Types of Social Work Careers Available With an MSW
| 5 Min Read
Demand for highly skilled social workers continues to rise across the U.S., with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a higher-than-average increase of 7% (about 67,300 openings per year) through 2033.1 While government agencies and educational services continue to be the largest employers of social workers, the types of jobs in social work are evolving in response to the changing needs of our society.
Modern social work includes many career paths, and graduates of the University of Kentucky’s online MSW program can pursue positions in a range of less conventional settings, including:
- Assisted living facilities
- Corporate environments
- Correctional institutions
- Mental health treatment centers
- Nonprofit organizations
The infographic “Social Work is Everywhere” explores 12 distinct types of social work and identifies some of the most common career paths within each one. Request more information about UK’s online MSW to find out how to become a social worker in your preferred industry.
Types of Social Work Infographic
The header text appears on a blue background with light-blue dots and abstract shapes in seafoam green:
Social Work Is Everywhere.
Which path should you choose?
All social workers have a few things in common: Compassion. Determination. A drive to improve the lives of others. These qualities led you to choose this field, but it’s your unique differences that can help you choose the right path in the wide world of social work.
The following sections appear in separate white boxes against a cream background:
A blue and coral graphic of a stethoscope appears above the text:
Clinical & Mental Health
Assess & treat mental health conditions and behavioral disorders.
Career Spotlights:
- Inpatient & Outpatient Mental Health Provider
- Individual, Family, & Group Therapist
- Treatment Coordinator
A blue and coral graphic of a bottle next to a “stop” sign appears above the text:
Substance Abuse Social Work
Support those struggling with substance use disorder.
Career Spotlights:
- Addiction Counselor
- Rehabilitation Specialist
- Case Management Supervisor
A blue and gold graphic of a military medal appears above the text:
Veteran & Military Social Work
Provide support to those who have served our country.
Career Spotlights:
- Military Behavioral Health Counselor
- Veterans Health Association (VHA) Social Worker
- Program Manager
A blue and green graphic of an apple sitting on top of two books appears above the text:
School Social Work
Help promote safe and nurturing environments for children.
Career Spotlights:
- School Crisis Counselor
- School Social Worker
- Director of Student Support Services
A blue and green graphic of the scales of justice appears above the text:
Forensic (Criminal Justice)
Apply social work knowledge to the legal system and provide support to those impacted by crime.
Career Spotlights:
- Department of Public Advocacy Social Worker
- Survivor Advocate
- Court Liaison
A blue and coral graphic of a person’s head with a heart appears above the text:
Healthcare & Medical
Help patients and families understand illnesses and health-related issues.
Career Spotlights:
- Hospital Social Worker
- Public Health Worker
- Case Management Supervisor
A blue and gold graphic of four intertwined hands appears above the text:
Community Organizing Social Work
Inspire change from the ground up.
Career Spotlights:
- Social and Community Service Manager
- Community Organizer
- Executive Director
A blue and green graphic of a government building appears above the text:
Policy & Advocacy
Shape laws to address the root causes of societal issues.
Career Spotlights:
- Policy Analyst
- Lobbyist
- Program Manager
A blue and green graphic of the Earth between two hands appears above the text:
Rural Communities
Apply social work practice to the unique challenges of a rural environment.
Career Spotlights:
- Rural Social Worker
- Community Support Worker
- Program Supervisor
A blue and coral graphic of a hand holding a heart appears above the text:
Gerontology Social Work
Promote independence and dignity for older adults.
Career Spotlights:
- Geriatric Social Worker
- Hospice & Palliative Care Social Worker
- Program Coordinator
A blue and coral graphic of a briefcase appears above the text:
Corporate Setting
Apply social work principles to administration and leadership roles in a business environment.
Career Spotlights:
- Training Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- Program Manager
A blue and gold graphic of a bell appears above the text:
Disaster Preparedness Social Work
Plan for disasters and connect locals with aid groups.
Career Spotlights:
- Emergency Management Specialist
- Case Manager
- Team Leader
A blue and gold graphic of a running shoe appears above the text:
Sport Social Work
Apply social work skills at the intersection of sport and recreation.
Career Spotlights:
- Sport Social Worker
- Sport Program Director
- Student Athlete Service Coordinator
A blue and green graphic of a tree growing out of a book appears above the text:
Child Welfare Social Work
Help ensure that every child grows up in a safe, nurturing, and loving environment.
Career Spotlights:
- Child Welfare Specialist
- Adoption Specialist
- Agency Administrator
And so much more…
The following text appears in a light-blue box with abstract shapes in royal blue:
Whichever path you choose, the University of Kentucky’s online Master of Social Work program has an area of focus for you:
- Child Welfare Practice
- Clinical Social Work
- Military Behavioral Health
- School Social Work
- Substance Use Disorder
- Trauma-Responsive Practice
- Individualized Plan of Study
The University of Kentucky College of Social Work logo appears at the bottom over a royal blue background.
Source
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Social Workers.” August 29, 2024. Retrieved January 16, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm.