Counseling and Social Work Education and Training

Train to work as a social worker counselor

Counseling social workers provide a vital service to people who need help with many issues, including social problems, family issues and domestic violence. Social work counseling is a demanding but rewarding career for those who like to work closely with people to better their lives. Counseling and social work requires a lot of training that prepares a social worker to interact with people and find the right solutions to their problems.

Counseling in social work requires at least a bachelor's degree, but more education is recommended whether you choose to work with state agencies or go into private practice. You can learn to be a social worker through counseling and social work education and training opportunities such as:

1. A counseling education in the form of a bachelor's social work degree.

2. A master's degree in social work that builds on a specific concentration area.

3. Continuing education programs through professional organizations.

 

Train to be a social work counselor with a bachelor's degree program

Anyone interested in a career as a social work counselor should begin with a degree program in social work. This degree program will require you to take many classes that explore human behavior, social issues and legal guidelines for the job. Many university programs also offer field experience to mix classroom and real-world education.
Try: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics outlines the training necessary for social workers, as well as certification and licensing programs that must be completed to work in this field. The University of the District of Columbia provides a bachelor's program with an emphasis on human behavior courses. Adelphi University offers many classes in its social work program that focus on field experience.

Earn a master's degree to learn advanced social work counseling techniques

Most social workers can get a job with a bachelor's degree, but many seek a masters degree because it provides even more career opportunities after graduation. Those who have gone through master's programs can become instructors, open their own private practice, or continue working directly with people.
Try: The University of Michigan offers many curriculum options for a master's in social work that provide training in specialized topics. Fayetteville State University has a similar master's program where students complete a thesis or research project to acquire professional standing.

Explore continuing education opportunities for social worker counseling

Once you are employed as a social worker, it is a good idea to work with professional organizations to get continuing education in your field. This can be general education, such as that required for state licensing and certification, or you can sign up for workshops and courses in a specialized field of social work.
Try: The National Association of Social Workers provides many continuing education opportunities, including optional certifications in social work specialties. The University of Wisconsin offers continuing education programs in social work that provide information necessary to obtain licensing and certification.

 

• If you take social work counseling jobs with a government agency, you may be required to take additional social work classes or attend training events. Each state has different requirements.

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