• You like to be there for people who are struggling.

• You want to make a difference in your community.

• You like solving problems and finding solutions.

• You value teamwork and communication.

• You want to work in a job that has meaning every day.

• You want a degree and professional license that allows great flexibility and opportunities in an in-demand field.

Social work is a caring profession where your efforts can change lives.

With a bachelor's degree or higher:

• Mental Health Therapist or Counselor

Licensed Social Workers can provide therapy (when supervised by a professional with an independent license). Mental health therapists help people who are managing emotional or mental health diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, or trauma. They talk with clients to understand what they are going through and help them find ways to cope and feel better. They may work one-on-one, in groups, or with families. They also builds skills for managing emotions and solving problems in healthy ways. [Learn more about careers in Therapy →]

• Behavioral Health Specialist

Behavioral Health Specialists work with people facing emotional or behavioral issues. They assess clients' needs, develop treatment plans, and provide counseling or therapy. They may work in schools, hospitals, or community centers to support mental well-being.  [Learn more about Direct Client Care careers →]

• Job Coach/Employment Support

Job Coaches assist individuals with disabilities or mental health challenges in finding and keeping jobs. They help clients learn job skills, prepare for interviews, practice social-emotional skills and self-regulation, and adjust to the workplace. Their support helps clients achieve independence through employment. [Learn more about Direct Client Care careers →]

• Case Manager

A Case Manager helps people with mental health or substance use challenges get the support they need to live well. They meet with clients, listen to their needs, and help them access services like housing, employment resources, or counseling. They also teach life skills and check in regularly to make sure things are going well and progress is being made.  [Learn more about Care Coordination careers →]

• Care Coordinator/Care Manager

A Care Coordinator helps people get the care and support they need, but they don’t usually provide the services themselves. Instead, they work behind the scenes to connect clients with doctors, counselors, social services, or treatment programs. For example, at an insurance company, a Care Coordinator might help someone find a mental health provider covered by their plan, explain what services are available, and make sure the person gets follow-up care.  [Learn more about Care Coordination careers →]

• Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant

Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants work with adults who care for young children, such as  parents,  teachers and child care workers. They help adults understand how to support children’s emotions, behavior, and development. If a child is having a hard time with big feelings or changes, the consultant provides tools and suggestions to help. They don’t usually work one-on-one with children, but they help create safe, caring places for kids to grow. [Learn more about Early Childhood Mental Health careers →]

• Mobile Crisis Responder

A Mobile Crisis Responder travels to homes, schools, or public places to give support right away. They listen, help calm the situation, and connect people to services like counseling or hospital care if needed. [Learn more about Crisis careers →]

• Certified Health Education Specialist

Health Education Specialists teach people how to take care of their health and feel better in everyday life. They make lessons and materials about topics like stress, depression, substance use, or healthy habits. They may lead classes at schools, health fairs, or community centers. They also plan events, lead group discussions, and give people tools to improve their mental health and make safer choices. [Learn more about Community Health careers →]

• Coalition Coordinator

Coalition Coordinators bring together people from different parts of the community—like schools, police, faith groups, and parents—to work on one big goal: making their community safer and healthier. Coordinators lead meetings, plan events like community meetings and awareness days, and help the Coalition members stay on track with the community’s goals. They work with community members and organizations to host activities that promote prevention programming related to  youth drug use, suicide, cyberbullying and more.[Learn more about Prevention careers →]

• Prevention Consultant

Prevention Consultants are experts who support many programs at once. They don’t usually work directly with students or families, but they help others do that work better. They train staff, look at data to see if programs are helping, and give advice on how to improve. They may also help write public health plans or talk to government leaders about what communities need.[Learn more about Prevention careers →]

• Program Coordinator

Program Coordinators help plan and run health programs in schools, clinics, or community spaces. They work with a team to pick topics like mental health, nutrition, or substance use prevention. They create schedules, organize events, gather supplies, and make sure everything goes smoothly. They often talk to community members to learn what support is needed to design programs that truly help.[Learn more about Management careers →]

• Harm Reduction Specialist

Harm Reduction Specialists help people who use drugs stay safer and healthier. They give out supplies like clean syringes or naloxone (a medicine that can stop overdoses). They teach people how to lower their risk of getting sick or hurt, and they listen without judgment. They also help connect people to housing, health care, or treatment if they want it. Their goal is to support people no matter where they are in their journey. [Learn more about Substance Use Disorder Treatment careers →]

