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A Social Worker helps people deal with the difficulties and challenging situations in their lives. A Social Worker's clients have problems ranging from mental or physical illnesses to poverty, domestic violence, drug abuse and other issues. As a Social Worker, you might help someone find affordable housing, transition from the hospital to a long-term care facility, change an abusive situation or enter a drug treatment program. Your clients would be from diverse backgrounds and would need your ability to see their point of view while staying objective to find the best solutions. Social Workers not only work with their individual clients but often with their families, caregivers and others in order to improve situations and the client's quality of life. Social Workers spend their time in offices or facilities and also travel to see clients and attend meetings.
To be a Social Worker, you should have a passion for helping people in difficult situations and know how to take care of yourself. Sensitivity, patience, resourcefulness and perseverance are very important skills in this line of work. The ability to work well with others and inspire people to work well with one another is crucial along with a calm demeanor. You must be able to remain emotionally strong, work independently and demonstrate excellent communication skills.
Many Social Workers specialize, working in a particular setting or with a population group like children, the elderly, substance abusers or families involved in domestic violence. Some Social Workers teach, conduct research, consult or advocate for improved conditions, systems or policy. In general, employment opportunities for Social Workers are expected to increase, with even more prospects for those choosing to work with the elderly and with substance abusers.
This site profiles the following Social Worker specialties:
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Medical and Public Health Social Workers
A Medical and Public Health Social Worker specializes in giving moral and practical support beyond medical care to people with serious illnesses. You might help someone who has Alzheimer's disease, cancer or AIDS, for instance, by arranging homecare, transferring the client to a better facility, working out confusing medical bills, or educating and counseling family members and caregivers. In essence, you would make everyday life as comfortable and safe as possible for clients while they work towards recovery or prepare to die with dignity.
Video Description of Medical and Public Health Social Workers
Source: CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)
Where Medical and Public Health Social Workers Work
Medical and Public Health Social Workers are employed in a variety of settings including:
- Health Clinics
- Hospitals
- Nursing and Residential Care Facilities
- Schools
- Social Assistance Facilities
- Government
Educational Requirements
For Medical and Public Health Social Workers, a Bachelor's Degree is required education and a Master's Degree will give you a competitive edge.
Currently there are six schools in Oregon that provide training in Social Work:
Licensure Requirements
Depending on the level of practice and employer requirements, a license is required to practice as a Social Worker in Oregon. See:
Medical and Public Health Social Worker Earnings
The Oregon Employment Department (OED) reports that in 2009, Medical and Public Health Social Workers in Oregon earned an average hourly wage of $25.57 and an average annual salary of $53,198.
Employment Outlook for Medical and Public Health Social Workers
The OED estimates that between 2008 and 2018, there will be 609 job openings for Medical and Public Health Social Workers in Oregon. The demand for these professionals is largely increased by shorter hospital stays and the growing elderly population.
Occupations with Skills Similar to Medical and Public Health Social Workers
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Mental Health Counselors
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Social and Human Service Assistants
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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
A Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker evaluates and treats people who are mentally or emotionally ill or who use alcohol or drugs to excess. These social workers frequently deal with patients who are in crisis; for instance, patients who have had a drug overdose or who are extremely depressed or angry. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers teach their clients coping and everyday living skills and involve them in individual and group therapy. Crisis intervention, outreach and education are common ways to assist their clients in the recovery process. These professionals also act as client advocates and help people re-enter their communities after treatment.
Video Description of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Where Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Work
- Health Clinics
- Hospitals
- Nursing and Residential Care Facilities
- Substance Abuse Facilities
- Social Assistance Facilities
- Schools
- Government
Educational Requirements
For Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers, a Master's Degree is required, but a Master's and related work experience will give you a competitive edge.
Currently there are six schools in Oregon that provide training in Social Work:
Career Pathway Roadmaps
Licensure
Depending on the level of practice and employer requirements, a license is required to practice as a Social Worker in Oregon. See:
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker Earnings
The Oregon Employment Department (OED) reports that in 2009, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Oregon earned an average hourly wage of $18.57 and an average annual salary of $38,615.
Employment Outlook for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
The OED estimates that between 2008 and 2018, there will be 851 job openings for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Oregon. Those specializing in substance abuse social work are especially in demand due to the increase of clients placed in treatment programs by correctional systems.
Occupations with Skills Similar to Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Mental Health Counselors
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Medical and Public Health Social Workers
- Social and Human Service Assistants
- Rehabilitation Counselors
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