TRAITS

for Success

committed to helping others

ability to assess circumstances

can work independently

empathetic

 
ocial workers are specially trained in locating community
resources to solve problems such as child abuse, homelessness,
drug abuse, and poverty.  They support people in their efforts to
function within their environments.  They provide counseling to clients
and are committed to improving social conditions.  These professionals
assist with placing people back into society after hospitalization or
rehabilitation.  Social workers ensure that people have resources to
solve financial, health care, family, and other problems.  They may also
organize support groups for families of patients suffering from cancer,
AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, or other illnesses.

 
Average Starting Salary (bachelor's level) $34,283 (master's level) $38,254   
 
Areas of Specialization
There are many areas of specialization
in which a social worker may practice.
These are just a few examples:
Child Welfare
Geriatric Social Work
Marriage and Family
Physical and Mental Health
Social Policy and
     Community Practice
 
Work Environment
Community advocacy groups
Government agencies
HIV/AIDS clinics
Home health agencies
Hospice
Hospitals
Mental health/substance abuse centers
Nursing homes
Prisons
Schools
Social services agencies
Universities
 
Academic Requirements
A college preparatory diploma is
recommended.  Programs are offered at
both the bachelor's and master's levels. 
The Master of Social Work is usually
pursued after gaining some work
experience and is often necessary
to work in hospitals.  Doctoral programs
are also available in social work, but a
master's is considered the terminal
degree for practice.
 
Licensure, Certification and
Registration
Georgia requires licensure through the
Georgia Composite Board of
Professional Counselors, Social Workers,
and Marriage and Family Therapists. 
Certification in several specialty areas is
available through the national Association
of Social Workers
 
Professional Organizations
Council on Social Work Education
(703) 683-8080
www.cswe.org
 
Georgia Composite Board of
     Professional Counselors, Social
     Workers, and Marriage and
     Family Therapists
(478) 207-2440
www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/counselors
 
National Association of Social Workers
(202) 408-8600
www.naswdc.org
 
National Association of Social Workers -
     Georgia Chapter
(770) 234-0567
www.naswga.org
 
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree
Albany State University Clark Atlanta University
Augusta State University Georgia State University
Clark Atlanta University Kennesaw State University
Dalton State College Savannah State University
Fort Valley State University University of  Georgia
Georgia State University Valdosta State University
Savannah State University  
Thomas University Doctoral Degree
University of Georgia Clark Atlanta University
  University of Georgia
 
Table of Contents

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