Social Workers
Description OES Code: 27302
Counsel and aid individuals and families requiring social service assistance. Include Community Organization Social Workers who plan, organize, and work with community groups to solve problems.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $11.15
25th Percentile $13.23
50th Percentile $18.20
75th Percentile $21.54

Wages, San Joaquin
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $10.15
25th Percentile $10.61
50th Percentile $16.62
75th Percentile $20.86

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
The average workweek is 35 to 40 hours. Many jobs require some evening and weekend hours. Many private agencies hire Social Workers on a part time or on-call basis.

Most employers provide fringe benefit packages including vacation, sick leave, and retirement programs.

Employment Trends, California:
Employment 1998 27,700
Projected Employment 2008 37,200
Growth Rate 1998-2008 34.3%
Separations 1998-2008 4,200

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 250
Projected Employment 2006 310
Percent Change 1999-2006 24%
Separations 1999-2006 30

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Social Workers work in a variety of settings. Most are employed by schools, family service agencies, hospitals, penal institutions, youth service facilities, and local government agencies. Some Social Workers work independently of traditional employers. They may open their own office and rely on referrals and direct contacts, or work as part of a team with other professionals such as medical doctors and psychiatrists. Social Workers deal with distraught or hostile people, sordid surroundings, and distressing situations of all kinds. They must be able to interact with people from all economic, educational, and cultural backgrounds.

Advancement
Promotion to classifications that handle more complex and responsible assignments usually require specialized training and an advanced degree. By demonstrating superior judgment and more initiative, some Social Workers advance to administrative and supervisory positions.

Promotions in government agencies are based upon written examinations. Advancement in private agencies is less formal, but also depends upon demonstrated competency and ability.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Announcements of civil service examinations are available at government offices. One may also apply at private agencies, colleges, professional associations, placement bureaus, and the offices of the California Employment Development Department. Ads can also be found in professional journals.

For a list of current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
California has a registration program for Social Workers administered by the Board of Behavioral Science. A California license in clinical social work (LCSW) is required by many agencies. Most employers require a Master's degree in Social Work and some may require that it be in some specialty, such as psychiatric social work. In addition to education, some agencies require practical experience working with a specific social problem. Candidates with specialized training and experience or who are bilingual have a better chance of being hired. Recent graduates and workers from out-of-state are allowed four years to obtain the license.

The principal professional organization is the National Association of Social Workers. The principal labor organizations for those employed by government are locals of the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees and the Service Employees International Union, both of the AFL-CIO.

Skills & Other Requirements
Social workers should be emotionally mature, objective, and sensitive to people and their problems. They must be able to handle responsibility, work independently, and maintain good working relationships with clients and coworkers. Volunteer or paid jobs as a social work aide offer ways of testing one's interest in this field.

References
US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Related Occupations: Counselors, Psychologists

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)