Asheville, North Carolina, a city known for its vibrant arts scene and stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views, offers a diverse range of meaningful employment opportunities for social work professionals.
From supporting the homeless population to assisting families and individuals facing mental health challenges, social workers in this picturesque city are often on the front lines of addressing critical issues such as substance abuse, domestic violence, and child welfare.
Social work is a field characterized by collaboration and compassion. Professionals working in local social welfare organizations or government agencies will often find themselves working in multidisciplinary teams, partnering with healthcare providers, schools, and non-profits to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to the unique needs of the community. Asheville’s progressive approach to social issues is reflected in its numerous support programs and initiatives, including those focused on housing stability, mental health services, and community development. This dynamic environment not only allows social workers to make a meaningful impact but also provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
In the following blog post, learn more about the professional and educational opportunities in the field of social work. At the end, you’ll find a detailed chart spelling out the range of salaries that can be expected in various forms of social work in the Asheville metropolitan area.
Becoming A Social Worker in Asheville, NC
How can one become a social worker in Asheville, North Carolina?
For many positions in social work, employers will be seeking out candidates with the necessary education and credentials. This can mean a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, but many roles, particularly those involving clinical practice, require a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. (Interestingly, however, not all MSW programs require applicants to have BSW degrees! For more on that, see the below section, “Getting an MSW in Asheville, NC.”)
No matter what, if you’re seeking out an advanced degree in social work, it’s essential you’re your program is accredited: that means that it’s been recognized by an official agency, so that your degree will be seen as a sign that you come prepared with reliable professional skills. Accredited programs are available both in North Carolina and online, offering coursework that covers human behavior, social welfare policy, and ethics in social work practice. In addition to formal education, aspiring social workers must complete supervised fieldwork to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings, such as community agencies, hospitals, and schools.
In some cases, some social work roles require applicants to have licensure to practice as social workers in North Carolina. The state offers several levels of licensure, including Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA). These licenses require passing the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam and meeting supervised practice requirements.
In sum, different social work roles will require different levels of certification, education, and experience. While it may not be necessary to have an advanced degree in social work to pursue various employment opportunities, you can assume that many roles – and particularly those which take place in a clinical setting and/or which are at a senior level – will be looking for applicants with MSW degrees.
Which Jobs Can Social Workers in Asheville Do?
Whether it’s working in clinical settings, community outreach, or policy advocacy, social workers in Asheville, NC play a crucial role in fostering a healthier, more resilient community.
But what do social workers actually do? Below is a non-exhaustive list of potential employment opportunities that exist in the social work field, including:
- Clinical Social Worker: Provides therapy and counseling services in hospitals, private practices, and mental health clinics.
- School Social Worker: Supports students' emotional and social well-being within educational institutions.
- Medical Social Worker: Assists patients and families in navigating the healthcare system in hospitals and other medical settings.
- Substance Abuse Counselor: Works with individuals and groups to overcome addiction and related issues.
- Child and Family Social Worker: Supports children and families through difficult situations, including domestic violence, child abuse, and foster care.
- Geriatric Social Worker: Assists elderly individuals with aging-related issues, including healthcare, housing, and social services.
- Community Outreach Coordinator: Develops and implements programs to address community needs, often working with non-profits or local government.
- Housing Specialist: Works to secure stable housing for homeless individuals and families, often through non-profit or government agencies.
- Mental Health Counselor: Provides therapy and support for individuals dealing with mental health issues.
- Case Manager: Coordinates care and services for individuals in need, including those with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
- Policy Advocate: Works on developing and advocating for policies that support social justice and community well-being.
- Youth Counselor: Supports at-risk youth through mentoring, counseling, and educational programs.
- Rehabilitation Counselor: Helps individuals with physical, emotional, or mental disabilities achieve personal and professional goals.
- Crisis Intervention Specialist: Provides immediate support and intervention in emergency situations, often through hotlines or community programs.
- Hospice Social Worker: Provides emotional support and resources to terminally ill patients and their families.
- Military Social Worker: Offers support to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families, addressing issues such as PTSD and reintegration.
- Probation Officer: Supervises and supports individuals on probation, helping them integrate back into the community.
- Adoption Specialist: Facilitates the adoption process, working with birth parents, adoptive families, and children.
- Forensic Social Worker: Works within the legal system to support individuals involved in criminal or civil cases, providing assessments and expert testimony.
- Non-Profit Program Director: Manages programs and services within non-profit organizations, focusing on community needs such as homelessness, domestic violence, or education.
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor: Assists individuals in overcoming barriers to employment, providing job training and career counseling.
- Developmental Disabilities Specialist: Supports individuals with developmental disabilities, helping them access services and achieve greater independence.
- Disaster Response Social Worker: Assists communities and individuals in recovery from natural disasters, providing crisis intervention and resources.
- International Social Worker: Engages in social work on a global scale, addressing issues such as human trafficking, refugee support, and global health.
