Congratulations on becoming a newly licensed social worker! Graduating from fieldwork to full-time practice is an exciting milestone. While there’s a lot to navigate during this shift, so take a deep breath — we’re here to help you plan a smooth transition.
In this guide, we’ll cover career paths, job search strategies, professional development, and the importance of insurance. These key elements will help prepare you for a successful career transition.
Choosing Your Career Path
A career in social work offers diverse opportunities ranging from administrative to counseling to policy development.
Here are 15 career paths according to The National Association of Social Workers (NASW):
- Administrative & Management
- Advocacy & Community Organizing
- Aging
- Child Welfare
- Development Disabilities
- Healthcare
- International Social Work
- Justice & Corrections
- Mental Health & Clinical Social Work
- Occupation and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Social Work
- Policy & Planning
- Politics
- Public Welfare
- Research
- School Social Work
Knowing which career path is right for you can be challenging with so many options to choose.
Consider these factors when making your decision:
Your passion. Whether it’s politics or child welfare, choosing a path aligned with personal interests and passions can lead to a more fulfilling career.
Demand. Research which social work specializations are in demand and have the most potential for career growth.
Education and License. These career paths will require varying levels of education and licensure, and this can also be different state-to-state.
Work setting. Whether it’s a school, hospital, government agency, or private office, feeling comfortable in your daily work environment is important.
Daily stress. Social work can create varying levels of stress — and clinical roles can be emotionally draining. Consider if your chosen path allows for healthy work-life balance.
Navigating the Job Search
Finding a new job can feel overwhelming, but we have several strategies to help you get started.
Explore job boards. Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and SocialWorkJobBank.com are great for browsing job opportunities. You can filter by location, specialization, and experience level.
Start networking. Connecting with social work professionals can open doors to opportunities. If you don’t have an existing network, join an industry-related group in your community or on LinkedIn.
Check out agency websites. Professional organizations such as the National Association of Social Workers have job boards and career resources for social workers. Hospitals, schools, and nonprofits also post job openings on their websites.
Go back to school. Not just for classes — for job leads and referrals. Your alma mater may offer career placement services, making them a great resource during your job search.
Importance of Ongoing Learning
As a social worker, you play a vital role in helping others navigate challenges. To be effective, you must be equipped with the latest skills and information.
Here are two other reasons to pursue ongoing education:
License renewal requirements
The requirements for social work licensure vary by state and may include continuing education. Some states require that you complete 30 hours or more of specific coursework. Check with your state to understand your license renewal requirements.
Professional growth
Ongoing learning is an investment in your social work career. In addition to maintaining your license, you’re positioning yourself for career advancement and future opportunities. Continuing education for social workers may include professional workshops, lectures, conferences, certifications, and advanced degrees. You should be able to learn about continuing education requirements when researching your state’s license renewal requirements.
Insurance Considerations for Newly Licensed Social Workers
As a newly licensed social worker, safeguarding your business with business liability insurance is a critical first step. The right insurance can provide you with financial protection if something goes wrong.
If you are a social worker just starting your own business, professional liability insurance (PL) is critical. Even with the best intentions, situations can arise where a client may claim that your services caused them harm. A PL policy can cover you and your business if a client sues you for negligence.
In addition to professional liability, there are other types of insurance for social workers. General liability insurance protects against third-party claims for injuries or property damage, while workers’ compensation insurance is necessary if you plan to hire employees. In today’s digital world, cyber insurance can be invaluable in protecting your business from data breaches and cyberattacks.
At Simply Business, we specialize in helping small businesses find the right coverage, including social work insurance for professionals like you. We’ve helped over 1 million customers worldwide, and our quick and easy process delivers online quotes to you in just 10 minutes.
We also partner with insurers who understand the unique needs of small businesses. Our agents are available to help and answer questions Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ET), at 844-654-7272.
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We’re here for you
Supporting others is your life’s work. But when it comes to insurance, we’re here to support you. At Simply Business, we’ll help you with your insurance needs and more. Our Resource Center is a great place to discover guides, tools, and tips for small business owners.
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