The Profession

Adapted from the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Social Work is a profession suited for those interested in helping to improve people's lives. As a profession, Social Work is expected to grow faster than most other fields between 2000 and 2010, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Social workers find employment in a wide variety of settings: hospitals, schools, nonprofit social service agencies, federal agencies, correctional facilities, and clinics. The complexity of our society creates a growing need for educated professionals in this field.

Social workers deal with a multiplicity of issues: behavioral health, substance abuse, school-related problems, children and family issues, aging, and more. Their skills are employed in counseling, community organization, and problem solving in many contexts.

Paradise Valley Community College, part of the Maricopa Community College District, is a small college that focuses on student-centered instruction and group interaction. All courses are taught by expert faculty, not graduate assistants. Professors are accessible to the students for consultation along with counseling and advising staffs who are available to students for career planning and direction.

Career Areas in Social Work

Adapted from the Choices brochure of National Association of Social Workers.

• mental health/clinical social work

• community organizations

• international social work

• policy & planning

• management /administration