The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies substance abuse social workers in the same category as mental health social workers. The medical field increasingly treats addiction as a mental illness. As this trend continues, these two job titles will see more and more overlap.
Job Description
Substance abuse social workers help to treat people who are suffering from addiction. 他们协调和安排精神科服务, 为他们的客户提供12步计划和支持小组会议. Substance abuse social workers may also help their clients find housing with a halfway house or recovery center. These professionals may also assist clients who have been in legal trouble with upholding the conditions of probation or parole terms. Most substance abuse social workers are clinical social workers and can provide counseling.
Work Life
药物滥用社会工作者可能在医院工作, treatment facilities, prisons, 非营利组织或私人执业. Substance abuse is considered the most emotionally trying sector of social work, 因为上瘾很难治疗. Helping addicted patients cope with mood swings and relapses takes considerable amounts of patience.
Requirements
大多数入门级的社会工作至少需要a 社会工作学士学位. However, substance abuse social workers are generally expected to have a master’s in social work. The delicate nature of treating addiction calls for advanced training and, in most states, clinical licensure.
Successful substance abuse social workers will need to demonstrate a wealth of patience and dedication. They should also possess excellent listening, problem solving and people skills. 人手不足和案件繁重并非闻所未闻, so substance abuse social workers should be able to manage time effectively.
Salary and Outlook
The median substance abuse social worker salary in May 2010 was $38,600. However, this figure varies depending by field; substance abuse social workers in hospitals are expected to earn a median annual income of $48,010, 而个人和家庭服务人员的收入为36美元,740 per year.
As the country moves toward rehabilitation over punitive measures for addiction and crime involving illegal drugs, 滥用药物的社会工作者的就业率预计会上升. 到2020年，就业预计将增长20%.
