3 answers
Kennedy
Student
Grundy Center, Iowa
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What is required to be a child welfare social worker?
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3 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1664
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Most child welfare workers have a Bachelor's degree in a related field. Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, for example. Beyond that, there are other requirements, including a clear criminal history.
As a child welfare worker, you will need to understand that just because people live "differently" from you does not make it wrong. They may rinse and stack the dishes rather than washing them right away. This is of course different than say, leaving dirty dishes and uneaten food sitting out on the countertops, which will attract roaches and rodents! You will need an understanding of family dynamics - such as how step-parents interact with children (not always bad, but it can be!), jealousy, living under financial strain, alcoholism, drug dependency, etc. You will also need a bit of self-confidence, as, you will be going into peoples' homes, often alone, to evaluate the care they provide their children.
I do not know how it is in other states. Here in Texas, child welfare workers tend to have a heavy caseload that prevents them from spending the amount of time they feel they should on each case. It is frustrating, the morale is low, and the turnover rate is high. So you will need to be able to handle that sort of stress.
You will learn a lot about people in a very short time. It could be a good stepping stone to other positions, or, if you like it, you could make it a career!
As a child welfare worker, you will need to understand that just because people live "differently" from you does not make it wrong. They may rinse and stack the dishes rather than washing them right away. This is of course different than say, leaving dirty dishes and uneaten food sitting out on the countertops, which will attract roaches and rodents! You will need an understanding of family dynamics - such as how step-parents interact with children (not always bad, but it can be!), jealousy, living under financial strain, alcoholism, drug dependency, etc. You will also need a bit of self-confidence, as, you will be going into peoples' homes, often alone, to evaluate the care they provide their children.
I do not know how it is in other states. Here in Texas, child welfare workers tend to have a heavy caseload that prevents them from spending the amount of time they feel they should on each case. It is frustrating, the morale is low, and the turnover rate is high. So you will need to be able to handle that sort of stress.
You will learn a lot about people in a very short time. It could be a good stepping stone to other positions, or, if you like it, you could make it a career!
Meghan Thrasher
Real Estate Agent
32
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Meghan’s Answer
For a while I planned to go this route in my career.
I found that most places required a masters degree in social work. Some universities will allow you to pair this with a psychology degree and others will have an undergraduate degree in social work that you can pair it with. This allows you to finish in five years rather than six and never miss a beat. This is a good course of study if you want to be a social worker.
I did get through the application process and nearly take a job in social work with just an undergraduate degree in Psychology. I ended up moving states to be closer to family instead.
This shows you it is possible to get a job in social work with just an undergraduate degree in psychology or a similar study.
I also want to point out that who you know matters. I met a woman at the dog park who was a social worker and she helped me to get the initial interview. So don’t forget to get out there and meet people. You never know who will help you out along the way!
I hope this helps you!
I found that most places required a masters degree in social work. Some universities will allow you to pair this with a psychology degree and others will have an undergraduate degree in social work that you can pair it with. This allows you to finish in five years rather than six and never miss a beat. This is a good course of study if you want to be a social worker.
I did get through the application process and nearly take a job in social work with just an undergraduate degree in Psychology. I ended up moving states to be closer to family instead.
This shows you it is possible to get a job in social work with just an undergraduate degree in psychology or a similar study.
I also want to point out that who you know matters. I met a woman at the dog park who was a social worker and she helped me to get the initial interview. So don’t forget to get out there and meet people. You never know who will help you out along the way!
I hope this helps you!
LaToya Carter
Social Worker
3
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
LaToya’s Answer
In Texas, you have to have a bachelor or master degree in social work and be licensed as a LBSW, LMSW or LCSW in order use the title as a social worker did to title protection laws. Once you are licensed, you can work in any area including the child welfare field as a “social worker” as long as you meet the job requirements. Many child welfare social workers have bachelor degrees in social work and are licensed however you do not have to be a social worker in Texas to work in child welfare. There are several individuals with various bachelor or master degrees who work as “case managers or case workers” in child welfare.