Career Outlook for Child Welfare Workers

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Having the training to become a Child Welfare Worker offers a choice of different jobs within the field. The different fields that fall under the umbrella of a Child Welfare Worker are numerous. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the different occupations that fall under the umbrella of Child Welfare Worker include Child, Family, and School Social Workers, Healthcare Social Workers, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers, and other various job settings.

Job Descriptions

Someone with a degree in Child Welfare may choose a job working with a child’s parents to strengthen family parenting skills. They assist parents and families by giving the caretakers resources they can go to for help with specific problems the child may be facing. They are also instrumental in helping with adoptions, foster care, and suitable housing. They also assist families that have aging grandparents as the caretaker or handicapped parents that have specific needs.

The Child Welfare Workers can also work within the school system to identify students that may have been abused or neglected. They are a child advocate in the school system and work with teachers and administrators on strengthening a student’s academic, mental, and social progress. More school welfare workers are needed because of increased enrollment; thus, creating a need for more Welfare Workers.

A Child Welfare worker may work with government agencies to place an abused or abandoned child in the best environment if the parents cannot take care of the child or there is suspicion of abuse. The Social Worker may work in a child welfare office, a child protective agency, in hospitals, or within the state and local government office.

Job Outlook

Overall employment in the field of Child Welfare Workers is expected to grow as much as 19-27 percent from 2012 to 2022, depending on the particular career chosen. Although the statistics look promising, there is the threat of government budget cuts, minimizing the statistics. Even with the budget cuts; however, the growth outlook is much better than most occupations. Employment as a child, family, or social worker is expected to increase by about 20 percent.

Salary

The salary of a Child Welfare Worker depends on the type of job and location a welfare worker chooses to work. The median salary pay is $44,200 annually, according to the BLS. The number of graduates going into the field is also increasing each year. Among the different types of jobs under the Child Welfare system, the highest paying positions are in elementary and secondary schools, home health care, and other educational facilities.

Education

Many of the jobs within the child welfare system require a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree. Course work will usually include social work policy, child welfare, research methods, human behavior, and governmental agencies. Child Welfare Workers that want to work within the school system or an educational institution will need to obtain a Master’s degree. Training in the Child Welfare field may also include internship or field experience before getting their degree. Many programs require field experience before getting a Master’s degree.

The overall projected growth within the field of Child Welfare is higher than in many other occupations. Due to the overall growth of child welfare needs, getting a position is very probable, especially if someone has a Master’s degree or higher and has field experience. More and more children and families are in need of guidance and resources to improve the challenges they may face as a family. The prevalence of child abuse, neglect, drugs, and dysfunctional family dynamics calls for an increase in Child Welfare Workers. They are also needed more and more within the school systems to act in the best interest of the child whether it academic, social, or behavioral. It is a rewarding job and there is great need for caring, supportive, and encouraging Child Welfare Workers.