Careers and Outcomes

What is Social Work?

Think of it as a “helping profession.”

You’re an advocate, coordinator and helper for people, families, groups, communities and organizations facing obstacles.

Social workers can:

• Help children and families overcome crisis.
• Assist people with mental health and substance use issues.
• Advocate for social or educational justice.
• Oversee programs and community services.

And a lot more.

Social work is a dynamic and rewarding career – your specialized services can support one person at time or many.

How to Become a Social Worker

You must hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from an accredited program (like Missouri State’s).

Along with your degree, it helps to have these key skills: empathy, communication, organization and patience.

In times of crisis, you're there to help people recover and improve.

Declare your major in social work

Want to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)?

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), you're qualified to provide counseling/therapy and mental health services (diagnosis and treatment) to clients.

In Missouri, an accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is your first step to becoming an LCSW.

This degree qualifies you for other advanced positions and a higher salary.

EXPLORE THE MSW PROGRAM AT MISSOURI STATE

Salaries in Social Work

Research shows a growing need for trained social workers over the next decade.

Social Work Jobs

Where can you work with a social work degree? Lots of places.

Our program is based on generalist practice, which means you will be trained in multiple areas and prepared for any social work setting.

These settings and positions include:

Adult and Juvenile Justice

• Coordinator of Sexual Assault Services
• Correctional Probation Officer
• Forensic Social Worker
• Juvenile Court Liaison
• Probation Officer

Aging

• Assessment Specialist
• Community Outreach Navigator
• Community Relations Manager
• Gerontology Social Worker
• Home-based Older Adults Specialist
• Nursing Home Social Worker

Communities and Housing

• Community Organizer
• Community Support Specialist
• Disaster Relief Specialist
• Housing Resource Manager
• Volunteer Coordinator

Environmentalism

• Environmental Health Specialist
• Disaster Response Specialist
• Research and Development Administrator
• Sustainable Development Specialist

Family and Child Welfare

• Adoption Specialist
• Children and Family Case Worker
• Residential Care Worker
• School-based Social Worker
• Teen-parent Case Worker

Global and International social Work

• Child Survivor Specialist
• Human Trafficking Case Manager
• Immigration Legal Services Coordinator
• Women’s Safe Spaces Specialist

Health Care

• Case/Care Manager
• Discharge Coordinator/Planner
• Health Preparedness and Response Advisor
• Public Policy Manager
• Public Health Educator
• Volunteer Services Coordinator

Mental Health

• Behavioral Assistant
• Coordinator of Adult Grief Programs
• Bereavement Specialist
• Outpatient Specialist
• Professional Mentor
• Program Research Analyst
• Youth Behavioral Health Clinician

Physical and Mental Challenges

• Access Specialist
• Daily Living Skills Specialist
• Employment Consultant
• Family Support Educator
• Program Operations Manager
• Social Security Disability
• Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Poverty and Inequality

• Client Resources Coordinator
• Director of Community Engagement
• Grants Manager/Writer
• Outreach and Communications Coordinator
• Public Policy Manager
• Volunteer Services Coordinator

Substance Use/Addictions

• Alcohol and Drug Prevention Coordinator
• Drug Dependency Specialist
• Rehabilitation Specialist
• Substance Abuse Program Coordinator/Counselor

 Veterans and Military

• Community-based Services for Veterans
• Local Recovery Coordinator
• Veterans Outreach

Workplace

• Conflict Resolution Advocate
• Employee Assistance Counselor
• Employment Social Worker
• Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist