Social Worker Jobs You Can Get in New Mexico With an MSW in Clinical Practice
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For those professionals looking to pursue a career in social work, there are few better options than an advanced degree focused on clinical practice. Pursuing such a degree can equip you for a role in this growing and rewarding field.
As you embark on your professional journey to becoming a social worker in New Mexico, consider the online Master of Social Work (MSW) in Clinical Practice program from New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU), which prepares social workers for advanced roles in the field. This course of study prepares students to make a significant difference in the lives of New Mexico residents and diverse rural communities across the U.S. Southwest. Through collaboration with accomplished, experienced faculty who provide in-depth training, students develop both knowledge and skills, enabling them to support individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.
It is a great way for those passionate about social work to ensure their skills are relevant to their communities, both now and in the future. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for social workers is expected to grow by 7% by 2033, which is notably greater than in other occupations.
The Outlook of Social Worker Careers in New Mexico
According to the BLS, social workers are professionals who specialize in helping people both prevent and cope with the problems that arise in their lives. They can be found in many areas of society, helping all kinds of people: “Social workers are employed in a variety of settings, including child welfare and human service agencies, healthcare providers, and schools,” BLS notes.
In New Mexico, social workers serve a variety of critical functions in communities across the state. According to an article from KRQE News, a local news station in Albuquerque, social workers are, “professionals working across New Mexico helping to treat mental health issues. They’re the behind-the-scenes individuals helping connect families within the state. And they’re professional administrators helping to get at-risk locals the assistance they need.”
But there is also a significant need for more qualified social workers in the state, according to the KRQE News article. “Do we have enough social workers in New Mexico? The answer is no,” said Eli Fresquez, a social worker and member of the Board of Social Work Examiners, according to KRQE News. The state’s Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) has difficulty retaining social workers, according to KRQE News. To address the problem, a task force has recommended raising salaries and investing in social work education.
Social Worker Jobs
When embarking on a social work career journey, it is important to understand what jobs will be available, especially if you pursue an MSW in Clinical Practice. As the NASW notes, “You will need an MSW to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). With this credential, you can provide one-on-one psychotherapy or deliver advanced clinical services.” The MSW degree also enables you to obtain program management or supervisory positions as well as work in the political arena on social, racial, economic and environmental justice and policy issues. The MSW degree paves the way for working in various sectors such as education, healthcare, government, human resources, research, consulting or coaching, and both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. For example, a graduate of NMHU’s online MSW in Clinical Practice program might consider a career as a mental health case manager or substance abuse counselor.
As Indeed notes, some entry-level jobs within the field only take a bachelor’s degree, but many others require an MSW. “An MSW allows you to pursue state licensure and work in various sectors, including education, healthcare, government, human resources, research and nonprofit organizations,” according to Indeed.
For example, a graduate of NMHU’s online MSW in Clinical Practice program might consider a career as a mental health case manager, a professional who works with patients to create individualized treatment plans, according to Indeed. Alternatively, one might consider the possibilities of working as a substance abuse counselor, a job in which social workers help individuals deal with drug and alcohol–related issues in their lives, whether through therapy or collaboration with other medical team members, as per Indeed.
Embrace the Potential of a Career in Social Work With an MSW in Clinical Practice
The need for social workers is increasing across the United States, and New Mexico is no exception. This is a field that requires committed, trained and skillful professionals to help serve diverse communities.
NMHU’s online MSW in Clinical Practice program is precisely the degree program that can help you meet this moment. If you live in New Mexico or the region, there is no better time to embrace a career that serves vulnerable individuals and communities, while assisting them to build resilience and achieve better lives.
Learn more about NMHU’s online MSW in Clinical Practice program.