How Do I Become a Case Worker?

If you want to become a case worker, you should consider going to college for a degree that can help you in performing social work. This often includes a Bachelor’s of Social Work (BSW), though a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as psychology or sociology can also be sufficient. You should determine the requirements in your country or region for licensure, if applicable, and ensure that you meet those requirements. Once you have the education you need, then you can become a case worker by applying with a government agency in need of case workers.

You typically need a bachelor’s degree for most entry-level case worker positions, though a master’s degree may be necessary for higher-level employment. A case worker is an employee, usually for a government agency, who works with people to ensure assistance is received for financial, social, and health care needs. Also referred to as a social worker, a case worker is typically assigned a number of cases, from which the position takes its name, and each case represents a person or family. To become a case worker, you should look into the requirements for licensure in your country, state, or province and ensure you are working to meet those requirements.

Many regions require that you have a college degree to become a case worker. This is usually a degree in social work such as a BSW, though some positions can also be acquired with a degree in psychology or a similar field. You might choose a subject such as communications for your minor, as this can help you gain experience in verbal and written communication that is often needed to become a case worker. The exact requirements for licensure in different areas often depend on the laws of a country, though you typically need a certain number of supervised hours of experience in a lower position.

Some of this supervised experience can be gained through the classes you take, though you should look for ways to gain further experience outside of your classes as well. If you want to become a case worker with greater potential for advancement, then you should consider receiving a master’s degree in a field such as social work or psychology. Once you have the education and experience necessary, then you can apply for regional or federal licensure as a social worker. You can then become a case worker by finding a government agency in need of workers, usually agencies that handle financial assistance, work placement, or child and family services, and applying through the methods required.