

Average Salary: $57,209

Job Outlook: Very good (16% growth rate within the next decade)

In the current job market, there is a high concern about efficiency and productivity to capitalize on human and financial resources. In the social services sector this is also true, although the desired result is to be able to provide better services to larger segments of the community. In an effort to achieve this goal, the position of program evaluator offers a career path that helps to monitor results of intervention and treatment plans. The job of program evaluator is not only one of the expanding opportunities in many social work sectors, but also ensures that services can continue to offer community care and employment. As a program evaluator, a large amount of work will be performed in an office setting. This will include a review of reports and status updates that are compared to the expected goals of a public health initiative. You will also need to generate your own documentation of the changes that you observe and suggest any possible changes that can streamline the structure and process of community programs. The employment rate in the social work industry is above the national average, and this offers good job security as well as highly competitive wages. Evaluating services on an individual agency level can be empowering to service recipients and service providers and help to bring accountability to agencies. Program evaluations can help individual agencies identify problems within worker-client involvement, understand and improve services, provide a framework for the achievements of the workers, and being accountable. External and internal evaluations can help to focus on the appropriateness of social service agencies’ decisions, rather than just focusing on the compliance with regulations and laws. Some evaluators have only a bachelor’s degree with no special training. Yet some evaluations utilize Ph.D.’s from a specialized training program.

#12 School Social Worker w/ Spanish Language Skills

Average Salary: $55,809

Job Outlook: Good (11% growth rate within the next decade)

The professional mission of school social worker is to help parents with their family concerns, students with their personal issues, and teachers with their instruction. The school social worker helps by listening closely to students and adults who may have experienced very troubling circumstances at home or in school. The work of the school social worker also includes policy and program development. The school social worker is professionally prepared to understand and respond to the many problems which people may have. These problems are typically related to life experiences that were or are emotionally very hurtful events. Intensely-felt guilt, shame, embarrassment, frustration, or anger can lead anyone to intensely-felt emotions of insecurity, fearfulness, depression, helplessness, hopelessness, or even futurelessness. These feelings and emotional states within school children can be expressed in a variety of ways that interfere with learning and cause inappropriate behavior in school. Such children may appear to be very active, highly distracted or impulsive. Students rebuild their self-worth, self-control, and self-confidence by speaking with the school social worker. With unique clinical expertise, the school social worker provides the type of counseling that helps students feel trust, hope, and empathy while learning coping skills. Such counseling will yield students who have deeper awareness of their own feelings and those of other’s to feel emotionally secure and safe at school. It is common for the school social worker arriving at the office, to find a teacher or parent waiting to consult without an appointment. Appointments have a way of expanding beyond the limited time scheduled which requires the school social worker to decide if and when to schedule a follow-up appointment. At departmental or faculty meetings, the school social worker reaffirms the advocacy role to improve the school’s responsiveness to parent, student and teacher needs. The school social worker must be able to speak persuasively to gain the staff’s and administration’s support.The role of the school social worker is also to establish a working relationship between school and family. This, at times, requires conflict resolutions skills and the ability to promote open communication among student, parent and educator.

#13 Clinical Coordinator

Average Salary: $55,619

Job Outlook: Excellent (20% growth rate within the next decade)

Clinical coordinators are responsible for organizing and overseeing the administrative aspects of a social service agencies’ clinical staff. They work in hospitals, clinics, academic medical programs, and other patient care environments. Among their daily duties, a clinical coordinator may plan budgets, oversee personnel hiring and training, schedule staff, manage supplies and inventory, and create and evaluate long-term programs and strategy for a department. They may also ensure compliance with legal and accreditation standards, oversee staff training and career development programs, evaluate effectiveness of patient care, and review staff performance. In an academic program, clinical coordinators may be responsible for overseeing student progress. The work is generally done indoors in a clinical and/or office environment. It is a management position that requires supervisory skill in prioritizing needs and scheduling the daily activities of potentially large numbers of people. Aside from management experience, a clinical coordinator needs strong interpersonal skills and a knowledge of basic computer software and scheduling systems. The ability to multitask effectively and delegate work to others is also a must. Clinical coordinators generally are required to have at minimum a bachelor’s degree in a field related to their position. Many positions additionally require a master’s degree or require that the candidate obtain a master’s degree no later than two years after being hired. Since these are jobs in patient care, applicants should also expect a thorough background check. Business management experience is also helpful, though a business degree alone without healthcare training and experience is generally not sufficient for the position.

#14 Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Average Salary: $55,389

Job Outlook: Very Good (19% growth rate within the next decade)

Clinical social work was named one of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Healthcare Jobs and 100 Best Jobs overall for 2015. All clinical social workers are required to earn a master’s degree in the field as well as state-specific licensure. Add that to the 19 percent projected growth of the field, and the decision to pursue this meaningful career becomes more and more clear. One thing that sets clinical social workers apart from other disciplines is the educational training regarding the person in the context of their families and communities. Clinical social workers operate from a “person-in-environment” perspective, considering not only their individual client, but also the communities to which they belong, from family to vocational environments, and everything in between. That is to say, clinical social workers are trained to recognize that individual clients are not “islands unto themselves,” but are integral to a much larger system. This integrated treatment model and increased educational requirement inevitably expands the scope of work for clinical social workers. Unlike bachelor-level professionals in the field, they can do the following: Provide clients with relevant therapy and psychotherapy; Assess and diagnose clients with psychological conditions; Administer interventions and evidence-based treatment; and oversee case management. Clinical social workers possess both a generalist social work foundation, as well as advanced knowledge of theory and practice related to prevention and treatment of psychological and behavioral disorders. Daily duties will be wholly dependent on the setting in which you work—and there are a lot of options for clinical social workers, ranging from hospitals and private practices to public schools and rehabilitation facilities. The best clinical social workers are well-rounded in their skill sets, but also adaptable and able to think quickly on their feet. Clinical social work presents amazing opportunities to learn, to support people who are struggling and to witness the incredible strength and resilience of those pursuing recovery and wellness.

