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Another factor may be the shift in how the justice department handles offenders. Rather than jail time for abuse and addiction-related offences, many offenders are now receiving treatment-oriented sentences. As such, the BLS projects that between 2021 and 2031, approximately 13,300 new mental health and addiction social worker jobs will be added to meet the demand.
“New graduates need to know that addiction is an illness, just like cancer or diabetes. It must be treated with the same level of care and seriousness. They also need to be very familiar with programs such as AA, NA, Celebrate Recovery, etc.”
Forms of addiction an addiction social worker may encounter:
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services,nearly46.3 millionAmericans ages 12 years or older meet the criteria for substance abuse disorders.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has recently re-classified gambling disorders. Once classified as an impulse control disorder, it is now an addictive disorder.
Not yet formally classified as an addiction, the APA is considering adding addictive sexual behavior to its updatedDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, under hypersexual behavior disorders.
To a lesser degree, the following behavioral “addictions” (unlike impulse control disorders, such as kleptomania and pyromania) can be nearly as disruptive to individuals and families as the addictions listed above. They include:
What Type of Positions Can an Addiction Social Worker Hold?
An addiction social worker is likely to meet the needs of individuals with addiction and substance misuse in a variety of settings, as addiction is a prominent theme in areas, such as:
Since all forms of addiction can impact most every area of people’s lives, addiction social workers often must fill many roles when assisting these individuals. For example, they may help find stable housing, ensure that individuals are getting proper medical attention for their addiction, and find resources that help take them out of the cycle of addiction.
Social workers trained in addictions provide a number services, such as:
Addiction social workers can work as part of a team with other trained professionals, principally certified alcohol and drug counselors and sex addiction counselors, physicians and nurses, or other healthcare workers. It should be noted that most states require alcohol and drug certification in order to gain employment in specialized addiction treatment settings.
Learn more aboutbecoming an addiction social worker.
Typical Employment Settings for an Addiction Social Worker
In 2022, there were about708,100social workers in the US. 18% were employed in individual and family services, 15% in local government agencies and 14% in state government agencies. With a projected 11% growth rate over the next decade, in part because of new mandates through the Affordable Care Act, increased abuse of drugs (both illegal and prescription), the rising number of sexual offenders, the reclassification of gambling addiction, and growth in unemployment, the need for trained addiction social workers is sure to skyrocket.
“You can’t read the news these days without reading about the heroine crisis. The field is growing everyday in order to keep up with the demand for treatment. I have been working in the field for a long time. I have traveled the country evaluating programs and am amazed at the number of new programs opening. We need well-trained clinicians to keep up with the growth.” -Sarah E. Stewart, MSW, CPC
Trained addiction and substance abuse social workers can be found practicing in a wide variety of settings, which may include:
An addiction social worker can expect to spend a great deal of time in an office environment. However, a significant amount of time traveling is not uncommon. Typical workweek is 40-hours, although some addiction social workers work part time. Evening and weekend hours are also common in case of emergencies. Work is satisfying, but stressful and challenging. Large caseloads and understaffing can add to increased job pressure.
On the flip-side, breakthroughs with resistant outpatient or inpatient clients, times when patients begin to make positive choices through treatment programs, and those times when patients completely turn their lives around are “light bulb moments,” and can make employment in this field very rewarding.
Typical Pathway to a Career in Addiction Social Work
“If you already have your MSW, chances are you already have many of the credits you need to obtain your CADC (certified alcohol and drug counselor). There are some specific classes you may need to complete the education requirements, like psychopharmacology. You must find a CADC supervisor, who can supervise your 1000 hours of working in the addiction field. Once that is complete, You may take the national CADC exam. Once passed, you may apply (and pay!) for your license. Again, 40 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain the license.” -Amber Holt, LCSW, CADC
For individuals who have earned a master’s degree and meet other requirements, theNational Association of Social Workers(NASW) offers a voluntaryCertified Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Social Worker credential (C-CATODSW).
“If you are entering the field of social work you need a Master’s degree. It is remarkable how much you learn in graduate school and the extra clinical training is fantastic. I know it is expensive, I put myself through undergrad and graduate school. However, many graduate programs have something calledadvanced standing.If you have a BSW, (not older than 5 years) with at least a 3.2 GPA (a solid undergrad clinical internship is also helpful) you can cut your graduate school time in half! This also means half the cost. The career opportunities you will have with an MSW will be immense.” -Sarah Stewart, MSW, CPC
Job Growth and Salary Outlook for Addiction Social Workers
The highest concentration of employment for “Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers” (which includes addiction social workers) are found intheseoccupations:
As of May 2022, the BLS list the median annual wage as $51,240, which depends on geographic location, education, and experience. Some experienced addiction social workers can make over $97,000 per year, while individuals just entering the field may make a little more than $34,000 per year.
Characteristics Employers Tend to Look for in an Addiction Social Worker
“I think that caring people who understand addiction can substantially assist the criminal defense attorney in his or her work. I rely on these social workers and counselors to assist me in getting the best resolution for my clients!”–Jason W. Swindle, Sr., Swindle Law Group
As with most social worker jobs, the career of an addiction social worker can be stressful and challenging. It is not uncommon to be called into work on a weekend or in the evening for an emergency. Therefore, it is imperative for an addiction social worker to have the following characteristics in order to be successful and meet the requirements of employers:
Attributes Employers Often Look For When Hiring an Addiction Social Worker
Sarah E. Stewart, MSW, CPC advises graduates to,“Make sure you are taking elective classes that focus on addiction. Do your internship at a clinically strong addiction facility. Attend open AA and NA meetings in your area. Network, Network, Network! There are many events going on all over the country that focus on addiction. Get out and volunteer or participate. You will make a lot of connections!
Also, make sure whatever position you take, you have a strong supervisor. The first few years can be hard and a good supervisor can make all the difference.”
Related Social Work Education Guides
Substance Abuse Social Worker Networking Opportunities, Organizations, and Resources
There are a number of organizations, resources and opportunities for individuals interested in a career as an addiction social worker. These may include webinars, conferences and social media events.
2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures foraddiction social workersare based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2023.
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