Social Work programs enable students to know how to help individuals and communities to function effectively. Learners in these programs study poverty, mental illness and domestic abuse. They also get familiarity with disability problems. Degree programs in Social Work are offered at various levels. Earning these degrees allow students to work in government agencies as well as social assistance industries. Certificate in Social Work programs can lead students to the most rewarding job opportunities within this area of specialization.
Certificate in Social Work 
Certificate in Social Work Programs
Graduate programs are offered in Social Work for those who already possess a bachelor's degree. Decorate programs are another option for those who want to opt for Certificate of Social Work programs. A masters degree in this concentration spans over 1-2 years while doctorate is a 4-5 years program. Other than general courses, students in these advanced degrees can opt to focus their studies in concentrations such as mental health therapy, disaster relief or military and veterans' services. Distance learning programs are also offered in Social Work.
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Coursework
Certificate in Social Work curriculum entails topics like promotion of social and economic justice, history and philosophy of social welfare, oppression, and social welfare policy. Learners also study social research methods, social welfare policy, clinical social work practice, human behavior and more. Areas in which students can opt to specialize in include:
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Poverty
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Homeless family assistance
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Housing assistance
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Employment services
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Child abuse
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Alcohol and drug abuse crisis intervention
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Family violence
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Community and rural health
In certain Social Work Certificate programs, students may also have to complete internship programs.
Career Prospects for Social Workers
These professionals can work in child welfare agencies or community centers. They can also find employment in nursing homes, detention centers, medical and psychiatric hospitals and mental health clinics. Also, youth service agencies and substance abuse agencies hire professionals with advanced degrees in Social Work. With Certificate in Social Work programs students can find jobs as staff trainer, residential counselor, supervisor or administrator.
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States with the highest employment level in this occupation:
State
|
Employment
|
Employment per thousand jobs
|
Location quotient
|
Hourly mean wage
|
Annual mean wage
|
|
California |
1660 |
0.11 |
1.26 |
18.13 |
37720 |
|
Florida |
1130 |
0.14 |
1.68 |
17.97 |
37370 |
|
Illinois |
960 |
0.16 |
1.92 |
17.9 |
37240 |
|
Texas |
760 |
0.07 |
0.78 |
16.62 |
34570 |
|
New York |
650 |
0.07 |
0.85 |
20.12 |
41840 |
Source: bls.gov
How long does it take to get a Certificate in Social Work?
Students can apply for a certification in social work after their bachelor's or their master's degree. In both cases, students will obtain valuable knowledge and experience in their field. Generally, a certificate will only last as long as two semesters - spread out over a year. However, depending on the college and the specific program, the time could vary.
What are the requirements to get a Certificate in Social Work?
Completing a certificate in social work involves taking some college courses in a variety of subject areas like family law and court procedure. Students could specialize in gerontology, addictions, palliative care or youth and family. The requirements for each certification program will vary but generally, students are required to be a Licensed Master Social Worker as well as have attended workshops on child abuse, etc. Some certificates also require full-time work experience.
How much can I make with a Certificate in Social Work?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has divided Social Workers into four categories:
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Child, Family, and School Social Workers.
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Healthcare Social Workers.
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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers.
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Social Workers, All Others.
The income figures of all four categories are:
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Child, Family, and School Social Workers earned $51,030 as mean annual income in 2019 and their annual median salary for the year was $47,390.
Healthcare Social Workers
Healthcare Social Workers earned $59,300 as mean annual income in 2019, while their annual median salary was $56,750.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers made $51,670 in mean annual salary, and their median income was $46,650.
Social Workers, All Others
As for the category of Social Workers, All Others, the mean annual salary was $61,750. Their yearly median income in 2019 was $61,230.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Question(s)
Q:Who should opt for a certificate in social work?
A:The Certificate In Social Work is a one year program which allows students to gain introductory knowledge about the subject. The certificate in social work is a program for those students who wish to become a part of the workforce at the earliest and/or are working in the profession but want to update their skills to advance further in their career.
Q:Can I pursue a certificate of social work online?
A:Yes, you can pursue a certificate of social work online. There are a number of accredited distant learning schools that provide students the opportunity to pursue certificate programs in social work. The program can be completed without having to attend any class at a campus based institute. With a certification is this field, one can boost a career as a social worker.
Q:I want to learn about certificate in social work program. What is the usual duration of the program?
A:There are various degree level certificate programs offered in social work. Certification may be offered for associates, bachelors, masters, and doctorate level programs. The program duration varies depending on the degree one wishes to pursue. A master's degree usually takes about one to two years to complete, whereas a doctorate degree may span over four to five years.
Q:What is Social Work Certification?
A:A social work certification is a program that certifies a student in this field of the work. The program can be completed in less than a year and falls in the category of short courses. Much of the coursework is career-oriented. Now it is possible to pursue certifications online as well through accredited online schools.
Q:What are the career prospects after completing social work certification programs?
A:After completing a social work certification program, you can get the opportunity to work in community centers and child welfare agencies. You can also look for employment in detention centers, nursing homes, medical and psychiatric hospitals, and mental health clinics. If you get an advanced degree in social work, you can also work for substance abuse agencies and youth service agencies.
Q:What are some of the career statistics for social and human service assistants after completing Social Work Certificate Programs?
A:According to the United States Bureau of labor Statistics (BLS), social and human service assistants earned a median salary of $28,850 per year in 2012. The labor bureau also estimated that the number of people working as human and social service assistants would grow by 22 percent from 2012 to 2022. The BLS website further stated that this growth rate was a lot faster than the average growth rate of all occupations accounted for by the bureau.
Q:What can I do with a Social Work Certificate?
A:With a certificate in social work, you can have a career as a social worker. Social workers help people cope with and solve problems in their everyday lives. They work in clinics, schools, mental health clinics and in child welfare practices. Their annual median pay in 2012 was $44,200 while the expected job growth from 2012 to 2022 is 19%.
Q:Are Social Work Certification pursued online accredited?
A:When applying to a social work certification online, you must check the institution's website to make sure that the right accreditation agencies have given the program their stamp of approval. Most online social work certification programs are either accredited by the Higher Learning Commission or by the state's own accreditation committee or board.
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