Career Guide
Social work case manager
If you're passionate about supporting individuals in need, excel at problem solving and strive to make a significant impact in your community, you may find a fulfilling career as a social worker specializing in case management.
If you're passionate about supporting individuals in need, excel at problem solving and strive to make a significant impact in your community, you may find a fulfilling career as a social worker specializing in case management.
Career overview
Social work case managers — a type of social and community service manager — are social workers who support individuals and families by coordinating and delivering a comprehensive array of social services. They begin by conducting comprehensive assessments to identify clients' needs, strengths and goals. Following this, they develop and implement individualized service plans, connecting clients with resources, such as healthcare, housing and financial assistance. Case managers also provide ongoing support and advocacy, helping clients navigate complex systems and receive necessary services. Throughout their work, social work case managers routinely monitor progress, adjust plans as needed and collaborate with other professionals to deliver holistic care. Their ultimate goal is to help clients achieve self-sufficiency and improved quality of life.
In the social work case manager career, you can build experience in a variety of work environments including offices, clinics, hospitals and shelters across for-profit companies, nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Around 178,400 social and community service managers, including social work case managers, were employed nationally in 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The largest employers of social and community service managers are professional entities in individual and family services; nursing and residential care facilities; and local government (excluding education and hospitals).
The field of social and community service management is projected to experience faster than average job growth between 2022 and 2032, primarily driven by an aging population that requires increased social services. In addition, the demand for managers in this sector is rising as more individuals seek addiction treatment or are redirected to treatment programs instead of incarceration. This escalating need for comprehensive social services and treatment programs underscores the expanding opportunities for these professionals.
What to expect
Salary range
$60 - 98K
$60K
$98K
Social and community service managers, including social work case managers, within the 25th to 75th percentile earned salaries ranging from $60,860 to $98,740 in 2023, according to BLS nationwide statistics.[1]
Projected growth (2022-2032)
16,200 jobs
National job opportunities for all social and community service managers, including social work case managers, are projected to grow by 9% between 2022 and 2032, BLS reports.[1]
Education required
Bachelor's degree[2]
Related job titles
Medical and health service managers
Health education specialists
Marriage and family therapists
Social and human service assistants
Rehabilitation counselors
[1] The salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. The salary ranges, job opportunities and outcomes presented represent the larger job category, which includes the particular job title. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website. The BLS Projected Growth for 2023-2033 is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects the BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.
[2] Some positions also require a master’s degree. University of Phoenix does not offer a master’s degree in social work.
Challenges
Social work comes with its own set of unique challenges that can be both demanding and emotionally taxing. One of the primary difficulties for social work case managers is handling heavy caseloads, which can lead to burnout and hinder the ability to provide personalized attention to each client. Social work case managers often encounter complex cases involving multiple issues, such as mental health, substance abuse and homelessness, requiring a multifaceted approach to care. Navigating bureaucratic systems and advocating for necessary resources can also be time-consuming and frustrating. Additionally, maintaining professional boundaries while showing empathy and support can pose a significant challenge, as the emotional weight of client stories can impact these professionals personally.
Advantages
Despite these challenges, there are numerous advantages to being a social work case manager that can make this a rewarding career. One key benefit of the field is the profound sense of purpose that can be derived from helping individuals overcome obstacles and improve their quality of life. Social work case managers often see the direct impact of their efforts as they witness their clients' progress and successes. The role also offers considerable variety, as case managers work with diverse populations and address a wide range of issues. Another appealing aspect is the opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the field, with potential to specialize in specific areas. The profession also encourages lifelong learning and development, fostering both personal and career growth.
What to expect
Salary range
$60 - 98K
$60K
$98K
Social and community service managers, including social work case managers, within the 25th to 75th percentiles, earned salaries ranging from $60,860 to $98,740 in 2023, according to BLS nationwide statistics.[1]
Projected growth (2022-2032)
16,200 jobs
National job opportunities for all social and community service managers, including social work case managers, are projected to grow by 9% between 2022 and 2032, BLS reports.[1]
Education required
Bachelor's degree[2]
Related careers
Medical and health service manager
Health education specialist
Marriage and family therapist
Social and human service assistant
Rehabilitation counselor
[1] The salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. The salary ranges, job opportunities and outcomes presented represent the larger job category, which includes the particular job title. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website. The BLS Projected Growth for 2023-2033 is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects the BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.
[2] Some positions also require a master’s degree. University of Phoenix does not offer a master’s degree in social work.
About our source
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is an agency of the United States Department of Labor that serves as part of the U.S. Federal Statistical System. Find out more: https://www.bls.gov/bls/about-bls.htm
Career-relevant knowledge and skills
The social work case manager role may require thorough understanding of the following concepts:
- Professionalism
- Professional dispositions
- Ethical intervention
- Policy gap analysis
- Policy change
- Human rights
- Social justice
- Theoretical application
- Generalist practice
- Social research
- Evidence-informed interventions
- Influence of diversity
- Perspectives in outcomes
- Research bias
- Intersectionality of bias
These professionals may also need the following skills to perform their daily responsibilities:
- Needs assessment
- Treatment planning
- Case management
- Discharge planning
- Service delivery
- Care coordination
- Advocacy strategy
- Advocacy practice
- Client advocacy skills
- Diverse populations
- Community advocacy
- Community outreach
- Communications
- Application of theory
- Data collection
- Professional responsibility
- Reflective practice
- Self care
Soft skills
To excel in their role, social work case managers should possess soft skills including ethical decision-making and problem-solving abilities, strong written and interpersonal communication, cultural competence and empathy.
