Employment Outlook & Career Guidance for Substance Abuse Social Worker
Substance abuse social workers evaluate and treat people with substance abuse and addiction problems. According to government economists, job growth for substance abuse social workers is expected to grow 31 percent, which is much faster than average for all careers, through 2020. This is due to more people seeking treatment for addiction. A bachelor’s degree is required for most entry-level jobs as a substance abuse social worker. However, for some positions, a master’s degree is a requisite.
Professionals in the field of substance abuse social work should find many of employment opportunities, due to new laws that are sending drug users to treatment programs, rather then to jail.
As a substance abuse social worker, individuals will be required to work with individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds. Some of the activities a substance abuse counselor will accomplish, include:
- Providing personal assistance, emotional support, and sometimes medical attention
- Communicating with co-workers and supervisors
- Establishing interpersonal relationships
- Recording and documenting information
- Maintaining client records
- Observing and collecting information from relevant sources
- Counseling patients and/or clients regarding personal and substance abuse issues
- Interviewing patients to gather information about their needs or progress
Substance Abuse Social Workers Career Guidance
Of the nearly 700,000 social workers currently employed in the US, the majority work in family service agencies, for local government, hospitals, and in substance abuse treatment centers. Substance abuse social workers typically work a 40-hour work week. However, it is not uncommon to work weekends, after hours and holidays in emergency situations. Some substance abuse social workers work part-time, as well.
Employment in the field of substance abuse social work can be very rewarding and satisfying, as individuals and families are being helped to overcome diversity. However, the work can also be emotionally draining. Understaffing and large caseloads add to the pressure.
Substance abuse social workers encounter individuals, families and communities affected by substance abuse disorders, or SUD’s. Many substance abuse social workers will choose to specialize in drug, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs field, while others may choose to provide services to people and their families in specialty and non-specialty settings where substance abuse disorders are intrinsic to a patient’s presenting problems.
Industries with the highest levels of employment, include:
- Outpatient care centers
- Residential intellectual and developmental disability, mental health and substance abuse facilities
- Individual and family services
- Local government
- Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals
Top paying industries, include:
- Offices of other health practitioners (private practice)
- Management, scientific and technical consulting
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals
- Home health care services
Top paying states, include:
Substance abuse social workers must also remain current with specialized training methods, legislations, mandates and regulations on all levels – federal, state and local. This knowledge might include the effects of substance abuse on families, on co-workers and friends.
Typical Employment Settings for a Substance Abuse Social Worker
Substance abuse social workers can find employment in a variety of areas, including:
- Medical hospitals
- Child welfare and aging services
- Courts
- Correctional facilities
- Employee assistance programs
- Private practice
- Community health centers
- Schools
- Detention centers
- Psychiatric hospitals
- Mental health clinics
- Government agencies
- Substance abuse recovery facilities
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the medium annual wage for Substance Abuse Social Workers is $42,000, with the top ten percent making just over $70,000, and the lowest ten percent making a little over $25,000, annually.
Learn how to become a substance abuse social worker.
Ways a Substance Abuse Social Worker Can Increase Desirability as a Job Candidate and Increase His or Her Salary
Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW), in sociology or psychology might find employment in various entry-level positions, such as mental health assistant, residential counselor or caseworker.
However, in order to move up the ladder, earn a higher salary, and advance into management and/or administrative positions, a master’s degree in social work (preferably with a specialization in substance abuse or mental health) is necessary.
All states require some form of certification and licensing for substance abuse social workers. Some jurisdictions require professionals in the field of substance abuse social work to obtain certification separate from their primary licensing as a social worker. Gaining experience by working in a substance abuse treatment facility, or in a related sector can also help individuals advance in their career.
Advanced practice specialty credentials available to individuals who have earned their MSW, include: Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology, Qualified Clinical Social Worker, and Clinical Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Social Worker.
Attributes Employers Often Look For When Hiring a Substance Abuse Social Worker
It is said that it takes a special person to be a social worker. This is especially true in a career as a substance abuse social worker, as individuals in this field often see people at their very worse. There are a number of essential qualities employers look for when hiring a substance abuse social worker, such as:
- Self Control – even in difficult situations, maintaining composure is imperative
- Dependability – the job of a substance abuse social worker requires he or she be reliable and responsible
- Compassionate – This field requires an individual be sensitive to the needs and feelings of his or her clients
- Integrity – Substance abuse social workers must be honest and ethical
- Dependable – Substance abuse social workers must be able to handle the stress that comes with this position
There are also a number of skills that substance abuse social workers should have, such as:
- Excellent communication skills
- Patience
- Compassion
- Counseling skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Objectivity
- Confidentiality
- IT skills
- Ability to work in demanding situations
- Ability to offer guidance
- Ability to work with tight deadlines
- Organization skills
Substance abuse social workers work with clients with a wide range of substance abuse disorders. As such, they must possess knowledge and understanding of emotional and psychological factors, legal considerations, physiological issues, and co-occurrence or reoccurrence issues and statistics.
Networking Opportunities and Organizations for Substance Abuse Social Workers
There are a number of networking organizations that substance abuse social workers can gain valuable knowledge, find employment, acquire insight into changes in legislation, find resources for continuing education, and develop mentor relationships.
- The National Association of Social Workers
https://www.naswma.org/default.aspx - National Board for Certified Counselors (this includes specifically-designed tracks for substance abuse social workers)
http://www.nbcc.org - Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network
http://attcnetwork.org/home/ - National Institute on Drub Abuse
http://www.nih.gov/about/almanac/organization/NIDA.htm - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
http://www.samhsa.gov - National Association of Alcoholism Counselors and Trainers
http://www.naadac.org
