Overview:

Licensed Social Workers act as advocates and help clients gain access to resources while confronting their personal issues, such as mental illness, addiction, and abuse. A variety of private, public, and non-profit organizations employ LSWs, with the greatest number of employment opportunities occurring in urban areas. Social workers may specialize in mental health and substance abuse; medical and public health; or child, family, and school social work. They may also work in research, administration, policy-making, or public planning.

Clinical social work often takes place in residential facilities, hospitals, offices, and clients’ homes. In addition to a 40-hour work week, social workers may find it necessary to work some evenings and weekends to meet with clients. In some settings, social workers may find that heavy caseloads and understaffing add to work-related pressures.