• Chemical Dependency Counselor

Chemical Dependency Counselors work directly with people who are trying to stop using drugs or alcohol. They listen, give support, and help clients make a plan for recovery. They may lead group or one-on-one sessions and connect people to other services they need.[Learn more about Substance Use Disorder Treatment careers →]

• Policy Advocate/Analyst 

A Policy Advocate or Analyst works to change laws or rules to make mental health care better for everyone. They study problems, suggest solutions, and speak up to leaders and lawmakers. Their work helps improve services and support for people across Ohio.  [Learn more about Advocacy careers→]

• Research Assistant

Research assistants help collect and organize information for studies about mental health and behavior. They might collect data, organize information, and support studies led by professionals. They also may interview people, enter data into computers, or help run surveys. Their work helps find better ways to treat and support people in need.  [Learn more about Research careers→]

• Program Manager

A Program Manager plays a vital role in helping to transform the lives of patients. They oversee the day-to-day operations in mental health and/or addiction treatment programs. They collaborate with staff to plan services, manage personnel, and ensure the program meets clients’ needs. In behavioral health, they also track program results and ensure the programs comply with ethical standards and state rules. [Learn more about Management careers→]

With a master's degree or higher:

• Clinical Case Manager

A Clinical Case Manager is a licensed professional, like a social worker, counselor or nurse, who helps people with mental health or addiction problems. They create treatment plans, give assessments, and provide in-depth care coordination and support. This model goes beyond traditional case management by offering more oversight and integration into the client's overall care plan. Clinical case managers work closely with doctors and other care team members to support the client’s health.  [Learn more about Care Coordination careers →]

• School-Based Social Worker

School social workers help students succeed both in and out of the classroom. They support kids and teens who are managing  emotional struggles, family issues, or mental health concerns. School social workers talk with students, connect them to helpful resources, and work with teachers and families to make sure students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

• Primary Care Behaviorist

A Primary Care Behaviorist works in a doctor’s office to help patients with mental health, stress, or behavior problems. They’re part of the healthcare team and work closely with doctors and nurses. If someone is feeling anxious, depressed, or having trouble sleeping, the behaviorist can step in to help right away—often during the same visit! They also help people make healthy changes, like quitting smoking, managing weight, or dealing with chronic illnesses.

• Crisis Therapist

A Crisis Therapist helps people during a mental health emergency, like when someone is thinking about harming themselves or others. They stay calm, listen, and work quickly to make sure the person is safe. They also help create a plan for recovery and support. [Learn more about Crisis careers →]

• Addiction Therapist

Addiction Therapists are licensed mental health professionals who help people explore the reasons behind their substance use. They provide therapy to treat both addiction and mental health concerns, like trauma, anxiety, or depression. They work closely with clients to understand their emotions, build coping skills, and support long-term recovery. [Learn more about Substance Use Disorder Treatment careers →]

• Clinical Supervisor

A Clinical Supervisor is a key leader in the counseling profession, responsible for mentoring less experienced counselors. Clinical supervisors provide feedback, consultations, and evaluations to help develop the skills and knowledge of the counselors they oversee. They review casework to ensure that therapeutic practices meet the ethical and legal standards of the State of Ohio. Clinical supervisors build strong teams, encourage collaboration, and handle conflicts. They also help shape the culture of their organization while making sure that diversity and cultural differences are respected in every part of the process. In Ohio, clinical supervisors need a special supervisory endorsement for their professional license.    [Learn more about careers in Clinical Supervision →]

• Client’s Rights Officer

A Client’s Rights Officer makes sure people receiving mental health or addiction services are treated fairly and with respect. They help protect client rights, listen to complaints, and work to solve problems. They stand up for clients when there are concerns about treatment or ethical standards.  [Learn more about Advocacy careers→]

• Agency Director

An Agency Director provides the leadership and vision for the organization. They enforce best practices, accreditation, and ethical standards in all aspects of the work— from hiring staff and managing budgets to ensuring clients receive the care they need. They oversee clinical services, office operations, and work with local mental health and recovery boards to advance the mission of the agency to serve the community in the best way possible. [Learn more about Management careers→]

Other job titles you may see:

• Clinical Social Worker

• Medical Social Worker

• Community Outreach Worker

• Child Welfare Worker

Social work offers many job choices. Whether you like one-on-one support, group work, or system-level change, there’s a role for you.

