The demand for skilled social workers is higher than ever.
The following article offers an overview of the various job prospects, salary expectations, and educational pathways available to social workers in Wilmington, NC. From local non-profits and government agencies to healthcare settings and schools, the field of social work offers a diverse array of environments where one can make an incredibly meaningful impact.
We’ll also dive into the benefits of earning an MSW, including the potential for higher salaries and specialized roles, as well as breaking down key questions like:
- What kinds of jobs can a social worker do?
- Do I need an MSW to become a social worker?
- What are social work master’s programs near me?
- Do I need a professional license to become a social worker in Wilmington?
- What does accreditation mean?
Finally, you’ll be able to get a sense of the salary ranges for social workers in “Hollywood of the East” based on up-to-date information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Careers in Social Work: What Kinds of Jobs Can A Social Worker in Wilmington Do?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 7 percent between 2022 and 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.”
Social work is a versatile field with a wide range of job opportunities. Whether you’re passionate about helping children, supporting families, or advocating for social justice, there’s likely a role that fits your interests and skills. Social workers are essential in schools, hospitals, community organizations, and even corporate settings, working tirelessly to improve the well-being of individuals and communities.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of just a few possible roles for social workers, like:
- Clinical Social Worker: Provides therapy and counseling to individuals, families, and groups.
- School Social Worker: Supports students' academic and social-emotional needs within educational settings.
- Medical Social Worker: Assists patients and families in hospitals with coping and accessing resources.
- Child Welfare Social Worker: Works with children and families to ensure safety and well-being, often within child protective services.
- Substance Abuse Counselor: Helps individuals struggling with addiction through counseling and support programs.
- Community Organizer: Mobilizes community members to advocate for social change and improve local conditions.
- Gerontological Social Worker: Focuses on the needs of the elderly, providing support and resources for aging populations.
- Military Social Worker: Provides support to military personnel and their families, addressing unique challenges related to military life.
But those options are just scratching the surface. If your strong suit is in writing, then pursuing a line of work in a non-profit as a grant writer could be a wonderful application of your skill set as a social worker. If you’re more comfortable with real-time response and being fast on your feet, supporting community members craft disaster-relief strategies and offering on-the-ground emergency psychological support could be another, equally useful approach. Or, if you’re a gifted networker with a knack for public speaking, becoming a spokesperson for the community as a policy advocate is another critical role social workers can play to improve lives for people living in disadvantaged communities.
MSW: Social Work Degrees in Wilmington, NC
Wilmington is a great city to pursue higher education in the field of social work. The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) offers both Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work programs: great options if you’re looking for face-to-face learning and want to immerse yourself fully in the university experience. Plus, being on campus means you can easily connect with professors and classmates, and take advantage of all the available campus resources. This can be particularly helpful when it comes to finding fieldwork placements and internships, as the campus job center and alumni offices can be useful places to craft and send applications, as well as build a network.
If you need a more flexible schedule, some programs in Wilmington offer a mix of in-person and online classes (or a hybrid MSW), giving you the best of both worlds. This setup is perfect if you have other commitments, like work or family, but still want that personal interaction and support that comes with on-campus learning. Hybrid programs can provide a balanced approach, making it easier to manage your time while pursuing your degree.
Some MSW programs are also fully online, and many accredited universities offer online MSW programs that are open to students in Wilmington. These programs are designed to provide the same quality education as their on-campus counterparts, with the added convenience of studying from anywhere. It’s important to choose a program that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) to ensure you’re getting a top-notch education. (For more on accreditation, read the below sub-section, “What Does Accreditation Mean?”.)
As for admissions, while having a Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) can sometimes give you advanced standing in an MSW program, you don’t always need one to apply. Generally, a bachelor’s degree in any field will suffice, although you may need to complete some prerequisite courses if your degree is in an unrelated field. So, whether you’re looking for in-person, hybrid, or online learning, there are plenty of options to help you achieve your social work goals in Wilmington.
What Does Accreditation Mean?
Accreditation is like a quality check for educational programs. It ensures that a program meets established standards and provides top-notch education and training. For Master’s in Social Work (MSW) programs, accreditation typically comes from organizations like the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in the U.S. This process involves a thorough review of the program’s curriculum, the qualifications of its faculty, available resources, and overall outcomes. It’s basically a stamp of approval that shows the program sticks to the best practices in the field and is always striving to get better, making sure graduates are ready to jump into the workforce with confidence.
If you’re hoping to build a career as a social worker, getting your MSW from an accredited program is critical. A degree from an accredited university guarantees that the education you’re getting meets high professional and ethical standards, giving you a solid foundation for your career. Additionally – and perhaps more importantly – graduating from an accredited program is often a must if you want to become a clinical social worker (for more on this, read the section “Getting A Social Work License in North Carolina” and the sub-section “Do I Need A License To Become A Social Worker?”). For employers, seeing applicants with degrees from accredited programs assures them you’re well-prepared and competent.
