6 Types of Social Workers

The field of social work is now well over a century old. Jane Addams, a pioneering social worker of the early 20th century, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. Her legacy and those of other social workers live on in the modern field, in which compassionate social workers support communities and work as living examples of how individuals can have a meaningful impact in this country. 

Social workers must have core social values and specialized training to do their jobs. With an effective social work education, professionals can decide what type of social worker to be and find the right path for their careers. 

Clinical Social Workers 

Clinical social workers provide crucial mental health services that address anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health and behavioral disorders. Through the use of counseling and therapy, mental health workers focus on diagnosis and treatment, often in collaboration with healthcare professionals. This field requires Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certification. 

According to Payscale, the median annual pay for this profession was about $66,890 as of September 2024. 

Child and Family Social Workers 

Child and family social workers support children and families who have a range of issues, including child neglect and abuse. They often act as advocates for the children’s well-being and safety, and they may work closely with agencies, schools, and courts to ensure that their best interests are met. 

Their work is pivotal in promoting stability, healthy family dynamics, and positive developmental outcomes for young people. They also play a vital role in reunifying families when possible and creating safe, nurturing environments for children. This field requires a bachelor’s degree, state licensing in social work, and specialized certification in child welfare. 

According to Payscale, the median annual pay for this field was about $48,180 as of August 2024. 

School Social Workers 

Social workers play an essential role within schools by supporting students socially, emotionally, and academically. Specifically, school social workers can address behavioral issues, truancy, bullying, and other concerns. To achieve their goals, they collaborate with parents, administrators, and teachers. 

They may be tasked with facilitating group programs or addressing crisis situations. Licensing and certification requirements for this position vary by state and may include a requirement to obtain Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS) certification.

According to Payscale, the median annual pay for this social work position was $53,930 as of July 2024. 

Healthcare Social Workers 

A life-altering diagnosis can cause stress for patients and their loved ones. A healthcare social worker can help lighten the burden by providing emotional support, helping with discharge planning, and connecting patients to important resources. Healthcare social workers provide vital support during challenging times. Whether helping someone manage a chronic illness or cope with a life-altering diagnosis, their role is crucial in improving patient outcomes and promoting overall well-being. 

Healthcare social workers generally need to obtain LCSW certification, and gaining experience in a medical environment is often helpful. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual income for these types of social workers was about $62,940 as of May 2023.

Substance Abuse Social Workers  

Social workers who specialize in substance abuse provide counseling, support, and treatment planning to help clients with substance use disorders. These social workers often work in rehabilitation centers, community organizations, or correctional facilities, guiding clients through recovery and connecting them to necessary resources, such as support groups or mental health services. By supporting clients through their recovery and connecting them to important resources, substance abuse social workers can help people regain stability in their lives. 

In addition to obtaining LCSW certification, substance abuse social workers may have to meet certain requirements for licensure and certification in substance abuse counseling. 

According to the BLS, the median annual income for this job is around $55,960 as of May 2023. 

Geriatric Social Workers 

The country’s population is aging, and the work of geriatric social workers is more important than ever. These social workers help seniors with healthcare planning, housing transitions, and long-term care arrangements.

They also advocate for older adults’ rights and well-being and provide them with emotional support. By working closely with families and caregivers, geriatric social workers help maintain the quality of life for older adults and promote healthy aging, offering compassionate guidance through life’s later stages. 

Most states require a social work license to practice in this field. Optional training in this field includes the Certified Social Worker in Gerontology (CSW-G) credential. 

According to Payscale, the median annual income for this profession was about $65,790 as of November 2023.  

Launch Your Social Work Career With Tulane University 

Whether you are drawn to child welfare or clinical practice, an online degree from Tulane University can help you foster the knowledge and skills you need to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and the broader community. Our fully accredited online program has been ranked in the top 14 percent of Best Schools for Social Work in the U.S., according to the U.S. News & World Report. 

Working professionals can choose a full-time program (16 months) or choose a part-time program (32 months). Whether you are seeking to change lives through social work in health care, public schools, or another part of your community, Tulane’s Online Master of Social Work (MSW) program can equip you with the tools and experience you need to succeed in the rewarding field of social work.