Social workers help people manage life’s challenges and improve their mental health and well-being. They often work with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities by:

• Listen and Learn: Build trust by listening with care and respect to understand each person’s unique story.

• Assess Needs: Help identify mental health challenges, strengths, and goals through conversations and tools.

• Supporting People in Tough Times: Help clients cope with mental health struggles, substance use, trauma, or life stress.

• Providing Counseling: Offer therapy, emotional support, or crisis intervention—if they have the right license.

• Connecting to Resources: Link people to services like housing, food, health care, job support, and recovery programs.

• Teach Life Skills: Help clients build healthy habits, solve problems, and improve relationships.

• Helping Families Heal: Work with families to build stronger relationships, solve problems, and recover from difficult situations.

• Standing Up for Clients: Advocate for people’s rights and ensure they have access to fair treatment and the help they deserve.

• Building Community Support: Create programs or support groups to strengthen communities and reduce stigma around mental health.

Social workers are problem-solvers, listeners, and advocates who help people feel stronger and more supported.

• Primary Care offices

• Schools and Universities

• Psychiatric and General Hospitals

• Primary Care Physician’s Offices

• Community Mental Health Centers

• Rehabilitation and Recovery Centers

• Nonprofit Organizations

• Residential Treatment Facilities

• Telehealth Services

• Correctional Facilities

• Faith-Based or Cultural Centers

• Private Practices

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

• Military and Veterans Programs

• Mobile Crisis Teams

• Home Based Services

• Child Care Centers

Social workers can work almost anywhere people need help navigating life’s challenges.

• Children and Families: Kids and parents managing tough situations at home, school, or in their community.

• Adults with Mental Health or Addiction Issues: People who need support managing anxiety, depression, or substance use.

• Older Adults: Seniors who need help with daily living, health care, or making future plans.

• People Facing Homelessness or Poverty: Individuals and families who need housing, food, and financial support.

• Survivors of Trauma or Abuse: People healing from violence, neglect, or other difficult life experiences.

• Individuals with Disabilities: Promote emotional well-being, build coping skills, and support independence.

• People in Crisis: Provide care during emergencies like suicidal thoughts, violence, or natural disasters.

• Veterans and Service Members: Help with trauma, reintegration, and mental health after military service.

Social workers serve people of all ages and backgrounds, especially those facing tough times.

To become a social worker, you’ll need the right education and real-world experience:

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): This is a great starting point for jobs like case management and support services. 

• Master of Social Work (MSW): This advanced degree is required if you want to become a clinical social worker and provide therapy on your own. Be sure that the program you attend is CSWE accredited university.

• Internships: During your education, you’ll get hands-on training by working with real clients under the guidance of a licensed professional. Each university sets the minimum requirements for their programs following CSWE guidelines.

  • BSW students complete a minimum of 400 internship hours

  • MSW students with a BSW, and who are attending an Advanced Standing Program, will complete a minimum of 500 hours

  • MSW students without a BSW will complete at least 900 internships hours

Optional education:

• Doctor of Social Work (DSW): The DSW is an advanced, practice-focused degree. It is not required for independent practice, but may be valuable for leadership or higher education teaching positions.

• Ph.D. in Social Work: The Ph.D. is a research and academic degree, not a clinical one, which may open many doors in teaching, policy, and research.

Education and training help you build the skills you need to make a real difference in people’s lives.

In Ohio, you need a license from the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board to work as a social worker. Here are the types:

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW): You can achieve this license with a bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) and by passing a state exam. It allows you to work in many settings and roles (including therapy) while under supervision of an independently licensed professional..

• Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW): This license requires a master's degree in Social Work (MSW), at least two years of supervised experience, and passing an advanced exam. LISWs can provide therapy and other services on their own.

• Supervision Designation: Once you're an LISW, you can complete extra training to supervise other social workers and help guide their professional growth.

Licensing helps make sure social workers have the skills and training they need to support others safely, ethically and effectively.

Click here to learn more about licenses, credentials, and certifications.