#15 Public Policy Analyst

Average Salary: $54,881

Job Outlook: Average (Little or no change expected within a decade)

Policy analysts work to influence political and social decisions. Although their tasks vary, most policy analysts work in one or more of four areas: collecting information, analyzing potential policies and making recommendations, evaluating the outcomes of existing policies, and sharing information with the public and government officials. Some analysts also evaluate policy philosophically. They critique the principles behind policies and describe the values that they believe should drive policy decisions. The type of research that policy analysts do depends on where they work. The mission of think tanks and associations sets the agenda for analysts who work there. For those working in government, research topics depend on the needs of the government agency. At smaller, more specialized think tanks, analysts must be experts in their organization’s niche. Larger think tanks may also hire policy analysts to specialize in a particular area, but they might have generalists on staff who research multiple areas. Policy analysts often take the initiative when deciding what to work on. They might come up with topics on their own, or they might meet in groups to generate proposals. Policy analysts must be able to do independent research, which requires reading and digesting complex information. They communicate effectively through speaking and writing. They must work well in groups but also be self-starters able to work alone on a project. And they need patience to study one subject for a long time. In addition to these skills and traits, policy analysts need specific types of education and experience to start their careers. Most, but not all, policy analysts have a graduate degree. The required educational background depends on the employer, the subject being studied, and the analyst’s work experience. Some people begin working as policy analysts immediately after graduate school. But because most employers seek analysts who are already experts on specific topics or in public policy in general, even entry-level analysts usually have some work experience.

Average Salary: $54,447

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Promotion

Job Outlook: Good (10% growth rate within the next decade)

Grant writers research, draft, and submit proposals that help organizations or individuals receive grant funding. To be eligible for funding, an organization or individual must have an objective that aligns with a grant’s specifications. Each year, public and private foundations award billions of dollars in grants, sums of money that are intended to advance a specific objective. Grant writers help to match funders with projects they want to support. Whether it’s for people, animals, or the environment, the writing is done for a cause. To find available funding, grant writers identify grants that match the objective of the organization or individual seeking money. They often scour detailed lists, databases, and donor websites. Part of researching grants is determining which ones are not worth pursuing. Grant proposals often require a variety of documents, such as a cover letter, project narrative, and supporting information, which might include things like letters of endorsement from members of the community. Through these documents, grant writers explain why a cause is important and how the funds will be used. Ideally, the writing tells a story. It’s factual, motivational, visual, and inviting. For example, grant writers might describe the past, present, and planned activities of the grant-seeking individual or organization. In drafting the proposal, writers must follow the grant’s guidelines, such as ensuring that the organization meets eligibility requirements, and provide a budget that outlines how the grant money would be spent. Incorporating all of these elements into a successful proposal takes time and expertise—especially when there are hundreds, sometimes thousands, of organizations competing for the same funds. Your writing needs to convince funders that your organization is profoundly worthy of their trust and support. Grant writers’ other tasks may include responding to funders’ questions about a proposal, developing relationships with prospective donors, and documenting a grant’s impact at the conclusion of a project. Some grant writers have other roles within their organization. Grant writing offers opportunities to earn a paycheck while helping a cause. Research and writing skills are essential for grant writers. Research helps writers find grant opportunities. Good writing expresses ideas clearly and succinctly, with creativity and persuasiveness helping a proposal stand out.

#17 High School Guidance Counselor

Average Salary: $54,029

Job Outlook: Good (11% growth rate within the next decade)

Gone are the days of school counselors sitting in their office simply handing out college applications, making schedule changes for students who want to drop a class or meeting with the troublemakers in the school. Today’s school counselors are vital members of the education team. They help all students in the areas of academic achievement, personal/social development and career development, ensuring today’s students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow. School counselors should spend most of their time in direct service to and contact with students. School counselors’ duties are focused on the overall delivery of the total program through guidance curriculum, individual student planning and responsive services. They act as advocates for students’ well-being, and as valuable resources for their educational advancement. School counselors first and foremost listen to students’ concerns. Because everyone’s home and social life is different, they could be the only person who fulfills that need for them at a given time. Counselors may help students with issues such as bullying, disabilities, low self-esteem, poor academic performance and relationship troubles. Students can be referred to a psychologist or mental health counselor for further treatment if necessary. In addition, counselors evaluate students’ abilities, interests and personalities to help them develop realistic academic and career goals. They facilitate aptitude tests and formulate potential paths to success. Earning a four-year undergraduate degree is the first step toward becoming a school counselor. A bachelor’s in social work, education, psychology or sociology is common. Additionally, a Master’s Degree in Social Work or a Master of Education in Counseling is often necessary, which will take two to three years to earn. These degrees offers a combination of learning and hands-on experience in classroom settings. After receiving a master’s, two years of practical experience is typically necessary in order to become licensed as a counselor by the state. Some states also require a teaching certificate.

#18 International Social Worker

Average Salary: $53,100

Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) currently does not have data on the job outlook of workers involved in International Social Work. Social workers have a unique skill set that is in demand in many parts of the world, and some may feel their skills could be better applied in an international setting. While jobs in domestic and international social work can be similar, the lifestyle and cultural challenges are different. Expats in any job must reconcile their own cultural upbringing and beliefs with those of their host country. However, for international social workers this can be a more intense process, since they could be working with disadvantaged populations with different standards of living than U.S. residents are used to. Paid international humanitarian jobs are highly competitive. The majority of the grassroots humanitarian organizations in Asia, Africa, and South America are run on the commitment of their members; they do not have money to host volunteers or pay expatriates. In countries with 20-40% unemployment, the grassroots jobs rightfully belong to the people in those countries. The niche for expatriates is with the international NGOs (non-government organizations). If you thought the competition was fierce when you applied for a job in your town, global competition is fiercer, because there are far more people applying for only a few positions. But don’t let that stop you. Just know it takes a lot to get your foot in the door. What does it take to get paid international social work? You need: domestic social work experience; international experience; knowledge of the culture that you will work in; attitudes of humility, resourcefulness, determination, tenacity for the search itself; language skills are very helpful. Volunteering is a great way to get international experience. International volunteering that gives you pertinent experience is a great way to build your foundation for international work. You usually need 2-3 posts of volunteer work to get the foundation of experience. International experience is not just window dressing; it is essential. International work is complex. You can’t just transplant your skills into another culture. You must know that culture. Employers are looking for people who “know the ropes” and understand how international work is different from their work back home.So get volunteer experience that is pertinent to your long-term goal.Study the cultures and countries that interest you. Ascertain their needs. This will help not only when you are in-country but when you approach people about paid or voluntary work.

#19 Assistant Director of a Nonprofit Organization

Average Salary: $52,633

Job Outlook: Very good (16% growth rate within the next decade)

Nonprofit organizations are typically run by an executive director or a board of directors, which rely on assistant directors to help oversee all of the organization’s major functions. Assistant directors are often the people who take a first look at any issues or requests intended for the executive. They assist the executives by performing high-level clerical duties such as taking messages, writing and proofreading letters and memoranda, and handing communications. If the organization is smaller, the assistant director may be responsible for managing its finances, keeping its books and handling payroll operations. Given the many different kinds of nonprofit organizations, it is often the case that no two employers have precisely the same requirements for assistant director applicants. As a general rule, a bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the nonprofit’s focus is required. Most also desire experience working with nonprofit organizations, preferably in a management role. With the large number of responsibilities that assistant directors have, applicants for the position must be hardworking, have multitasking abilities, and have strong communication skills for engaging with clients as well as employees and upper management. Being an assistant director means that you should be willing to do whatever is needed to make sure everything gets done. For example, there can be a need to take on training and supervising of volunteers as well as hands-on work. To succeed in non-profit work, you need a variety of skills. Courtesy and patience with people from unfamiliar backgrounds, a willingness to work hard for moderate pay, and in general, flexibility, adaptability and a sense of humor are all very valuable. Also, knowing why you’re doing what you’re doing is essential to avoid burnout. Some practical skills that would help: the ability to work all sorts of equipment and computers and some experience in bookkeeping and grant writing. Knowing how to network will also come in handy. Don’t be afraid to start small, with a volunteer or part-time position.

