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5 Reasons to Pursue a Career in Social Work

If you are interested in making a positive difference in the lives of of children, teens and families, then social work could be the perfect career for you! Social work is a helping profession and a very diverse field encompassing many different kinds of professionals who all serve people in need. Social workers can examine problems from many different angles in order to help clients overcome obstacles and connect them with resources.

Consider these five reasons to pursue a career in social work:

1. The work week is never mundane 

There is no typical day for a social worker. Work weeks consist of court hearings, supervised visits, meeting with clients in their homes, training or advocating for children and families.

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2. You will continuously learn throughout your career

Every child, youth and family a social worker encounters is unique. One case plan to safely reunify a child with a birth parent may not be the perfect roadmap for another family. Each situation requires different problem-solving tactics and social workers must navigate a variety of complex situations.

3. There are numerous career opportunities 

For college students, practicums and internships are a great way to gain real-world experience. To become a social worker in any state, a bachelor’s degree is required for entry-level positions. Once working in the field, tenured social workers have many opportunities for growth and advancement. Most organizations provide support, encouragement and guidance in pursuing different areas in the field and applying for additional credentials and certifications.

4. Children and families need you

All families face unique challenges, and some challenges may be difficult to overcome without support from caring professionals. The social work profession needs experienced workers, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of social workers will grow 19% from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will be driven by increased demand for health care and social services, but will vary by speciality.

5. You will make a difference

Social workers come into a child or family’s life during their most vulnerable time. They help families resolve conflicts and learn healthy skills in order for children to safely remain in or return to the home. If reintegration with a child’s birth family is not possible, social workers are out in the community finding relatives and foster and adoptive resources for children so they have a permanent place to call home. Social workers believe in doing what is in the best interest of children and families, and their passion and dedication ensures children receive the love and support they deserve in order to grow into successful adults.


KVC currently employs 380 licensed social workers and over 1,500 passionate, dedicated staff nationwide who do supportive work with children, adults and families. If social work sounds like a career for you, consider joining our innovative team! Visit www.kvc.org/careers to view open positions in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Kentucky and West Virginia and apply today!

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