The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) ranks child welfare social workers within the broader category of child and family social workers. All salary and employment rate information is courtesy of BLS, unless otherwise stated.
Job Description
Child welfare social workers endeavor to support vulnerable and at-risk children, as well as families in need. Child and family social workers may aid families in applying for benefits, 比如食品券或医疗补助. They may also intervene when children are in danger of neglect or abuse. 这个领域的社会工作者也帮助安排收养, 找到寄养家庭，让家庭团聚. Clinical social workers in child and family services provide counseling to children and families to help them cope with difficult situations, 比如离婚或丧亲之痛.
Work Life
Social workers often spend large amounts of time away from their offices to meet with clients or coordinate with care providers. Typically, social workers work full-time; many leave evening and weekend hours open to help accommodate their clients’ schedules. 由于工作的性质，社会工作可能压力很大. 人手不足和繁重的工作量可能会增加压力.
Requirements
大多数初级社会工作职位都需要一个 社会工作学士学位 (BSW). Clinical social workers generally must hold a master’s in social work (MSW). All clinical social workers must be licensed, and licensure requirements vary by state.
除了学术要求之外, it is advantageous for anyone entering the social work field to possess strong listening and people skills, 还有时间管理和解决问题的能力. Social workers help people solve problems and overcome challenges; it is essential that they possess the skill set to do so efficiently and competently.
Salary and Outlook
As of May 2010, the median salary for child and family social workers was $40,210. Employment of child welfare social workers is projected to grow 20 percent by 2020. As the population grows, more social workers will be needed to assist families and their children. However, since social workers are often employed by federally- and state-funded organizations, 就业机会可能受到预算限制的影响.
