By demonstrating superior judgment and more initiative, some social workers advance to administrative and supervisory positions. Promotions in government agencies are based upon written examinations. Advancement in private agencies is less formal, but also depends upon demonstrated competency and ability. Other career options for social workers are teaching, research, and consulting. Some help formulate government policies by analysing 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 psychotherapeutic counseling, usually paid through health insurance. Private practitioners must have completed a period of supervised work experience. A network of contacts for referrals is also essential. Social workera are not usually paid too highly. Some, though, who work for non-governmental organisations funded by some foreign organisation, or by the United Nations, may be paid well.