#20 Medical Social Worker

Average Salary: $51,694

Job Outlook: Very Good (19% growth rate within the next decade)

As vital members of the healthcare team at hospitals, assisted care facilities, nursing homes, hospices, residential treatment centers, and other long-term healthcare institutions, medical social workers provide valuable social services to patients who are in the midst of challenging medical issues. Medical social workers are responsible for offering the support and resources that patients need in order to fully recover from a medical illness or injury as well as the resulting emotional, physical, or psychological concerns. After performing a comprehensive assessment of a patient’s support needs, they work with the patient’s family, support system, and other health service providers to coordinate an individualized discharge plan for in-home medical equipment, transportation, meal plans, counseling, or other follow-up treatments. Medical social workers arrange all available resources to ensure patients recover and achieve optimal well-being. Since medical social workers work with patients with ranging medical situations from traumatic sexual assault to terminal cancer diagnosis, their duties tend to change according to each patient’s individual needs. In serious cases of child abuse or violence, medical social workers may also be responsible for providing psycho-social support, grief counseling, and assisting law enforcement in their investigations. Although a bachelor’s degree in social work or psychology may be sufficient for landing some entry-level positions in the field, most hospitals and other healthcare agencies require a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from an accredited institution. It is important that individuals possess strong interpersonal skills to foster productive relationships with diverse patients and their families. Medical social workers need to perfect their listening skills to fully understand their patients’ needs, organizational skills to maintain detailed treatment or discharged plans, and problem-solving skills to develop innovative solutions to unique challenges. Most importantly, medical social workers need to be emotionally stable and compassionate to demonstrate empathy towards patients in stressful health situations.

#21 ACLU Staff Lawyer

Average Salary: $51,269

Job Outlook: Average (Little or no change expected within a decade)

Social Work and the ACLU may seem like unlikely allies, but in practice the two are often aligned on important social issues. For example, in 1954 the ACLU, having joined the NAACP in the legal battle for equal education, celebrated a major victory when the Supreme Court declared that racially segregated schools were in violation of the 14th Amendment. The advancement of civil rights and social justice over the past century represents one of the most significant developments in American history, and the ACLU has been integral to this process. The acronym stands for the American Civil Liberties Union, and it consists of two distinct non-profit organizations, The ACLU Foundation focuses on litigation and communication, whereas the ACLU is centered on legislative lobbying. The stated mission of the ACLU is to defend and preserve individual rights and liberties that are upheld in the Constitution and by the laws of the United States, and its primary tools for doing so include litigation, legislation, and community education. The ACLU also remains a champion of segments of the population who have traditionally been denied their rights, with much of our work today focused on equality for people of color, women, gay and transgender people, prisoners, immigrants, and people with disabilities. If you are interested in becoming an ACLU lawyer, you will find that your course will originally be very similar to that of anyone who wants to be a lawyer. After getting an undergraduate degree, ideally in something like pre-law, political science, or history, you will need to take the LSAT, the Law School Admissions Test. After law school comes the bar exam, which needs to be taken in the state in which you intend to practice.The work of defending freedom never ends, and in our vibrant and passionate society, difficult struggles over individual rights and liberties aren’t likely to disappear anytime soon. The ACLU is committed to fight for freedom and the protection of constitutional rights for generations to come.

#22 Social Science Research Assistant

Average Salary: $50,202

Job Outlook: Average (Little or no change expected within a decade)

Social science researchers seek to grasp vibrant human issues with scientific procedures. They do not just sit in their armchairs and spin grand schemes; they go out in the world, observe, talk with people, and systematically analyze existing data to try to understand what is going on and why. A research assistant is a researcher employed, often on a temporary contract by a university or a research institute, for the purpose of assisting in academic research. Research assistants are not independent and not directly responsible for the outcome of the research and might be enrolled in a postgraduate degree program and simultaneously teach. Although a research assistant is normally appointed at graduate level, undergraduates are also sometimes appointed to support research. Some of the roles assigned to social science research assistants include preparing, manipulating, and managing extensive databases. They might also provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations. In addition, they verify the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases, correcting any errors. On a weekly to monthly basis, they seek to gain informed consent of research subjects and perform statistical analyses of data, using computer software. Left to our own devices, we tend to overlook cases that run counter to our expectations. Often there is an emotional stake in our beliefs about the world that causes us to resist evidence that challenges those beliefs. This tendency may lead to closing one’s mind to new information– an “I’ve made up my mind, don’t confuse me with the facts” approach. Research seeks to overcome these pitfalls of everyday inquiry. Although some people complain that research is simply an expensive way of finding out what everyone already knew, the results sometimes contradict commonsense expectations.

#23 Hospice Care Social Worker

Average Salary: $49,557

Job Outlook: Excellent (40% growth rate within the next decade)

The hospice social worker is available to help patients and their loved ones or caregivers navigate the practical and emotional issues that arise during the end of life journey. Throughout our lives, most of us likely won’t have any interaction with a social worker. In fact, many individuals might have a negative connotation when they hear the term social worker. They sometimes assume these individuals are only called in when someone has done something wrong. In fact, the hospice social worker is available to assist the patient and family on any number of practical or emotional issues. They can help patients fill out advance directives, help families determine funeral arrangements, offer education about caregiving, connect patients and families to community resources, as well as assess the emotional needs of patients or caregivers. Dying is not an easy task, but hospice workers strive to help patients and loved ones through the process. Hospice social workers focus on the individual needs of each patient and his or her family. The work they do varies in each setting, with each patient and within each family. They also have great knowledge and expertise in caregiving. When the unthinkable happens and people are thrust into caregiving roles, they can’t help but be life changing experiences. The following is a sampling of how hospice care workers provide support: Assist patients in exploring non-medical ways of relieving pain and anxiety; assist patients in developing an individualized plan of care; educate a patient’s family so they may feel confident in their roles as caregivers; provide patients and their caregivers with advanced directives; and allow patients and their families to discuss their concerns and fears openly and without judgment. Caregiving can bring out the best and worst in people. But, after the initial shock and disbelief settle, most caregivers find the strength within to get through physical and emotional challenges that come with caring for a loved one, and do so with grace and humor.