- Community Organizer: Mobilizes community members to address social issues, advocate for change, and improve local conditions.
- Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker: Investigates reports of child abuse and neglect, ensuring the safety and well-being of children.
- Grant Writer: Secures funding for social service programs and organizations by writing and submitting grant proposals.
As you can see, social work takes many forms, and is a possible field of employment for professionals with many different interests and skills.
Getting an MSW in Asheville, NC
A Master of Social Work (MSW) is an advanced, graduate-level degree that prepares individuals for a wide range of professional roles in the field of social work. This degree typically involves two years of study and includes both classroom instruction and practical fieldwork, designed to provide both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to be an outstanding social worker.
If you’re an ambitious professional looking to work your way up to a senior-level role in social work, an MSW is crucial for several reasons. First, it is often a requirement for advanced and specialized positions within the field of social work, including clinical roles that involve diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. Many states, including North Carolina, require social workers to have an MSW to become licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). This licensure allows professionals to work in clinical settings, providing psychotherapy, diagnoses, and counseling services independently.
Whether or not your chosen path in social work requires licensure, an MSW is likely to enhance career prospects and potential earnings, opening doors to leadership and administrative roles in social service organizations, healthcare settings, and governmental agencies.
MSW Programs in Asheville, NC
Asheville, North Carolina, offers several pathways for those pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Local universities, such as the University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNC Asheville), often partner with larger institutions to offer MSW programs. These partnerships provide students with access to a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, covering core areas such as advanced social work practice, human behavior, social welfare policy, and research methods.
One notable program is the Joint Master of Social Work (JMSW) Program, offered through a collaboration between UNC Greensboro and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. This program emphasizes both clinical and what is known as macro social work, preparing students to work directly with individuals and communities, as well as to influence policy and advocate for systemic change.
For those who require more flexibility, online MSW programs are also available and increasingly popular. These programs, offered by accredited universities across the country, allow students in Asheville to complete their degrees remotely while still gaining local field experience. Online MSW programs typically offer various specializations, such as mental health, substance abuse, child and family services, and community practice, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific career interests. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for working professionals or those with family commitments, enabling them to advance their education and career without relocating or sacrificing their current responsibilities.
If you choose to pursue an online MSW degree, be sure to do your research and ensure that your program is accredited by the Council Work on Social Education (CWSE).
Some MSW programs available to students in Asheville, NC include:
- Joint Master of Social Work (JMSW) Program
- Western Carolina University (WCU) MSW Program
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill) MSW Program
- Online MSW Programs (Various Universities)
- Appalachian State University MSW Program
These programs provide a range of options for obtaining an MSW while living in or near
Asheville, allowing for both in-person and online learning experiences.
Finding an Internship in Social Work in Asheville
In many cases, graduate programs in social work and licensure will require applicants to complete a designated amount of hours in fieldwork and/or internships. These placements can offer invaluable experience and professional networking opportunities, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application.
While you are likely to get guidance on how to find an internship in your MSW program, a brief overview of how the process could look is as follows: beginning by connecting with the career services offices and academic advisors at your institution, which often have established relationships with local agencies and organizations. These resources can provide valuable information on available internship opportunities and guide you through the application process. Attending career fairs and networking events organized by these institutions can also help you make connections with potential employers and learn about the different types of internships available in the area.
Another approach could be reaching out directly to local social service agencies, non-profits, and healthcare providers. Online platforms like Idealist, Indeed, and the North Carolina Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) can also be useful means to explore additional opportunities. If you have the means to pursue volunteering, building connections over time with organizations is a strong way to demonstrate your commitment and skills, potentially leading to an internship offer. When applying, make sure to highlight relevant coursework, volunteer experiences, and your passion for social work to stand out in a competitive field.
Social Worker Salaries in Asheville
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a wide range in salaries for social workers, with employees in this field earning anywhere from $32,730 to $97,280 annually. In some fields, such as healthcare, social workers in Asheville can earn over $124,100 per year.
The table below offers a glimpse into the range of salaries—from the bottom 10% of earners to the top 10% of earners—available to social workers in Asheville across four categories. The final category, “Social Workers (All Other),” is broad enough that it may include such diverse positions as community organizers, homeless shelter workers, corrections social workers, grant writers, and crisis hotline counselors.
Social Work Specialty | 10% | 25% | 50% (Median) | 75% | 90% |
Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $38,310 | $44,030 | $49,610 | $63,690 | $71,110 |
Healthcare Social Workers | $47,030 | $52,310 | $60,860 | $71,160 | $95,390 |
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $36,520 | $47,590 | $59,140 | $71,760 | $71,760 |
Social Workers (All Other) | $43,740 | $71,300 | $94,910 | $112,170 | $124,110 |
Table data taken from 2023 BLS reports for the Asheville metropolitan area.
2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures for child, family, and school social workers, healthcare social workers, mental health and substance abuse social workers, and social workers (all other) are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2024.