Discover Your Career Path
Social Work professionals work with a variety of people within many segments of society. They work with individuals across the lifespan, from birth to individuals nearing death. They can be found addressing concerns across the socioeconomic levels. Social workers work with diverse populations, cultures and backgrounds, including those individuals who are in need of assistance from other countries. Social workers practice in various levels of society life: individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Social workers can be found in every community within the United States.
Social Work is a growing and thriving profession that offers a wide variety and availability of occupational choices. It is a profession that allows our students to fulfill the biblical mandates of Matthew 24 to “care for the poor, the sick, the homeless and the least of these”. The generalist education afforded to the student prepares them to enter the professional and ministry field of the helping services. In addition, because of LBC’s emphasis on going into the world, many social work students are able to enter into cross-cultural service.
Career Resources
Students are exposed to many career opportunities throughout their education. They are able to be involved in Christian Service during their freshman and sophomore years. Students enter into the social service arena during their Junior Block placement with an intended purpose of identifying areas of interest for their Field Internship. During their Field Seminar, students work on professional development to include resume creation and professional interviewing. The Social Work Advisors are well connected to the community and often hear of job openings which are extended to the social work students. All students are also afforded the opportunity to receive concentrated assistance through the C3 Counseling and Career Center located in the Academic Affairs building.
Some students wish to enter into a MSW program upon graduation. Within a 50 mile radius from the LBC Campus there are 5 MSW programs: Millersville/Shippensburg University (cooperative), Kutztown University, West Chester University, Temple University-Harrisburg, Widener University Harrisburg, and Widener-online. Students who maintain a 3.0 GPA can apply to one of these schools for Advanced Standing which is an expedited track for the MSW degree.
For more information concerning a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, review this link: https://www.mswguide.org/careers/
Careers and Placement Rates
Social Work is a growing and thriving profession that offers a wide variety and availability of occupational careers. It is a profession that allows our students to fulfill the biblical mandates of Matthew 24 to “care for the poor, the sick, the homeless and the least of these”. According to the most recent publication by the Bureau of Labor Statistics: “Employment of social workers is expected to grow by 25 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will be due to an increase in demand for health care and social services but will vary by specialty“(March 2012). Many of our students obtain entry-level positions in their field of interest. In addition, students are able to enter into graduate studies in Social Work where specialization can occur.
The Social Work Program has an excellent job placement rate (employment in the field and/or graduate study within one year of graduation):
- Since 2010, the program’s job placement rate has averaged 86%.
- In 2014, the placement rate was 100%.
- In 2015, the placement rate was 100%.
- In 2016, the placement rate is currently 92%.
View the details of the alumni placement rates (pdf)
Outcomes for Bachelor of Social Work
Helpful links:
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) provides updates on Social Work Education
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW) provides many resources for the social work student and practitioner.
- National Association of Christian Social Workers (NACSW) provides resources for the Christian social worker.
- The New Social Worker Online provides many resources for social work students and practitioners, including job opportunities.
- Social Work Job Bank provides job opportunities for social workers.
- The Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics provides written material for social workers pertaining to the values and ethics inherent in the social work profession.
- The MSWPrograms.org website was created to help students research CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs.
- Through extensive research, OnlineMSWPrograms.com have created the most comprehensive resource on the web for students interested in schools offering Masters in Social Work programs online.
- SocialWorkDegrees.org is focused extensively on labor trends and education in the social work sector
- Masters in Social Work Online