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Public health social workers are essential to the U.S. health care system. They work in a variety of healthcare settings, helping individuals and families improve their health and well-being.
Public health social work, an interdisciplinary profession, involves the use of epidemiology and social theory to address health problems, reduce health disparities, and improve access to health care.
Working as a public health social worker can be a rewarding career path. Keep reading to learn how to become a public health social worker.
What is public health social work?
Public health social work combines the tools, theory, and practice of social work and public health. According to the American Public Health Association, the discipline focuses on the health and social equity of vulnerable populations and incorporates prevention and intervention strategies for individuals and entire populations.
The relationship between public health and social work dates back to the early 20th century. The National Institutes of Health said the two sectors collaborated to address issues such as maternal and child health, influenza and sexually transmitted diseases, while maintaining a continued commitment to health and social services.
Public health social workers identify needs, develop treatment plans, conduct research, and provide treatment to clients for issues such as infectious disease outbreaks, aging populations, and the aftermath of natural disasters. Public health social work also includes programs such as preventing domestic abuse, addressing high rates of diabetes in high-risk populations, and advocating for smoking cessation.
Steps to becoming a public health social worker
get a bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree is the first step to becoming a public health social worker. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) provides excellent preparation for entry-level roles in the field.
A BSW can ease the transition to graduate school, but a master’s degree in social work (MSW) is not required. Most MSW programs accept applicants from a variety of undergraduate programs. Common bachelor’s degrees include psychology and social science.
Most BSW programs take a full-time student four years to complete. A typical undergraduate social work curriculum provides students with preparation for generalist non-clinical social work, including case work. All CSWE-accredited BSW programs require at least 400 hours of supervised field experience.
get a master’s degree
Public health social workers often perform clinical social work, which typically requires an MSW. Clinical social work, a highly specialized field, includes the counseling, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders.
To obtain a state license, you must earn a CSWE-certified MSW. Find accredited social work programs in CSWE’s accredited program directory.
The Graduate Social Work program covers advanced social work skills and prepares you to work in specialist areas such as mental health, gerontology, children and schools. Accredited MSW programs require at least 900 hours of supervised field experience. A full-time student typically earns her MSW in two years. Some programs offer advanced status to BSW holders and allow them to graduate in one year.
Students can earn an MSW and a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at the same time. An MSW/MPH degree provides public health social workers with a comprehensive understanding of both fields and can provide career advantages. It takes approximately three years of full-time study to complete the MSW/MPH dual degree program.
Full supervised experience and training
Once you earn your MSW, you must complete supervised training to become certified as a clinical social worker. The amount of training required varies by state and can take several years. Most states require approximately 3,000 hours of supervised experience, but some states require up to 4,000 hours of experience.
Search the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing requirements map to see how many hours your state requires.
Obtaining a license
Each state in the United States has set up its own process for issuing social work licenses, typically overseen by each state’s licensing board. Licensing is required in all 50 states to practice clinical social work, and many public health social workers practice in this field. Licensing allows governments to ensure that social workers have the necessary skills and training to carry out their work safely.
Candidates must pass the ASWB clinical level exam. Prospective licensed social workers must agree to meet the state’s expectations of moral character and abide by the Code of Professional Ethics and Licensing Boards.
You can find more information about obtaining a social work license in your state by searching the ASWB website for licensing requirements by state.
Consider certification
Although it is not necessary to become a public health social worker, earning a certification can demonstrate specialized and highly specialized skills and commitment to the profession.
Consider earning the Certified Health Care Social Worker (C-SWHC) designation from the National Association of Social Workers. C-SWHC eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Earn an MSW from a program accredited by CSWE
- At least two years of paid and supervised post-MSW social work providing services to people dealing with medical conditions or physical limitations.
- Current MSW level license or passing score on ASWB MSW level exam
- Compliance with NASW Code of Ethics and Continuing Education Requirements
Salary and job outlook for health and social welfare workers
Public health social workers can expect good career prospects and a higher salary than the average for the social work profession. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that overall employment of social workers will increase by 9% between 2021 and 2031.
Although the BLS does not specifically collect data on public health social workers, it does report on health care social workers, a role that encompasses public health. As of May 2022, the BLS reports that the median annual salary for medical social workers is $60,280.
Public Health Social Work Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How are public health and social work related?
Public health and social work often overlap and share a common goal of improving the health and well-being of communities. Social workers help vulnerable people cope with life challenges, including health issues such as new diagnoses and difficulty accessing health care.
Earning an MSW/MPH degree provides an advanced understanding of public health and social work perspectives and practices. If you want to pursue a career in public health or social work, an MSW/MPH dual degree may provide excellent preparation for working in either field.
What is the difference between social work and public health?
Although public health has elements of social work and vice versa, the two fields take different approaches. Social workers focus on the micro level and help individuals deal with challenges related to health and other social issues. Public health, on the other hand, deals with well-being at a macro level.