#24 Military Social Worker

Average Salary: $48,560

Job Outlook: Very Good (19% growth rate within the next decade)

Military social work is a specialized field of practice that provides necessary support and interventions to military personnel, retirees, their spouses and their dependents. Military social workers receive specialized training that allows them to serve the needs of military clients. They must understand the individual’s role within military and veteran cultures and take the complex responsibilities of military personnel into account when making assessments. It’s also important to know the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the history of military social work, as well as what is currently happening in the social work field. Clinical social workers who work in a military setting must be prepared to address the mental, physical and emotional needs of military personnel. Individuals with a master’s in social work are eligible for positions as commissioned officers in the military or military reserve. Job duties include providing direct services, such as counseling, crisis intervention and debriefing after critical events. Military social workers also plan and implement disease prevention and health promotion programs for service members, conduct research on social issues and assist in the training of medical personnel. The U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines use the services of both military and civilian social workers to provide social services and crisis intervention support. Some civilian military social workers help military service members and veterans through private practice, while others are employed by veterans’ service organizations or other military-related agencies. Social workers who work on base, in the field and in military hospitals help wounded personnel adjust to injury and reintegrate into military or civilian life. They also help facilitate their clients’ ability to cope with a wide range of psychological and social issues. In addition to working with service members, military social workers provide general support for the family of active-duty service members. In the U.S., officers with the Social Work job title hold positions within the Department of Social Work, the Family Advocacy Program, the Community Mental Health Service, and the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Program. Similar positions can be found in other military branches.

#25 Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Average Salary: $48,131

Job Outlook: Good (10% growth rate within the next decade)

Vocational rehabilitation counselors help people with disabilities live fuller, more independent lives by assisting them in securing gainful employment. Their clients are people coping with physical disabilities and injuries, mental illness, psychological disorders or substance abuse problems. These counselors often work directly with clients as well as their families, doctors, speech therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, and other service providers in order to optimize a client’s readiness for work. Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, many disabled people have pushed for greater accommodation in employment. Living with a disability is often very challenging and socially isolating. Employment helps to boost the self-esteem of those with physical and mental impairments, and helps them to play a greater role in their own care. Vocational rehabilitation counselors help their clients achieve their goals and thrive by arranging for the training, therapy, job skills, and support systems that lead to success. Good communication and problem-solving skills are required in order to work in counseling jobs, as well as empathy and the desire to help people fulfill their goals. Counselors must also have good listening skills, compassion, and patience while working with clients. A knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act is vital for serving as clients’ primary advocate. Strong familiarity with the social welfare systems available to disabled persons is essential as well. Counselors who have only a bachelor’s degree may be able to obtain employment, but they will not be able to provide nearly as many services as a counselor with a master’s degree. Greater education provides greater flexibility and independence. Counselors with a master’s degree or higher are most likely to be advanced to supervisory and management positions. Administrative and academic positions generally pay better and offer greater benefits than direct work with clients, though experienced professionals may open up a private practice and earn a higher income as a result.

#26 School Social Worker

Average Salary: $48,111

Job Outlook: Very Good (19% growth rate within the next decade)

Children today are increasingly victims of many social forces that negatively affect their role as students. The family is in a state of change and until it becomes stabilized, in whatever form, children’s unmet physical and emotional needs will continue to interfere with their ability to learn and adjust in school. School social workers help parents, students, and school staff identify needs that interfere with learning and work with students to get the services they need. Social workers work with general and special education students and their families to resolve social, emotional and behavioral problems. They do this through assessment, consultation with school staff and community providers, through development and implementation of behavior management plans, and providing indirect and direct services. School Social Workers help to bridge school, home and community to help students be as successful as possible. School social workers meet one-on-one with individual students to work on any problems students may be having including peer relationships, behavior problems, problems in the community, at home or in school. Social workers help students to develop social skills, coping strategies and to find positive solutions to their problems. Specific duties of a school social worker may include: Working with those problems in a child’s living situation that affect the child’s adjustment in school; Mobilizing family, school, and community resources to enable the child to learn as effectively as possible in his or her educational program; Providing crisis intervention; Helping the child develop appropriate social interaction skills; Working with parents to facilitate their support in their children’s school adjustment; Assisting parents in accessing and utilizing school and community resources; Providing staff with essential information to better understand factors (cultural, societal, economic, familial, health, etc.) affecting a student’s performance and behavior; and advocating for new and improved community/school service to meet the needs of students and families.

#27 Mental Health Counselor

Average Salary: $46,991

Job Outlook: Excellent (20% growth rate within the next decade)

Mental health counseling is what people typically think of when they hear the word counseling, but counselors’ actual job duties may go well beyond what people imagine. Clinical counselors do indeed talk people through problems. In many cases, though, they diagnose as well as treat mental illness. Some mental health counselors help people who have normal cognitive processes cope with difficult life events, for example, physical illness, death of loved ones, and relationship problems or divorce. Others help people manage serious mental illnesses like bipolar disorder. Counselors need to know when to refer clients or patients for additional resources and how to identify when abuse may be happening or when there is a risk of suicide or other violence. Cognitive therapy is among the most common techniques, but some employ other therapies. Some clinical counselors specialize and work with a particular population, for example, the elderly. Mental health counselors may work for a variety of agencies: individual and family services, hospitals, and inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities. Some are in private practice. Clinical counselors often work as part of a health care team; the team could include doctors, nurse specialists, psychologists, and even social workers. All states require mental health counselors to have a master’s degree. Curriculum requirements vary from one jurisdiction to the next. Many states require that the degree program either be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs or be substantively equivalent. Mental health counselors have a broad knowledge base. They must know how to apply research to clinical counseling. While it is never within their scope of duty to prescribe medication, clinical counselors are expected to have knowledge of common psychoactive medications, including contraindications and side effects. All states license the mental health counseling profession. Some states group mental health counselors with other professional counselors (for example, those in rehabilitation). Others have multiple licensing levels for counselors and recognize the unique qualifications that clinical counselors possess. It can be a good idea to pursue the highest level of licensing. Licensing level can be important for reimbursement purposes (and can therefore increase employment options).

