5 Areas of Concentration for a Bachelor’s in Social Work Degree

Bachelor’s of Social Work Concentrations

  • Direct Practice
  • Clinical
  • Community Development
  • School Social Work
  • Health Care

Pursuing a Bachelor’s in Social Work is truly rewarding, as you are preparing to enter a field that gives back. You will be helping people and making a positive difference in the lives of many. When pursuing this degree, a student must choose a concentration. Below are five areas to consider and explore.

1. Direct Practice

A social worker with a concentration in direct practice will work directly with groups, individuals or families, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They typically pursue work in family and children’s agencies and work with the prevention of a variety of issues. Social workers in direct practice work with patients to take intakes, and also have the opportunity to provide direct counseling. Sometimes, the social worker will need to refer the patient to a licensed therapist. Providing direct practice means that you are the first point of contact for many patients, and you know exactly what resources are needed to connect them to the best course of treatment.

2. Clinical

Clinical social workers address severe issues such as drug abuse, illness, and domestic issues. They provide in-depth counseling for patients and families. Mental and emotional health are two of the areas that clinical social workers explore. Some professionals choose a career focusing on research in the field. The clinical social worker works with patients of all ages and in different settings, including children, adults, hospitals, and clinics. They specialize in intrapersonal relationships and family dynamics to understand the needs of their patients.

3. Community Development

Those who choose to pursue a degree in social work with a concentration in community development work with individuals helping them access resources within their community. They work in nonprofit organizations, government organizations, and other community settings to administer programs. They help ensure organization within a community, making sure it functions at it best and reaches its fullest potential. Also called macro practice, this field of social work focuses on social change to solve community problems.

4. School Social Work

School social workers help students deal with a variety of issues, ranging from depression to concentration issues in class. They work with the students and their families to reach an acceptable course of treatment and solution that fits the needs of all involved. These social workers work with students ranging from elementary school to college and address psychological and social needs, such as withdrawal, and drug and alcohol abuse, sometimes referring students to other licensed professionals. School social workers provide counseling to students that may be having issues both in school or at home that may be affecting their academic performance or personal growth.

5. Health Care

Health care social workers play an important role in assisting patients dealing with a range of illnesses, both physical and mental, and ranging from mild to severe. They are the first point of contact in establishing a support system. Health care social workers may choose to provide services in hospitals, hospices, clinics and other institutions. They work with both patients and families to provide an appropriate course of treatment for their issues. They provide assistance and advice on many issues, both during and after the medical care is provided.

Related Resource: Top 10 Best Online Social Work Degree Programs

Social workers choose to provide assistance to a wide range of people in different settings. These professionals are key figures in many settings, so students must carefully choose an area of concentration when pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the field of social work.