What Is Program Management in Social Work?

Social work is a fast-growing profession in the U.S., and career opportunities are expected to increase by seven percent by 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that isn’t the only reason many people choose social work as a career path. They may feel the drive to improve their community and society as a whole. To see that improvement, social workers need to create and manage effective programs. Program management is a vital part of social work and keeps nonprofits and other organizations on track to serve their communities.

Effective program management starts by identifying an issue and striving to create structures to solve the problem and similar problems in the future. Pursuing further education in the field of social work can prepare prospective professionals for the unique challenges and opportunities of a career in social work program management.

What Is Program Management? 

Whether they work for nonprofits, private companies, or government agencies, social workers develop and maintain a range of programs. These programs address specific, often systemic challenges. Examples might include a program designed to address literacy rates in underserved communities, connecting underserved youth with counseling and psychotherapy services, providing safe spaces for domestic violence survivors, or other significant challenges that many face.

When social workers manage programs, they use their expertise, as well as analytics and research, to provide their community with effective, life-changing resources. In addition to creating these programs, social workers must then continue to evaluate the impact of the program and plan for its future.

How Does Program Management Differ From Project Management?

Project management and program management go hand in hand, and they are both duties of a social worker. However, there is a difference between the two types of management. Project management refers to the organization of work that goes toward creating a specific deliverable. Program management is the coordination of multiple projects that relate to a specific goal.

For example, a social work program might focus on improving the lives of children who are experiencing mental health struggles. Projects within this program are to provide schools with presentations on mental health, and partnering with schools to offer more mental health resources. One project in this program could be creating events targeting local youth where mental health resources will be available.

Careers in Program Management in Social Work 

Program management is an essential part of what social workers do. A program manager oversees the coordination of all projects within a social services program and may lead a team of other social workers. Program directors, a similar role, typically oversee and implement all program policies and procedures. 

Preparing for a Career in Program Management in Social Work

Students who are interested in a program management career in social work often obtain a bachelor’s degree in social work. However, many program managers and directors have further education, like a master’s degree in social work or a doctorate in social work. For executive-level positions, further education is often required.

Program Management in Social Work Skills

Students who are interested in a career in program management in social work should consider developing the following skills:

• Research and analysis: Program managers are always looking for ways to improve their social services programs, which requires them to research the challenge they are attempting to address and analyze the impact of their program to optimize it.
• Resource management: Program managers and social workers do not have infinite resources to run their programs, which is why an essential part of program management is learning to manage and maintain the resources at their disposal.
• Risk management: Implementing a new program can be risky, but someone well-versed in program management should have skills to mitigate and manage those risks.
• Negotiation: Working in program management means having to secure grants and funding, which often requires negotiation skills.
• Logistical analysis: A program manager or director develops relationships with other agencies, vendors, and businesses to bring their programs to fruition. They must also understand and coordinate the necessary logistics to deliver the program’s benefits.
• Communication: Not only should program managers and directors have good communication skills as team leads, but they also need to communicate with stakeholders about the program.
• Leadership: Program managers and directors need to be thoughtful leaders who truly believe in the goals they’re setting and can inspire others to achieve those goals.

How Tulane University Prepares Graduates for Program Management Careers 

A career in program management in social work starts with understanding and building upon the foundations of social work. With Tulane University’s Online Doctorate in Social Work, tomorrow’s leaders will be inspired to further social change by learning from today’s leaders. Students learn from faculty and peers who have firsthand knowledge of the field and can help them gain the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver effective programs in social work. 

Make a difference in the future of your own community and beyond with a doctorate in social work.