#28 Licensed Master of Social Work

Average Salary: $45,728

Job Outlook: Very good (15% growth rate within the next decade)

The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree itself is one of the most coveted of all degrees by human services employers. There are many potential career routes one could take with a Master of Social Work degree depending on one’s degree concentration. Earning your Master of Social Work, however, is only half the battle. Pursuing post-graduate licensing is an essential step toward enhancing your career options. Those options, however, depend on whether you become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or equivalent master’s level license, or whether you continue along a clinical path and gain your Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or equivalent based on the state. A master’s level license requires a master’s degree in social work (MSW) with no post-degree experience. Advanced generalist and clinical licenses require two years of post-MSW experience. In the case of clinical licensure, this experience must be in direct clinical social work. The Master of Social Work degree requires two years of education beyond your bachelor’s degree and it usually makes sense to have spent your undergraduate period earning a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. With a BSW you have not only the necessary foundational skillset and baseline knowledge to quickly move into a deeper exploration of social work. Your Master’s degree also represents a chance to specialize your knowledge of the discipline, for some this could be en route to the LCSW title which we will expand upon later. For others, the Master of Social Work degree period represents time that can be spent gearing up for an entirely different career track such as working in Child Welfare or Social Work Administration. These particular specializations are a good example of how an MSW, while required to gain licensure as a LCSW, does not necessarily equate one-to-one with being on the road towards licensure.

#29 Marriage & Family Therapist

Average Salary: $45,700

Job Outlook: Excellent (20% growth rate within the next decade)

Marriage and family therapists offer guidance to couples, families and groups who are dealing with issues that affect their mental health and well-being. Marriage and family therapists treat a wide range of serious clinical problems including: depression, marital problems, anxiety, individual psychological problems, and child-parent problems. A family’s patterns of behavior influences the individual and therefore may need to be a part of the treatment plan. In marriage and family therapy, the unit of treatment isn’t just the person – even if only a single person is interviewed – it is the set of relationships in which the person is imbedded. Marriage and family therapy is: brief; solution-focused; specific, with attainable therapeutic goals; and designed with the “end in mind.” Many therapists approach their work holistically, using a “wellness” model (as opposed to an “illness” one) which highlights and encourages client’s strengths. Typically, earning an undergraduate degree in counseling, psychology, sociology or social work is the first step in becoming a marriage and family therapist. Then, you’ll earn a master’s degree in counseling or marriage and family therapy. Most states require that marriage and family therapists complete two years of post-graduate supervised work, totaling between 2,000 and 4,000 hours of clinical experience. As a marriage and family therapist, you can work in social service agencies, family services, outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers, hospitals, government, schools and even your own private practice. You can choose to work with a specific population, such as with teenagers, the incarcerated, families and the elderly. Research studies repeatedly demonstrate the effectiveness of marriage and family therapy in treating the full range of mental and emotional disorders and health problems.Studies also show that clients are highly satisfied with services of Marriage and Family Therapists. Clients report marked improvement in work productivity, co-worker relationships, family relationships, partner relationships, emotional health, overall health, social life, and community involvement.

#30 Office Manager at a NPO

Average Salary: $45,460

Job Outlook: Good (10% growth rate within the next decade)

In order for social services to successfully be delivered to those in need, there must first be accurate and efficient maneuvering of bureaucratic structures between and within the organizations in charge of service delivery. An office manager is someone who is responsible for organizing all of the administrative activities that facilitate the smooth running of an office. They must be skilled at supervising other employees in a fair, consistent manner. A manager’s duties may also include hiring and firing employees, as well as resolving disputes or any other issues that may come up among employees. Duties for office managers vary according to the size of the employing organization, so it could mean organizing, planning and overseeing a large pool of administrative assistants, or working with one or two people in a smaller office. Regardless of the size of the organization, an office manager must be able to motivate and encourage employees to increase both productivity and work quality. Nonprofit agencies have a tax-exempt status with the government because they do not gain profits from efforts. Instead, their revenues help fund programs that continue the organization’s purpose and goals. Still, administrative assistants for nonprofit organizations complete the same kind of duties as those who work with for-profit companies. A sampling of the skills and requirements needed include: good communication skills; attention to detail; leadership skills; and analytical skills. Responsibilities typically include: organizing meetings and arranging appointments; typing, and dealing with correspondence, complaints and queries; preparing letters, presentations and reports; supervising and monitoring the work of secretarial, clerical and administrative staff; managing office budgets; and implementing and maintaining procedures and office administrative systems.

Average Salary: $44,763

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Promotion

Job Outlook: Excellent (40% growth rate within the next decade)

Many social workers specialize in areas such as community work, assisting individuals struggling with addiction or helping children. As the population ages there will be an ongoing need for geriatric social workers whose focus is in working with adults aged sixty-five and up. The world is in the midst of an unprecedented degree of population aging. In nearly every developed country around the world, more and more people are living well into their golden years. And along with the increased number of elderly people living in our society, there also comes the need for more assistance to help those individuals to live safe and independent lives. That’s where senior social workers come in. The priority of a geriatric social worker is in maintaining as well as enhancing the quality of life for older adults. This often includes assisting with physical challenges that accompany aging, mental health and wellness, and cultural barriers that older individuals may face in society. One of the most common things a geriatric social worker does is to help clients deal with complicated government programs that they may not realize are out there and able to aid them. These programs include everything from social services and local community programs to healthcare providers and other legal entities. Not only can senior social workers help their clients apply for services from a variety of public and private programs, they’re also experts who are able to help resolve any issues that may occur in the delivery of those services, including social services and obtaining funding for elder care. Additionally, geriatric social workers often provide counseling services that can help the elderly cope with many end-of-life issues. This counseling can make the transition from their home to a long-term care environment as smooth as possible.

#32 Wraparound Facilitation Supervisor

Average Salary: $42,462

Job Outlook: Good (13% growth rate within the next decade)

Wraparound is an intensive, holistic method of engaging with individuals with complex needs (most typically children, youth, and their families) so that they can live in their homes and communities and realize their hopes and dreams. Since the term was first coined in the 1980s, “Wraparound” has been defined in different ways. It has been described as a philosophy, an approach, and a service. In recent years, Wraparound has been most commonly conceived of as an intensive, individualized care planning and management process. Wraparound is not a treatment per se. The Wraparound process aims to achieve positive outcomes by providing a structured, creative and individualized team planning process that, compared to traditional treatment planning, results in plans that are more effective and more relevant to the child and family. Additionally, Wraparound plans are more holistic than traditional care plans in that they are designed to meet the identified needs of caregivers and siblings and to address a range of life areas. A hallmark of the Wraparound process is that it is driven by the perspectives of the family and the child or youth. The plan should reflect their goals and their ideas about what sorts of service and support strategies are most likely to be helpful to them in reaching their goals. The Wraparound plan typically includes formal services, including research-based interventions as appropriate to build skills and meet youth and family needs, together with community services and interpersonal support and assistance provided by friends, kin, and other people drawn from the family’s social networks. Good wraparound facilitators have an outgoing personality and the ability to stay positive and outgoing in the face of challenges. They present in a way that builds trust and engagement with others. This is exhibited through enthusiasm, an optimistic presentation, and a genuine and respectful approach.