Finding the Right Program for You
Choosing the right university for your social work studies can feel like a big decision, but it’s all about finding the perfect fit for you and your dream career in social work.
Start by thinking about what’s most important to you in a program. Do you want a school with a strong focus on community service, or are you looking for cutting-edge research opportunities? Maybe location is key – are you dreaming of studying in a bustling city or a quieter town? Make a list of your must-haves to help narrow down your options.
Next, dive into the details of each program. Look at the curriculum to see if it covers the areas of social work you’re passionate about. Check out the faculty – having experienced and supportive professors can make a huge difference in your education. It’s also a good idea to explore what kind of hands-on experience you’ll get. Internships and fieldwork are crucial in social work, so you’ll want a program that offers plenty of opportunities to get out there and apply what you’re learning in real-world settings.
Another key thing to consider is your potential network. Social work is all about connections, so look for programs with strong alumni networks and professional partnerships, or even programs that are based in areas that have a high concentration of organizations that are affiliated with what you’d like to do. These connections can help you land internships, find job opportunities after graduation, and provide ongoing support throughout your career. Also, check if the school offers any student organizations or clubs related to social work – these can be great for meeting like-minded peers and gaining additional experience. Remember, choosing the right university is about more than just academics; it’s about finding a community that will support and inspire you throughout your journey. So take your time, do your research, and choose a place where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
Finally, think about the overall environment of the university. Visit campuses if you can, or take virtual tours to get a feel for the atmosphere on campus. Talk to current students or alumni to hear about their experiences. Consider the support services available, like career counseling and mental health resources – these can be incredibly valuable during your studies. And don’t forget about financial aid options! Finding a school that offers scholarships or grants can make your education much more affordable. Trust your instincts and choose a university where you feel excited and supported – it’ll set the stage for a successful and fulfilling career in social work.
Getting a Social Work License in North Carolina
First, you’ll need to get your degree. If you’re going for a license to become a clinical social worker, you’ll first need a bachelor’s degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Then, you’ll need a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
Next, you’ll need to gather some supervised work experience. To become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), for example, you’ll need at least 3,000 hours of post-MSW supervised clinical experience. This step is all about getting hands-on practice under the guidance of a seasoned professional, helping you build the skills and confidence you’ll need in your career.
Once you’ve got your degree and your supervised hours, it’s time to tackle the exam. North Carolina uses the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exams. Depending on your level, you’ll take the Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Clinical exam.
Finally, you’ll submit your application to the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board. This includes your proof of education, supervised experience, and exam results, plus any other required documentation. After your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll be officially licensed and ready to start your career as a social worker in North Carolina.
Do I Need A License To Become A Social Worker?
Getting a license in social work depends on what kind of social work you want to do and where you’re planning to work. If you’re looking to get into entry-level positions, like working as a case manager or a social services assistant, you likely don’t need a license, but could pursue additional credentials if you’d like to have them.
But if you’re aiming for clinical positions where you’ll be providing therapy or counseling, a license is definitely required. For these roles, you’ll need a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) and a lot of supervised experience. Once you’ve got those, you’ll need to pass a licensing exam. This is crucial because it ensures that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle the complexities of clinical social work.
Even for non-clinical roles, having a license can be a big plus. It can open up more job opportunities, potentially lead to higher salaries, and generally boost your credibility as a professional. Different states have different requirements, so it’s a good idea to check the specific licensing rules in the state where you want to work. In North Carolina, for example, you need to go through the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board to get your license.
Rules for licensure as a social worker vary from state to state. In order to ensure that you are pursuing licensure using the most up-to-date information, please visit the website of the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board.
Social Work Internships in Wilmington, NC
Social work internships are often a requirement in MSW programs, and can take place in various settings, including hospitals, schools, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.
These internships often involve direct client interactions, case management, community outreach, and program development, allowing interns to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. The presence of institutions like the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) also means that interns have access to academic support and additional resources to enhance their learning experience.
One of the notable aspects of social work internships in Wilmington is the emphasis on addressing local community needs. Interns may work with populations such as the homeless, victims of domestic violence, children and families, and individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. This hands-on experience is invaluable for developing key skills such as empathy, communication, and problem-solving. Additionally, Wilmington’s strong network of social services and community organizations provides ample opportunities for mentorship and professional networking. Interns can collaborate with seasoned social workers, participate in community events, and gain insights into the challenges and rewards of a career in social work.
Social Worker Salaries in Charlotte
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 nationwide. In Wilmington, salaries fall within this range. Mental health and substance abuse social workers are at the lowest and social workers (all other) at the highest ends of the earning spectrum.
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 Wilmington 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 | $38,720 | $49,460 | $59,190 | $66,420 | $66,420 |
Healthcare Social Workers | $45,820 | $51,910 | $60,750 | $74,110 | $80,510 |
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $31,960 | $39,850 | $54,890 | $64,220 | $74,770 |
Social Workers (All Other) | $43,740 | $43,740 | $71,410 | $84,240 | $91,100 |
Table data taken from 2023 BLS reports for the Wilmington 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.