What are my prospects for a career in social work?

Question: What are my prospects for a career in social work?

Answer: According to the 2008 Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), employment for social workers is expected grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2016, especially for those who specialize in aging or work in rural areas. However, note that these federal projections are likely overly optimistic as they were published before the 2009 recession. That said, a social work career is likely to remain in demand.

According to the OOH, employment of social workers is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations, by 22 percent during the 2006-16 decade, largely because of the growing elderly population's demand for health and social services. Overall employment of social workers who specialize in child, family and school is expected to grow by 19 percent (faster than the average for all occupations). Those who specialize in mental health and substance abuse are expected to grow by 30 percent (much faster than the average). Growth of medical and public health social workers is expected to be 24 percent (also, much faster than the average).

Social workers with interests and training in gerontology will have the greatest employment opportunities.