Finding A Social Work Job In Today's Economy - By: JillCohen

While the current economy has been challenging for most working-class Americans, social work jobs have continued to be plentiful. This is likely because social work jobs are fairly financially affordable, as social work salaries range from $30,000 to $60,000 per year depending on the area of expertise and geographical area.

Social workers are typically needed to help disenfranchised clients, which is a group that actually increases during difficult financial times such as the current economy. For example, increased numbers in lost jobs leads to increased numbers of homeless families, which can lead to increased need for case workers at homeless shelters to work with families in helping them get back on their feet. While this can mean a more demanding case load for some social workers, it is also a form of job security. However, there is no guarantee that social work jobs are not at any risk of being cut or lost. If social work jobs are kept during the current economy, it has often meant giving up pay raises and taking on increased caseloads.

Social work is an incredibly versatile profession, with jobs in many areas from health care to human resources to employee assistance to social services. Jobs in government settings, such as jobs through the Department of Social Services, are at times affected by budget cuts and layoffs. However, these jobs are relatively more secure (depending on the state or local government) than other social work jobs, such as private practice. Social workers in this type of profession may suffer during difficult economic times as it requires clients to often pay some cost out-of-pocket. Clients may see this expenditure as a luxury or as something they do not really need. Social workers finding their private practices dwindling may need to work harder to receive referrals, which may include contacting other social workers or health care providers.

There are several tactics social workers can take in finding a job. One of these is, of course, to search job boards, local and state government websites, and newspapers. Social workers interested in finding a job in the current economy can also try networking through social networking websites and local professional social work organizations. A more risky approach is to request informational interviews at settings social workers think they would be interested in working, meeting with a social worker already employed at the setting, and asking questions and gathering information about the position. This can put social workers at an advantage if an opening were to come open at the agency in the future.

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