Average Salary: $42,432

Job Outlook: Excellent (22% growth rate within the next decade)

Counselors serve as guides to people suffering from addiction. They help addicts and alcoholics through the process of reclaiming life. Good addiction counselors can: motivate the addicted person to take serious steps into making a serious change; help clients identify their triggers; offer encouragement and guidance; create a positive environment; and aid in repairing broken relationships. A Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) designation is an intermediate substance abuse credential for those persons who work side-by-side with clinical supervisors and clinical staff to develop and implement client treatment plans, as well as provide specified substance abuse treatment services. There are three main responsibilities of a CAC in day-to-day addiction treatment settings: Clinical Evaluation; Treatment Planning; and Case Management and Referral. CAC responsibilities related to Group Therapy and interventions consist of observing and providing feedback to the client and/or group counseling to clients and family members. A CAC can also perform counseling-related services such as relapse prevention and recovery support and interventions where needed. CACs work with both Inpatient (Residential Treatment) and Outpatient (Outpatient Treatment) settings. Counseling modalities include: Evidence-based Practices; Building Therapeutic Relationships Individual, Group and/or Family Counseling; Crisis Intervention and/or Verbal De-escalation; Spirituality and/or Pastoral Counseling; Anger Management; and Relapse Prevention. A Bachelor’s Degree, earned at the college or university level, is typically the first step for students who wish to acquire the skills and certification needed to counsel individuals with substance abuse problems. Completing graduate level coursework with a Master’s Degree, or a Doctorate (PhD) degree will provide students with the knowledge and skills required to become a licensed counselor and to work in private practice if they so desire.

#34 Corrections Social Worker

Average Salary: $42,182

Job Outlook: Average (Little or no change expected within a decade)

The explosion in the prison population experienced since the 1980s has created an ever-expanding need for the unique set of professional skills that social workers bring to correctional institutions.The NASW’s Social Work Speaks (2012) recognizes the importance of providing quality services to the incarcerated population in its policy statement related to social work in the criminal justice system. Social workers in criminal justice settings often assess new arrivals to the prison, develop treatment and support plans for inmates, provide individual therapy and psychosocial educational support groups, provide referrals to medical or mental-health services, and monitor the progress and compliance of inmates in treatment. Social workers in prison frequently face uncommon ethical challenges and value dilemmas. Prisons are no longer associated with rehabilitation but instead focus on punishment and control. Such an environment makes it difficult to protect confidentiality or promote individuals’ rights. In an industry often defined by crises, there are certain clear, demanding, and unique challenges in the prison environment that would benefit from social-work expertise. Within the correctional prison system, social workers have a set of unique job responsibilities that are strongly focused on rehabilitation. In the daily life of a prison social worker, they are usually responsible for performing psychological assessments to determine inmates’ level of mental health functioning, evaluating the presence of mental health or substance abuse disorders, providing individual or group counseling sessions, teaching inmates life skills in rehabilitation groups, and preparing inmates to reintegrate into their lives beyond bars. While the specific educational requirements for prison social workers vary considerably by setting, these mental health professionals normally must possess a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Masters in Social Work (MSW) degree for employment.

#35 Program Coordinator at a NPO

Average Salary: $41,310

Job Outlook: Very good (16% growth rate within the next decade)

Oftentimes at a social service agency, there is a program that will balloon in importance within the agency because of an unexpected grant or a mandate to engage with a particular population or issue. Sometimes agencies can utilize their current staff to meet the new need, but when the program becomes large enough, the agency will need to designate staff to be in charge of running the program and ensuring its success. A program coordinator plans and coordinates one or more programs for a non-profit organization, including fundraising, budgeting, and community outreach. She develops and implements programs that align with the organization’s mission and support the organization’s goals. The program coordinator also creates program materials, establishes staffing requirements, and ensures that program achieves stated objectives. She may be responsible for special events that publicize the organization and its programs to the community. This level of position typically requires a bachelor’s degree and, depending on the nature of the program, might require a graduate degree. The program coordinator typically reports to an assistant director or executive director within the agency. Usually, NPO program coordinators’ work is done in an office setting, but they often do a lot of work in the field, whether it be supervising a program or planning the budget, functions, or even the hiring for a given program.

#36 Education Outreach Coordinator

Average Salary: $40,631

Job Outlook: Very good (16% growth rate within the next decade)

The Community Outreach Worker in the context of Human Services is a member of a non-profit or governmental organization that works to engage and educate the community about the organization and its goals. The Community Outreach Worker is the primary point of contact and organizer of volunteers for the organization. Volunteers are recruited at various community events that the Community Outreach Worker will be expected to design and implement. In addition to volunteer coordination, the Community Outreach Worker will act as a liaison with community partners to further the organizations goals for community and volunteer education. The Community Outreach Worker will also take part in community fundraising events and identify a respective sponsor list based on past donations or likelihood of future donations. An example of this would be a Community Outreach Worker who works for a Domestic Violence shelter. By informing the community about their organization’s goals of reducing and preventing Domestic Violence, the Community Outreach Worker helps to raise awareness of their issue. This leads to greater public understanding and interest which in turn helps facilitate fund raising efforts and shaping the public’s thinking and policies around this issue. The Community Outreach Worker impacts the family in a similar way to that of the individual. That is, their efforts filter down to families by improving the quality of life in their community. The Community Outreach Worker can impact the family in many ways. For example, there could be a reduction Domestic Violence through educating members of the community, reducing local pollution or changing unfair lending practices. As you can see the work of the Community Outreach Worker impacts families in a measurable way. The Community Outreach Worker is a position that usually requires a Bachelor’s degree in a Social Sciences field such as Sociology, Psychology or Social Work. Bilingual and multilingual capabilities are heavily favored depending on the region one is working in. Though this career can be challenging, it is rewarding as well. You will directly influence the lives of those you serve in a community and will therefore see firsthand the benefits of the programs and services you implement. If you desire a career that enables you to make a difference with your everyday work and have one-on-one interactions with those you serve, a career as a community outreach worker may be right for you.

