Social Work Profession

The Profession

Adapted from the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Social Work is a profession suited for those interested in helping to improve people's lives. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment of social workers is expected to grow  by 25 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. There is an estimated growth of 31 to 34 percent in the fields of mental health/substance abuse and healthcare.

Social workers find employment in a wide variety of settings: hospitals, schools, nonprofit social service agencies, federal agencies, correctional facilities, and clinics. The complexity of our society creates a growing need for educated professionals in this field.

Social workers deal with a multiplicity of issues: behavioral health, substance abuse, school-related problems, children and family issues, aging, and more. Their skills are employed in counseling, community organization, and problem solving in many contexts.

Paradise Valley Community College, part of the Maricopa Community College District, is a small college that focuses on student-centered instruction and group interaction. All courses are taught by expert faculty, not graduate assistants. Professors are accessible to the students for consultation along with counseling and advising staffs who are available to students for career planning and direction.

Career Areas in Social Work

Adapted from the Choices brochure of National Association of Social Workers.

mental health/clinical social work

community organizations

international social work

policy & planning

management /administration