Social Worker

Breaking all the barriers and creating opportunities for all - become a social worker.

About

A social worker is a professional trained to help individuals, families, communities who are facing social, emotional and behavioural challenges. These employees work in various settings, including hospitals, schools, government agencies, community organisations and private practices. Their primary goal is to improve their clients' well-being and promote social justice. The workers often help the individuals experiencing difficulties such as poverty, mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence and unemployment. 

The social workers deal to address larger social issues such as homelessness, inequality and discrimination. They generally have a bachelor's or master's degree in social work, although some may have degrees in related fields such as psychology or sociology. They must also be licensed or certified in their state of practice.

Eligibility

For Bachelor’s

  • The scholars can enrol for a three-year bachelor's degree, such as a BA in Social Work or Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a recognised university or college. 
  • The seekers must pass their 10+2 board examination by securing a minimum of 50% marks. 

For Master’s

  • Successful graduates can apply for a Master of Social Work(MSW) in a recognised university or college.

For Doctorate Degree 

  • The scholars can apply for Ph.D. in Social Work to advance their skills and gain more knowledge about social work programs. 

Job Roles

Social workers have diverse roles and responsibilities depending on their area of practice, but some common job roles of social workers include:

  • Case Manager
  • Counsellor
  • Community Organiser
  • Child Welfare Specialist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Researcher
  • Advocate

Employment Sector Jobs

Social workers can work in a variety of employment sectors such as:

  • Healthcare
  • Mental Health
  • Education
  • Government
  • Nonprofit Organisations
  • Private Practice
  • Research and Academia

Top Recruiters

Social workers can work in various settings, including healthcare, mental health, education, government, non-profit organisations, private practice, research and academia. Here are some top recruiters of social workers in these sectors:

  • Smile Foundation
  • Amnesty International 
  • UNICEF
  • Green Peace
  • Oxfam
  • Helpage India
  • CARE India 
  • Circle of Animal Lovers
  • Human Right Agencies
  • Disaster Management Departments
  • Old Age Homes

Salary

The salary of social workers can vary depending on various factors such as the level of education and experience, the type of employer and the job location. Here is some general information about the salary of social workers:

 

Entry-level Social Workers 

Approx Rs 1 lakhs - 2 lakhs per annum

Senior Social Workers

Approx Rs 2 lakhs - 3 lakhs per annum

Top-level Social Workers

Approx Rs 5 lakhs - 7 lakhs per annum

Skills

  • Empathy
  • Communication
  • Active listening
  • Problem-solving
  • Collaboration
  • Assessment
  • Cultural competence
  • Advocacy
  • Critical thinking
  • Ethical practice

Scope

Social work is a broad and diverse field that encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at helping individuals, families and communities to improve their well-being and quality of life. The scope of social work is vast and includes the following:

  • Counselling and therapy
  • Case management
  • Advocacy
  • Community organising
  • Policy development and analysis
  • Research
  • Education and training

Benefits

Social workers provide many benefits to individuals, families and communities including:

  • Improved mental health
  • Access to social services
  • Advocacy and support
  • Reduced social stigma
  • Increased community engagement
  • Policy change and advocacy
  • Improved outcomes for vulnerable populations

Drawbacks

There are several drawbacks of a social worker as given below: 

  • Working with people who are at risk
  • Emotional toll
  • Workload
  • Low pay
  • Lack of recognition