Training of Social Workers in the United States

Education and training. A bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) is the most common minimum requirement to qualify for a job as a social worker; however, majors in psychology, sociology, and related fields may qualify for some entry-level jobs, especially in small community agencies. Although a bachelor's degree is sufficient for entry into the field, an advanced degree has become the standard for many positions. A master's degree in social work (MSW) is typically required for positions in health settings and is required for clinical work as well. Some jobs in public and private agencies also may require an advanced degree, such as a master's degree in social services policy or administration. Supervisory, administrative, and staff training positions usually require an advanced degree. College and university teaching positions and most research appointments normally require a doctorate in social work (DSW or Ph.D.).

Bachelor's degree programs prepare graduates for direct service positions, such as caseworker, and include courses in social work values and ethics, dealing with a culturally diverse clientele and at-risk populations, promotion of social and economic justice, human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy and services, social work practice, social research methods, and field education. Accredited programs require a minimum of 400 hours of supervised field experience.

Master's degree programs prepare graduates for work in their chosen field of concentration and continue to develop the skills required to perform clinical assessments, manage large caseloads, take on supervisory roles, and explore new ways of drawing upon social services to meet the needs of clients. Master's programs last 2 years and include a minimum of 900 hours of supervised field instruction or internship. A part-time program may take 4 years. Entry into a master's program does not require a bachelor's degree in social work, but courses in psychology, biology, sociology, economics, political science, and social work are recommended. In addition, a second language can be very helpful. Most master's programs offer advanced standing for those with a bachelor's degree from an accredited social work program.

Licensure. All States have licensing, certification, or registration requirements regarding social work practice and the use of professional titles. Although standards for licensing vary by State, a growing number of States are placing greater emphasis on communications skills, professional ethics, and sensitivity to cultural diversity issues. Most States require 2 years (3,000 hours) of supervised clinical experience for licensure of clinical social workers.

Other qualifications. 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 can help people test their interest in this field.

Certification and advancement. The National Association of Social Workers offers voluntary credentials. Social workers with a master's degree in social work may be eligible for the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW), the Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW), or the Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW) credential, based on their professional experience. Credentials are particularly important for those in private practice; some health insurance providers require social workers to have them in order to be reimbursed for services.

Advancement to supervisor, program manager, assistant director, or executive director of a social service agency or department usually requires an advanced degree and related work experience. Other career options for social workers include teaching, research, and consulting. Some of these workers also help formulate government policies byanalyzing and advocating policy positions in government agencies, in research institutions, and on legislators' staffs.

Some social workers go into private practice. Most private practitioners are clinical social workers who provide psychotherapy, usually paid for through health insurance or by the client themselves. Private practitioners must have at least a master's degree and a period of supervised work experience. A network of contacts for referrals also is essential. Many private practitioners split their time between working for an agency or hospital and working in their private practice. They may continue to hold a position at a hospital or agency in order to receive health and life insurance.

Task 1. Study the following word-combinations.

Credentials – документы, подтверждающие квалификацию (дипломы, сертификаты и т.п.); supervisory – контролирующий, осуществляющий надзор; entry – вступление, присоединение, поступление; doctorate – (Амер.) степень кандидата наук; caseworker – социальный работник, оказывающий помощь неблагополучным семьям и лицам, нуждающимся в материальной или моральной поддержке; culturally diverse – с различными культурными особенностями; at-risk population – население, входящее в группу риска; field education – обучение на практике (в реальных условиях); to draw upon – брать, черпать (из средств, фондов); advanced standing – статус студента, зачисленного на один из старших курсов с зачетом предметов, сданных с другом вузе; to be eligible for – иметь право быть избранным, подходить для избрания; health insurance provider – мединский страховщик; referral – направление к врачу/психологу-специалисту; to split between – распределять, разделять между; sensitive - отзывчивый.

Task 2. Match the English and Russian equivalents:

1. to major in	A. магистр
2. to qualify	B. курируемый, контролируемый
3. master	C. заниматься большим количеством клиентов
4. graduate	D. социальная справедливость
5. clientele	E. сфера интересов, внимания
6. social justice	F. специализироваться в изучении какого-либо предмета
7. supervised	G. помощник, ассистент
8. field of concentration	H. клиенты, клиентура
9. manage large caseloads	I. выпускник учебного заведения
10. to take on a role	J. приобретать квалификацию
11. licensure	K. компенсировать, оплачивать, возмещать
12. aide	L. лицензирование, получение лицензии
13. to reimburse	M. брать на себя роль