How Do I Become a Social Work Assistant?

To become a social work assistant, you will typically need experience working or volunteering in a social service agency and, in some cases, academic or vocational training through a human services or social work education program. You may also need to obtain professional licensure before you can begin work or use the title of social worker assistant. While some social service employers may only require you to have a high school education to become a social work assistant, you may find that additional education is necessary if you hope to advance in your career.

A social work assistant is someone who helps professional social workers provide care to clients. After you become a social work assistant, you will typically handle a number of administrative tasks, including assisting clients with completing forms and applications as well as maintaining client files. You may also be asked to conduct intake interviews and assist in screening clients when determining their eligibility for services. As you will often be engaging in administrative tasks, it can be helpful if you have office administration skills as well as familiarity with computers and databases.

Individual employers set their own standards for the education and training necessary to become a social work assistant. Many employers, for example, have their own in-house training program that is designed to accommodate workers with various levels of education. In some cases, however, an employer's policies or local laws may require you to hold some type of educational credential. This could include a certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree in human services. A bachelor's degree may be required for some positions, particularly if you will be providing counseling services or engaging in particularly complex casework.

In some jurisdictions, you will need to be licensed before you can become a social work assistant. Licensing requirements vary, but you may need to provide evidence of educational achievement or a certain number of supervised work hours prior to receiving licensure. The agency that issues your license may also ask you to undergo a background check, and if you have a criminal history, you may be required to explain this to the licensing organization. Another common requirement is that you have a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and in some cases your own vehicle. This last requirement is due to the fact that you may need to visit or transport clients as part of your job duties.