#37 Bachelor of Social Work

Average Salary: $39,424

Job Outlook: Good (11% growth rate within the next decade)

While not a job in itself, the BSW degree is probably the strongest bachelor’s level human service degree you can get and is the gateway to a wide diversity of meaningful work in the field of social work. Recognizing what is unique and special about the BSW degree can be of great value in helping you market yourself in today’s difficult job market. First, the BSW is often the only bachelor’s level degree that requires an internship or field placement. While field placements don’t carry the weight of paid employment, they do count as practical experience and should be placed on your resume. Secondly, the BSW is the only bachelor’s level human service degree that has its educational programs accredited by a national accrediting body, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). None of the other professions accredit at the bachelor’s level-only at the master’s level. Thirdly, the social work profession is the only human service profession that promotes the bachelor’s degree (BSW) as the entry level degree for practice. All other professions virtually ignore the bachelor’s level and promote the master’s level as the entry level for practice. Finally, only the social work profession licenses or certifies practition-ers at the bachelor’s level. There are vast numbers of jobs available for bachelor’s level practition-ers, but the types of jobs, the way they are advertised, and the competition for them is very different at the BSW level than at the MSW level. At the bachelor’s level, many jobs do not carry the title “social work” and qualifications often simply call for any four-year human service degree. Those agencies that utilize bachelor’s level practitioners include, but are not limited to, Departments of Social Services, particularly in rural settings; county health and home health agencies in rural settings; group homes for those who are developmentally delayed, mentally retarded, or emotionally ill; sheltered workshops; and nursing homes. Knowing what sets you apart from the rest, identifying yourself as a social work professional, knowing where and how to look for employment, and staying flexible in your options should lead you into a lifelong social work career, whether you remain at the BSW level or go on to get a master’s.

#38 Recreational Therapist

Average Salary: $38,864

Job Outlook: Average (Little or no change expected within a decade)

A recreational therapist organizes treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses in order to improve their function and independence. They work with geriatric, mental health, addictions, general medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, developmental disabilities and pediatric clients. Recreational therapists often work in conjunction with physicians or surgeons, registered nurses, psychologists, social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, or teachers. A recreational therapist uses a wide range of techniques to improve the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs of their clients. Using recreational modalities such as arts and crafts, drama, music, dance, sports, games, swimming, and community outings, recreational therapists help to improve a patient’s physical, social, and emotional well-being. Incorporating the client’s interests as well as the client’s family and/or community makes the therapy process even more meaningful and relevant. Recreational Therapists work with the client and their family members, and individualize the therapy to each person’s past, present and future interests and lifestyle in order to develop skills, knowledge and behaviors for daily living and community involvement. Recreational therapists help people deal with depression, stress, and anxiety; build confidence; and recover basic physical and mental abilities. They combine the concept of healthy living into their treatment in order to improve function and promote independence in all aspects of life. Recreational therapists can be employed by health care agencies or work in traditional inpatient hospitals or health facilities. An increasing number are being employed in residential facilities, community mental health centers, adult day care programs, substance abuse centers, hospice care, community centers and in school systems. There is also a growing trend for recreational therapists to work in private practice providing services in the home and community.

Average Salary: $38,504

Job Outlook: Very good (16% growth rate within the next decade)

Community health advocates are people or groups of people who band together in order to take a position on a specific area of healthcare, and then they try to influence public and/or private beliefs on that area. The advocates are centrally located or have common belief about specific areas of healthcare.An advocate is someone who is trying to instill his/her beliefs on other people or individuals. The advocate will not only have the same beliefs, but he/she will also support other members in their fight to do what is right by their beliefs. For example, a healthcare advocate will try to ensure that the community is able to be better prepared, aware of and cured of the ailment that has brought them together as a community.The community healthcare advocate can also help patients make educated decisions based on research and experience. The advocate should be knowledgeable about all aspects of the ailment, but he/she should also be able to communicate properly with professionals and healthcare providers. Insurance companies generally use community healthcare advocates to help determine whether or not policy holders are a liability or an asset. A community healthcare advocate will do everything within his/her power to ensure that the community is safe and healthy. If that means fighting against insurance policy cancellations, the advocate will do so vehemently. If the advocate believes that the patient has been mistreated or the physician has failed to do his/her job, the advocate will take whatever action necessary to ensure that the patient is able move past the incident and on with his/her life. Likewise, if the advocate feels that there are better remedies available for the ailment, the advocate will let the patient know that there are other options available. A community healthcare advocate is someone who should genuinely care for and respect those who he/she is advocating for. Without a common ground, mutual understand of one another and a trusting relationship, neither the advocate nor the patient will gain anything from uniting as a team. Ultimately, a community health advocate is the person who will help you in achieving your healthcare goals.

#40 Community Organizer

Average Salary: $38,452

Job Outlook: The BLS does not publish specific data for community organizers

After earning a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) degree with a concentration in macro community practice, some graduates choose to pursue their interests in community empowerment and program development by becoming a community organizer. In short, community organizers are responsible for uniting people to work together to solve social problems and make the world a better place. If you are interested in building more economically and socially just communities, this just may be the career you are looking for. By most definitions, community organizing is a specialized field in social work that is devoted to restoring democracy at the grassroots level and energizing citizens to become a more active member of their society. Community organizing focuses on fixing broken social systems, bringing about meaningful changes to peoples’ lives, and empowering vulnerable or oppressed populations. Community organizing has the goal of uniting local citizens around a common concern, ranging from preventing crime and reducing toxic wastes to fighting prejudice and creating community-building projects. Similar to that of the coach for an athletic team, community organizers are responsible for building a group of people or institutions to works towards a common goal through collective action. In order to work towards this objective, community organizers must be trained to really listen to people when they articulate their concerns and voice their fears. Organizers are focused on building social organizations, expanding their membership base, raising questions or alternatives, developing sound organizing strategies, recruiting leadership, assisting with fundraising, running member meetings, and facilitating training sessions. Since community organizers often spend their days engaging with marginalized populations, they also frequently strive to uncover resources that were previously unavailable to bear on community issues. Overall, community organizing is a huge specialized field of social work that is focused on bringing community citizens together to works towards achieving a common desire that will improve the well-being of the society. Community organizers can find employment for social justice in government, non-profit organizations, churches, social services agencies, public health departments, and much more.

#41 Case Manager of Social Services

Average Salary: $37,795

Job Outlook: Very good (16% growth rate within the next decade)

The NASW defines social work case management as a method of service delivery in which a qualified case manager conducts assessments of clients and their families. Based on the needs identified in an assessment, a case manager then arranges, coordinates and monitors multiple services from different providers to serve client needs. These providers can include state and local social service agencies and nonprofit organizations. Social work case management addresses not only the psychological and social needs of clients, but also the condition of the social service system in which case managers operate. Because social workers work in diverse settings, including schools, health care systems, state and local government agencies, and nonprofit agencies, case management varies in practice, according to the NASW. Both case managers and social workers play a key role in the healthcare system and offer a wide range of career options. Case managers are often the referral source that social workers and other service providers need to maintain their clientele. Case managers also need service providers to help their clients get the support they need. Social work case managers in school systems access educational and psychological services for children and their families, while case managers who work with the elderly may arrange and coordinate medical, financial and at-home services, such as Meals on Wheels or, in the case of terminally ill clients, hospice care. Case managers require a minimum of an undergraduate degree in a human services related field of study (Psychology, Human Services, Criminal Justice, etc.). Case managers that work in hospitals might also have undergraduate degrees in nursing and have an RN certification. Case managers can also have a degree in social work.Unlike some social workers, case managers do not provide therapy to clients. Case managers might provide supportive counseling at times but if ongoing counseling is needed, they would link the client to a licensed therapist, social worker, or psychologist. There is no license for a case manager to provide therapy.

