What is an on call social worker (SW) job?
On-call social workers are professionals who provide support and assistance to individuals and families in need of social services. They are available to respond to emergencies, provide counseling services, and connect individuals with community resources.
On-call social workers may work for government agencies, hospitals, non-profit organizations, or private practices. They are often required to work outside of traditional business hours, including nights and weekends, to provide support to those in need.
What usually do in this position?
On-call social workers perform a variety of duties depending on their area of specialization and the population they serve. Some of their typical duties include:
- Responding to emergency situations such as child abuse, domestic violence, and mental health crises
- Providing counseling services to individuals and families in need
- Connecting individuals with community resources such as housing, food banks, and healthcare providers
- Conducting assessments to determine an individual's needs and developing a plan of care
- Advocating for clients and ensuring they receive the services they require
- Documenting all interactions with clients in accordance with legal and ethical standards
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to clients
Top 5 skills for position
The on-call social worker position requires a variety of skills to perform the job effectively. The top five skills needed for this position include:
- Communication skills: On-call social workers must have excellent communication skills to effectively communicate with clients, healthcare professionals, and community resources. They must be able to listen actively, provide clear instructions, and negotiate effectively.
- Crisis management skills: On-call social workers must be able to effectively manage crisis situations such as child abuse, domestic violence, and mental health crises. They must be able to remain calm under pressure and make quick decisions to ensure the safety of their clients.
- Empathy and compassion: On-call social workers must have a compassionate and empathetic approach to their work. They must be able to understand their clients' perspectives and provide emotional support during difficult times.
- Cultural competence: On-call social workers must be able to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. They must be aware of cultural norms and values and be able to adapt their approach accordingly.
- Organizational skills: On-call social workers must be able to manage a high volume of cases and prioritize their workload effectively. They must be able to keep accurate records and adhere to strict deadlines.
How to become this type of specialist?
To become an on-call social worker, you typically need a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) or a related field such as psychology or sociology. Some employers may require a master's degree in social work (MSW) for this position.
In addition to formal education, on-call social workers must also be licensed in their state of practice. Licensure requirements vary by state but typically involve passing an exam and completing a certain number of supervised hours of practice.
On-call social workers may also benefit from additional training and certifications in areas such as crisis management, trauma-informed care, and cultural competence.
Average salary
On-call social workers' salaries vary depending on their location, education, and experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for social workers in 2020 was $51,760. However, on-call social workers may earn more or less than this depending on their specific job and location.
Roles and types
On-call social workers may work in a variety of settings and serve different populations. Some of the most common roles and types of on-call social workers include:
- Crisis intervention social workers: These professionals respond to emergency situations such as child abuse, domestic violence, and mental health crises.
- Healthcare social workers: These professionals work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings to provide support and assistance to patients and their families.
- School social workers: These professionals work in schools to provide counseling services and connect students and families with community resources.
- Child and family social workers: These professionals work with children and families to provide support and assistance in areas such as child welfare, adoption, and foster care.
Locations with the most popular jobs in the USA
On-call social worker jobs are available throughout the United States, but some locations have more opportunities than others. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top five states for social worker employment in 2020 were:
1. California
2. New York
3. Texas
4. Michigan
5. Illinois
What are the typical tools?
On-call social workers use a variety of tools and technologies to perform their job effectively. Some of the typical tools used by on-call social workers include:
- Electronic health records (EHRs): These software systems are used to keep track of client information, treatment plans, and progress notes.
- Crisis intervention protocols: On-call social workers may use specific protocols to manage crisis situations and ensure the safety of their clients.
- Communication tools: On-call social workers may use a variety of communication tools such as phone, email, and video conferencing to connect with clients and other healthcare professionals.
- Community resource directories: On-call social workers may use online directories or databases to locate community resources for their clients.
In conclusion
On-call social workers play an essential role in providing support and assistance to individuals and families in need of social services. This job requires a wide range of skills, including communication, crisis management, empathy and compassion, cultural competence, and organizational skills. To become an on-call social worker, you typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in social work or a related field and must be licensed in your state of practice. Salaries for on-call social workers vary depending on location, education, and experience, but this is a rewarding and fulfilling career for those who are passionate about helping others.