Career Outlook for Social Workers in Massachusetts

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According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, social worker positions are expected to grow by an astounding rate of 19% through the year 2022. Throughout the United States, it is predicted there will be an increased need for qualified social workers over the coming years. Those who enjoy helping people deal with mental, emotional, and behavioral issues will have an excellent opportunity to enter a field with solid growth potential and a competitive salary.

How Massachusetts Social Workers Stack Up

The state by state job outlook varies, but Massachusetts has the highest concentration of jobs in the social work field. Statistics show that for every one thousand job openings in Massachusetts, 3.2% are positions in the social work industry. Social workers in Massachusetts also have one of the highest average salaries at $56,570 per year.

Specialty Options Available for Social Workers

Massachusetts candidates considering pursuing a career as a social worker have a wide variety of options as far as type of social work they can do. Social workers have the opportunity to work as counselors in several specialty areas, such as healthcare, child, family, school, mental health, and substance abuse. Each specialty area gives candidates a chance to work in specific settings and situations, depending on their area of interest.

What it takes to become a Social Worker

To become a social worker, it takes a truly compassionate, caring individual. Social workers have to dedicate their lives to helping others solve personal issues. Choosing a career as a social worker can be rewarding and challenging at the same time, especially for those considering a career as a social worker in the state of Massachusetts.

Education

Social workers need a Bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) for entry level jobs. However, some specialty areas require a Master’s degree in social work (MSW) as well. This means a minimum commitment of roughly six years to find a job working as a qualified social worker. In addition, every state, including Massachusetts has some form of licensing or certification requirement before social workers can practice their craft.

Where Social Workers are Needed

Social workers in every state, including Massachusetts, work in several different environments. There is a need for a social worker’s expertise in each of the following settings:

•Hospitals
•Primary Care Settings (Home Health)
•Veterans Clinics
•Nursing Homes
•Mental Health Clinics
•Schools
•Government Offices
•Military Bases
•Correctional Facilities

With so many options regarding where to work, a social worker can rest assured that job stability is top notch compared to other professions.

Overview

Anyone considering a career as a social worker in the state of Massachusetts should be willing to commit to extensive education and training. Once past the educational hurdles, the career of a social worker in a state like Massachusetts can be extremely satisfying and can offer qualified social workers the chance to work in a variety of settings while helping others on a daily basis.