#42 Crisis Intervention Counselor

Average Salary: $37,606

Job Outlook: Excellent (20% growth rate within the next decade)

If you’re a compassionate person who can keep calm and focused in stressful, and often traumatic, situations, a career as a crisis intervention counselor may be for you. In the wake of the school shootings at Columbine High School in Colorado and Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut, one of the most valued professionals involved was the Crisis Intervention Counselor. The counselors were available for the students and for the terrified parents and certainly helped sort out feelings and calm fears. You might have heard about the valuable work they did in the weeks following the tragedies and wondered if you could become someone who could help others through trauma. The purpose of this counseling is supporting those who are in a state of acute mental health crisis often brought on by a recent trauma or long-term post-traumatic-stress-disorder. The goal of the professional is to be a stable influence in the life of someone who is dealing with intense feelings and to teach coping skills. Their duties may include: Working a suicide hotline; doing face-to-face counseling; teamwork with other local non-profits, state and federal agencies; and keeping detailed notes of client interactions. They work for agencies like FEMA and for institutions like VA hospitals, where they counsel people with post-traumatic-stress-disorder. They may be on-call for police departments responding to domestic abuse or sexual assault cases. You can become a counselor with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology, social work, counseling or another related field. You can also enter the profession through divinity school degrees as they include counseling in their curriculum. If you are considering a career in which you can be at the forefront of aid to disaster or trauma victims, this may be the profession for you. Although certification is not necessary in all states, it could make you more employable as a Crisis Intervention Counselor.

#43 Housing Support Specialist

Average Salary: $37,349

Job Outlook: Very good (16% growth rate within the next decade)

A housing support specialist assists clients with housing searches and placement along with leveraging supportive services that will assist the participant household to maintain permanent housing. In this role, an individual provides a variety of office and field activities to manage and monitor a housing program for families, performs direct client services, and compiles related documentation. Work involves orienting all eligible participants to the program and providing housing search and supportive services to promote participants self sufficiency, integration into the community, and permanency in housing; performing administrative tasks involved in the review and maintenance of a caseload of program participants. The principal duties are performed both in a general office environment and in the field and community where program participants reside. Helping low-income tenants break the cycle of homelessness and find stability is a priority for these social workers. They primarily assist tenants in stabilizing and maintaining their housing. Social workers do this by providing housing retention and eviction prevention services, linking tenants to medical, mental health and substance use services, and assisting tenants to increase their income by accessing public benefits, and linking them to employment and training programs in the community. Housing support social workers possess a strong knowledge of and sensitivity to issues related to homelessness, demonstrate the capacity to work with a culturally diverse, low-income population, and have the ability to maintain strong boundaries and respect for confidentiality.

Average Salary: $36,701

Job Outlook: Very good (18% growth rate within the next decade)

Adoption counselors work with adoptees, birth parents and adoptive families to help them understand and cope with the emotions surrounding adoption. Adoption can have a deep impact. The better an adoption is handled at all stages, the more likely it is to form a healthy family. Adoption counselors may be social workers or psychologists who have decided to focus on adoption. They may work with individuals or offer group counseling sessions. They may also give talks at schools or to other professionals, such as health-care workers or school guidance counselors. There are six points throughout the adoption process where a counselor might be particularly needed: When mothers or couples are considering adoption as an option for an unplanned pregnancy; When prospective parents begin the adoption process — this might begin during the home study; During the period of transfer, both birth and adoptive parents will need counseling; Throughout the life of the adoptee, all members of the adoption triad — birth families, adoptive families and the adopted child — may need help looking at what it means to be adopted and to be aware of how it may influence their family life; During reunion situations; and during adoption breakdowns. Some families may require special kinds of counseling; for example, if they are adopting an older or special needs child or a child from a different race or culture. Birth parents might feel uncertainty, grief, loss, fear, guilt, anger, confusion and depression. An adoption counselor can help them understand that these feelings are normal. People wanting to adopt have likely gone through some pain, grief or stress. An adoption counselor can help them understand these feelings. They can also help the prospective parents look at what they believe raising a child will be like, and how that may differ from what it is really like. Some adoption counselors work for public agencies (such as a Children’s Aid Society) while others work through private for-profit or not-for-profit adoption agencies. An adoption counselor typically needs at least a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology or other area of counseling. Licensing requirements for counselors vary by state and depend upon job title and work location.

#45 Group Home Supervisor

Average Salary: $35,938

Job Outlook: Very good (18% growth rate within the next decade)

A group home supervisor directs, plans and supervises residents of a group home or assisted living facility. These supervisors normally manage direct care workers and assistant home managers, as well as oversee the activities and operations of the facility according to its rules, policies and regulations. Duties of group home supervisors include coordinating and leading staff meetings, overseeing resident funds, managing group home budgets and maintaining resident schedules. Overseeing employee training and ensuring their facility is up to date with all relevant laws and best practices is also crucial for this position. Group home supervisor may also be responsible for ordering and maintaining residents’ medication and medical supplies as well. The working environment of a group home supervisor is the group home or assisted living facility that they oversee, and the size of the facility may vary greatly. Group home supervisors typically work during regular business hours, and they are often required to be on call 24/7 for emergency cases. These supervisors regularly work with direct care workers, assistant home managers, a resident services director and residents. The educational requirements for group home supervisor positions typically include a bachelor’s degree in human services, health care, applied psychology or a related field. A master’s degree in a related field may be beneficial as well. Group home supervisors must have effective verbal and written communication skills to work effectively with staff and residents. The ability to speak in front of a group and proven leadership abilities are also key to being a effective group home supervisor. Budgeting skills are often necessary as well, because group home supervisors often have to create and manage the facility and staff’s budget.

#46 Community Health Worker

Average Salary: $35,086

Job Outlook: Very good (16% growth rate within the next decade)

If you consider yourself a people person and have a desire to help others improve their lives, you’ve probably considered a healthcare career. But just because you’re interested in providing direct patient care, doesn’t mean you have to work in a hospital. It sounds like a career as a community health worker might be right up your alley. A community health worker (CHW) serves as a liaison between health or social services and individuals in their communities. These are t

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