SOCIAL WORKER


Social workers help people in a variety of ways. They help people with emotional, social, psychological, family and environmental problems. Social workers may specialize in child and family services, mental health, school social work, clinical/therapy services and gerontology as well as others. An example of social work within the health care field may include, but is not limited to, aiding patients discharged from hospitals to make sure their needs will be met at home. They may arrange home health and meals as well as refer to or organize appropriate support groups depending on their illness. Not only do social workers identify problems, but also ways to deal and cope with them.

Education

Entry level jobs in social work require a four-year bachelors degree from an accredited college or university. A masters degree is required for advancement and for positions in the mental health field. A doctorate in social work or PhD. is available at the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville.

Registration/Certification/Licensor

There are three levels of practice for social workers in Kentucky. One may become a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) which requires a baccalaureate degree in an approved program of social work or social welfare program. One may also become licensed with a baccalaureate degree in another field and two years experience in a social work capacity with the completion of courses equivalent to a social work/social welfare approved program. A Certified Social Worker (CSW) possesses a masters or doctorate degree in an approved social work program. Before a social worker can provide therapy they must possess a MSW. A Licensed Independent Practice Social Worker (LCSW) must have two years full time experience after achieving a masters in social work, acquired under appropriate supervision. The Kentucky Board of Examiners of Social Work provides licensor and certification for social workers. The National Association of Social Workers or the Academy of Certified Baccalaureate Social Worker provides voluntary certification. Clinical social workers obtain credentials from the National Association of Social Workers Registry of Clinical Social Workers.

Salary

$20,000-75,000

Employment Opportunities

Social workers may be employed by hospitals, home health agencies, nursing homes, spouse/partner abuse centers, schools, public agencies, counseling centers, mental health centers, clinics, private practice, administration, legal services, health departments, human resources, social services, housing, child welfare and corrections facilities.

Programs

Brescia University (BSW) (270) 686-4220
Campbellsville University (BSW) (270) 789-5000
Cumberland College (BSW)  (800) 343-1609
Eastern Kentucky University (BSW) (859) 622-1645
Kentucky Christian College (BSW)  (606) 474-3287
Kentucky State University (BSW)  (502) 227-6890
Morehead State University (BSW) (606) 783-2656
Murray State University (BSW)  (270) 762-2506
Northern Kentucky University (BSW) (859) 572-5604
Spalding University (BSW, MSW) (502) 585-9911 Ext. 2183
University of Kentucky (BSW, MSW, PhD) (859) 257-4407
University of Louisville (MSW, PhD) (502) 852-6402
Western Kentucky University (BSW) (270) 745-5312

Professional Association

National Association of Social Workers
750 First Street, NE
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20002-4241
(202) 408-8600
 

Last updated:  June 26, 2001