Social Work Job Growth: Trends and Opportunities

Social work is a multifaceted profession encompassing a myriad of roles and responsibilities in diverse practice areas. At the heart of the work is the desire to empower individuals, especially those in vulnerable communities, to overcome difficult challenges in their everyday lives. If you’re considering a master’s degree in social work, you’re probably wondering: are social workers in demand?

You can rest assured that social work is a growing field, and more social workers are needed to address society's evolving challenges.¹ Read on to discover employment projections for the field, the trends putting social workers in demand and how rising professionals can take advantage of the field’s continuous growth to build a thriving, successful career.

The field of social work is transforming to adapt to evolving and emerging issues. From mental health and child welfare to technological advancements and environmental justice, these global challenges and trends are driving the strong career outlook for social work services.²

Healthcare social workers play a crucial role in ensuring all patients have access to quality care, regardless of their race or income.³ Whether they work in hospitals, clinics, or palliative care, social workers are the voice for vulnerable individuals and their families. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), healthcare social work jobs are projected to grow about 10% between 2022 and 2032.⁴

There’s growing research revealing a strong connection between students’ social and emotional well-being and their academic performance.⁵ School social workers help bridge the gap between school, home, and community and address any social, emotional, or behavioral needs that may hinder students’ academic success.⁶ According to the BLS, there's a higher demand for child support services, leading to a projected 5.3% growth in child, family, and school social workers between 2022 and 2032.⁴

For social workers looking to address social inequalities at a community level, community and nonprofit organizations present unique opportunities to effect meaningful social change. The BLS projects an eight% growth—faster than the average job growth nationwide—for those who work for nonprofit organizations, for-profit social service companies, and government agencies.⁷ These social workers typically have strong connections to the community, making it easy to pinpoint critical issues—such as homelessness, food insecurity, and education disparities—and provide targeted programs, services, and resources to improve the lives of community members.⁸

Nearly one in four adults, or roughly 60 million people, experienced a mental illness in the past year, while about 18% reported having a substance use disorder.⁹ Social workers are well-positioned to provide the services, and expertise needed to help these individuals access treatment and services to support their long-term recovery.¹⁰ The BLS predicts that employment for substance abuse social workers will see a 10.6% growth rate between 2022 and 2032.³

People are living longer, increasing the demand for long-term services such as social work that support their health and well-being.¹¹ In fact, the BLS projects roles for social workers in healthcare and community organizations will grow by 9.6% and 8.6%, respectively, between 2022 and 2032.⁴

Mental health care is in high demand, along with targeted support for underserved communities.¹² Social workers can help fill the gap in care and use their specialized skills, services, and perspectives to support individuals navigating mental health and substance abuse disorders.

A recent federal bill to improve the nation’s child welfare system has placed emphasis on services that help prevent child abuse and neglect, ensure the safety and well-being of children in foster care, and keep families together.¹³ Similarly, recent legislation impacting care for veterans, such as the Expanding Veterans Options for Long-term Care Act, highlights this group’s increased need for affordable, high-quality care and support.¹⁴

Natural disasters have become more frequent in recent years.¹⁵ Social workers are often found on the front lines, supporting affected communities with empathy and care. Beyond providing much-needed mental health support, social workers also address victims’ immediate needs— including procuring medical care, emergency shelter, and essential items—by connecting them with resources.¹⁶

Social work is experiencing faster-than-average job growth compared to other occupations. According to the BLS, the social work job outlook from 2023 to 2033 across all sectors is expected to grow by about 7%.¹

With emerging fields like telehealth, environmental justice, and disaster relief, social workers must address complex social challenges in new and innovative ways. Additionally, with more education and experience, social workers can transition into leadership roles—within agencies, nonprofit organizations, communities, and corporations—for a chance to shape policies that benefit underserved populations.

Despite the positive social work outlook, there are some barriers to meeting the growing demand for social workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects there will be more than 67,000 openings for social workers each year over the next decade, signaling a critical need for more qualified professionals.¹ Rural communities are expected to be hit the hardest, with fewer qualified social workers to provide specialized services and support.¹⁷

Burnout is another contributing factor to turnover in social work. Social workers work tirelessly with and for their clients. While the work is rewarding, it can be a highly stressful career with a demanding workload–leading to high levels of stress and emotional exhaustion.¹⁸

The expanding landscape of social work offers a profound opportunity for those eager to make a significant societal impact. From health care and mental health to community outreach and disaster relief, the demand for educated, compassionate professionals is palpable. As societal challenges increase, so does the need for innovative social work professionals trained to address them effectively.

Envision yourself at the forefront of this dynamic field with an Online Master of Social Work from Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work. Our CSWE-accredited program is designed to equip you with the skills necessary to excel in diverse environments and help communities thrive. For more information on transforming your passion into a fulfilling career, contact an admissions outreach advisor today and learn how you can contribute to shaping a more just and caring world.