Other employers prefer a 4-year college degree. A number of employers provide in-service training, such as seminars and workshops. Entry-level jobs for social workers require a bachelor's degree in social work or in an undergraduate major such as psychology or sociology. However, most agencies require a master's degree in social work or a closely related field. Volunteering with a student, religious, or charitable organization is a good way for persons to test their interest in social services, and may provide an advantage when applying for jobs in this industry.
Advancement paths vary.
For example, some home health and personal care aides get additional training and become licensed practical nurses. Social workers can advance to supervisor, program manager, assistant director, or executive director of an agency or department. They also may enter private practice and provide psychotherapeutic counseling and other services on a contract basis. Private practice for social workers depends on the affordability of services, including the availability of funding from third parties. Top Earnings in selected occupations in the four components of the social services, except child care, industry in 1997 appear in table 4.