Education and experience
For aspiring social work case managers, specific education and experience can help you achieve your goals. Here are some key steps to prepare for a career as a social work case manager:
Candidates for this role are required to have a bachelor's degree in social work through a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). These programs typically require a combination of classroom instruction and supervised fieldwork.
Accumulate work experience through internships, volunteer work or entry-level social services positions. This can provide hands-on experience and help you determine if this career path is right for you. Entry-level roles include caseworker, case management assistant, social services aide and substance abuse counselor.
Depending on your location, you may need to obtain a license or certification to practice as a social work case manager. Requirements vary by state and may include passing an exam and completing continuing education courses.
Career enhancement
Reaching your initial goals may merely mark the start of an exhilarating career journey. As a working professional, embracing lifelong learning can enrich your knowledge, sharpen your skills and open doors to new opportunities. Career progression in social work often involves pursuing additional education, such as earning a master’s or doctoral degree in social work, obtaining specialized certifications or licenses, gaining extensive field experience and developing strong leadership and management skills.
As you advance in your career as a social work case manager, you may consider management roles, including supervising case manager, program manager or director of social services. You may also choose to move into a specific specialty of social work, such as mental health, child welfare, community advocacy or substance abuse.
Below, you’ll find some tips that may help you enhance your career as a social work case manager:
- Complete a master's degree: Consider pursuing a master's degree in social work (MSW) to gain advanced knowledge and skills in the field.[3]
- Seek continuing education: Stay current with the latest practices, theories and research in social work by attending workshops, seminars and conferences. Pursue additional certifications or specialized training relevant to your field to remain in-the-know.
- Pursue leadership opportunities: Look for opportunities to take on leadership roles within your organization. This could be leading a project, heading a committee or even advocating for policy changes. Demonstrating leadership will not only build your resume but also prepare you for higher-level positions.
- Reflect and self-assess: Regularly evaluate your performance and seek feedback from colleagues and supervisors. Understand your strengths and areas for improvement and create a professional development plan to address the feedback.
- Write and publish: Consider writing articles, blogs or research papers on topics related to social work. Sharing your findings and insights can help you gain recognition in the field and contribute to your professional development.
[3] University of Phoenix does not offer a master’s degree in social work.
Programs
At University of Phoenix, we offer one undergraduate program that leads to the case manager career outcome and prepares students for bachelor-level licensure in this field in the jurisdictions in which we offer it.[4] Our bachelor's programs offer the flexibility to take one course at a time in five-week intervals, accommodating your busy schedule. Learn more about our Bachelor of Science in Social Work program — focused on teaching you the skills you’ll need in your career — and how it can help you reach your goals.
[4] Learn more about social work state licensure.
Bachelor of Science in Social Work
The Bachelor of Science in Social Work program provides development of social work theory into application of professional skills to enhance the lives of diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. The program prepares students to be effective, ethical, culturally aware social workers who advocate for social change and promote resilience in a rapidly evolving global environment. Graduates will be prepared to apply knowledge, skills and social work values aligned with industry standards of the CSWE. The program includes a required supervised field education component and educationally prepares graduates to pursue state licensure or certification as a bachelor's level social worker in select states.
In this program, you’ll learn how to:
- Apply ethical and professional behavior in a social work setting
- Apply advocacy strategies to advance human rights and social, racial, economic and environmental justice
- Apply anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion in practice strategies
- Apply practice-informed research and research-informed practice in a social work setting
- Analyze policies related to social work practice
- Apply social work skills to engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
- Apply assessment skills with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
- Apply intervention skills with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
- Analyze practice outcomes with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
To earn this degree, you will need to complete 120 credits through general education, core and elective courses. The program is designed to be 4 years and 3 months in length.
University of Phoenix’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation.
Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Commission on Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.
Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.
For more information about social work accreditation, you may contact Accreditation.
It is also possible to pursue a career as a case manager with a Bachelor of Science in Correctional Program Support Services (BSCPSS) degree offered by the University. The BSCPSS program equips you with skills to manage cases, facilitate programs and address the needs of people impacted by the criminal justice system. This program does not prepare students for any type of professional certification or licensure as a correctional officer, social worker or counselor.
How can University of Phoenix support me in pursuing my career goals?
Students and graduates can access our Career Navigator tools, which can help you evaluate career options, track career-relevant skills and discover job postings suited to your needs. From resumé building and interview preparation to networking and mentorship, University of Phoenix offers career services for life to all students and graduates. Dive deeper into our career services, resources and tools to find out how we can help you reach your goals.
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