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Public health social workers – sometimes also referred to as medical social workers – help people of all ages in needy communities face the many challenges in their lives, such as dealing with an illness, or with the adoption of a child. Public health social workers work closely with diverse populations, such as the elderly, people with disabilities, children, and people with substance abuse problems.

Public Health Social Worker

For these reasons, and many more, it takes a significant amount of education to be successful in this field. Public health social workers with a bachelor’s degree in social work, sociology, or psychology may find entry-level employment, but many positions and employers will require earning a master’s degree.   All states require licensure to practice as a public health social worker.

Public Health Social Worker Career Guidance

According toDr. Ryan Fuller, a New York licensed clinical psychologist with extensive training in cognitive-behavior therapy, “It is important for all graduates to be realistic about any and all employment opportunities that are available upon graduation. Preparing beforehand, and understanding college loans and the percentage of all graduates employed in a chosen degree field will help students prepare for their future, determine if their salary expectations are reasonable, and allow them to better identify a course of action for their future.”

Master’s and multi-disciplinary degrees in public health may include:

Advanced degree prepares graduates with a broad mastery of all areas of public health social work, and methods needed to succeed in this field. Master’s degree programs may be concurrent or consecutive, usually take an additional 2-years beyond earning a bachelor’s degree and are typically offered full- or part-time. Individuals with a MSW or MPH degree might choose concentrations, such as:

All states require licensing or certification, which vary from state to state, to work as public health social workers.

Read more abouthow to become a public health social worker.

Typical Employment Settings for a Public Health Social Worker

There are currently about182,000medical and public health social workers in the US. With employment increasing in this field, people with an interest in social work who have a strong interest in improving the lives of people from all walks of life and diversities, will find tremendous success.

A public health social worker will perform many of the following:

The BLS reports that median annual wage for public health social worker is $60,280 as of May 2022, with the top 10% earning more than $87,000 annually (this includes MSW or MPH graduates). Geographic location, education and experience all play a part in determining salary.

Public health social workers can be found in a number of different settings, including:

Ways a Public Health Social Worker Can Increase Desirability as a Job Candidate and Increase His/Her Salary

Related Social Work Education Guides

Attributes Employers Look for When Hiring a Public Health Social Worker

As with many social worker positions, the normal day for a public health social worker is anything but normal. Many individuals will work a full-time, 40-hour week, and many will work part-time hours. Emergencies may require a public health social worker come into the office or travel to a clients home after hours, on holidays, and on weekends. It can be stressful and demanding work, so a number of attributes are necessary to succeed, without burning out.   These include:

Networking Opportunities and Organizations for Public Health Social Workers

There are many ways for aspiring public health social workers to network, find employment openings, internships, conferences, and gain knowledge and experience through associations and organizations. A few include:

2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures forhealthcare social workersare based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed July 2023.

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