The basic education for a social work career is normally a bachelor’s degree related to social work. However, most social work positions require a master’s in social work (MSW). Therefore, a criminal justice degree lays an excellent foundation for certain social work careers.
Which Degree do Entry-Level Social Workers Generally Have?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is the standard educational requirement for most social work jobs. Similar degrees in psychology or sociology are also acceptable. However, the education requirements for social workers are currently changing to include law and criminal justice degrees. This is because social workers, who are employed by State Child Welfare agencies, spend most of their time …show more content…
In fact, many foster children who permanently end up in the child welfare system are more likely to engage in criminal behavior, abuse drugs and run away from their foster home. This is because they are often traumatized by their experiences. These vulnerable foster children will benefit from having a social worker with a background in criminal justice. For example, criminal justice programs focus on report writing and communication, which are major parts of every legal or law enforcement job. However, as previously mentioned, they are a big part of a social workers’ job. Social workers must clearly document every communication and interaction with clients. For example, clients who have had their children removed by the State are guaranteed weekly, supervised visits. The visit documentation will be reviewed by family court judges and attorneys during the trial process to make important legal decisions. Excellent documentation that demonstrates positive progress will help reunite reformed parents with their