Social Work

Social Work Department Home Page

A major in Social Work mixes the methodology for analyzing social reality with training for consulting and education. Use your time at Bethel to work with people in a variety of capacities, from volunteering with social agencies to on-campus groups and organizations. All social work positions require a license to practice social work. Make sure your degree components meet licensure requirements.

What is Your Focus?

Here's how to build skills as a Bethel student that will prepare you to compete for some of the most popular Social Work jobs today.

Gerontology

Potential Employers:
Hospitals, Hospices, Nursing Home, Home Care Organizations

Strategies:

Pursue home health care training
Volunteer and secure internships in a variety of settings with elderly
Develop patience and strong oral communication skills
Become familiar with current issues related to the elderly

Children

Potential Employers:
Child Protection Agencies, Family Preservation Agencies, Adoption Agencies, Foster Care Agencies

Strategies:

Obtain substance abuse, child abuse, and violence training
Gain experience working with the welfare system
Pursue crisis intervention and mediation training
Seek internships in area of specialization

School

Potential Employers:
Educational Institutions

Strategies:

Consider a double major in Education / Family Studies
Pursue internships working with age group of choice
Seek training in substance and child abuse
Gain experience working with both children and parents
Obtain debate, mediation, and presentation experience

Medical

Potential Employers:
Medical Facilities, Hospices, Clinics

Strategies:

Obtain home health care training
Pursue internships at a medical setting
Learn medical terminology and issues
Gain experience with medical record-keeping
Develop strong oral and written communication skills

Criminal Justice

Potential Employers:
Government Agencies, Correction Facilities, Police Departments

Strategies:

Consider a minor in political science
Pursue internships in corrections fields
Obtain crisis-intervention, violence, substance abuse training
Acquire extensive knowledge of legal and penal systems

Public Policy

Potential Employers:
Government Agencies, Non-Profit Organizations

Strategies:

Pursue graduate school for all positions
Consider a minor in political science or history
Seek internships working with desired population
Gain experience in field and awareness of literature
Earn leadership experience in campus organizations

Disabilities

Potential Employers:
Non-Profit Organizations, Hospitals and Clinics

Strategies:

Pursue internships working with population of choice
Seek training with developmentally disabled
Become familiar with medical terminology
Gain awareness of literature and hot topics of the disabled
Develop excellent oral and written communication skills

Employment Web Sites

General Career Exploration Website - O*Net
Spotlight on Careers Website (You must be logged into the Bethel network to receive access to this site.)

For current employment websites, type keywords such as "social work employment" in an online search engine.612.343.9622 or visit the website.

Job Search Sites Specific to Your Major

Care Options Network - The Care Options Network lists numerous social service positions around the metro including nursing, therapy and social work. For more information call 763-225-4078.

Courage Center - Many opportunities in nursing and the healthcare field are available.

Easter Seals Wisconsin Camps - Jobs and internships are available for people who have a genuine interest in working with people with disabilities.

Habitat for Humanity - Many positions are updated daily including international jobs, internships, volunteer positions, and regular full time positions.

Home Instead Senior Care - Provide companionship, and other non-medical services, such as light housework, cooking, laundry, shopping, and errands for the elderly in order to help them to remain living at home. Schedules are flexible.

Homeward Bound, Inc. - A progressive human service agency which offers full-time and part-time jobs assisting children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Lutheran Social Services - Visit the LSS website for a list of available positions.

Midwest Special Services - provider of vocational and day training services for adults with disabilities.

Metropolitan Center for Independent Living - Openings for personal care attendants providing in-home services for persons with disabilities.

Northeast Residence, Inc. - The main function of Northeast Residence is to serve families of individuals with disabilities. Part-time and Full-time employment opportunities are available.

Phoenix Alternatives - Non-Profit Day Training Program for adults with Developmental Disabilities - located in White Bear Lake. Openings for persons who are going to night or weekend classes.

YMCA of Greater St. Paul/Metropolitan Minneapolis - New positions are listed every week. Call the Jobline 612.343.9622 or visit the website.

Internships

National Mental Health Association - Located in Virgina, this organization has a variety of different types of internships.

Professional Social Work Associations

Need More Info?

For more information or assistance with an internship, graduate school or the job search process, please set up an appointment with a Career Counselor in the Office of Career Development and Calling by calling 651.638.6460 or stopping by CC322

Adapted From:
http://www2.gasou.edu/sta/career
http://careers.wcu.edu/majors