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Taking Notes

Occupations: Social Workers

Social Workers

Overview of the profession:

Social workers (SWs) play an important role in society, acting as advocates, therapists, and supporters for individuals, families, and communities in need. They are dedicated to promoting social justice, empowering vulnerable populations, and facilitating access to resources and services that improve quality of life. Beyond their work in the community, SWs also provide crucial mental health and healthcare support by advocating and reducing barriers to healthcare access. They also help develop care support plans with a patient's healthcare team. Michigan SWs can hold a bachelor's or master's degree in social work; however, master's-prepared SWs have a larger scope of practice than bachelor-prepared SWs. A master's degree in social work opens up many opportunities for individuals, including specializing in school, clinical, healthcare social work, or careers focusing on small groups, communities, and states. SWs work in a variety of places, from schools to hospitals and mental health clinics, and may also enjoy careers in non-profit agencies, universities, and think tanks. As SWs' work is guided by empathy, respect, and confidentiality principles, they are essential agents of change and well-being in any community.

Overview
Policy
  • HB 5184 would modify social work licensure requirements to include clinical level social work. It would remove the post degree and examination requirements to gain a social work license starting in 2025, and it will grant a full license to anyone with a limited license on January 1, 2025.

  • Session 2023-2024

Policy Highlights

Includes recent proposed legislation
Data

Current Social Worker Workforce Data

We've provided the latest data from Lightcast below. Click on the images to enlarge them and review them in further detail.

2024 Hourly Wages

10th Percentile
25th Percentile
Median
75th Percentile
90th Percentile
$18.88
$22.81
$28.68
$35.70
$41.11

Top Posted Job Titles

  • School Social Workers

  • Social Workers

  • Case Managers

  • Medical Social Workers

  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers

  • Licensed Medical Social Workers

  • Clinical Social Workers

  • Hospice Social Workers

  • Hospice Medical Social Workers

  • Qualified Mental Health Professionals

Index Ranking

According to the 2024 Michigan Healthcare Workforce Index.
Learn more here.

2024 Employment: 27,005

Projected 2034 Employment: 29,080 (+8%)

Highlighted Workforce Initiatives

Name: Behavioral Health Workforce Development Program​

Prosperity Region: 10
Description: The Behavioral Health Workforce Development Program is a partnership between Oakland University's Social Work and Counseling programs and Easterseals MORC. The partnership allows preferential acceptance for Easterseals MORC employees into Oakland University's MSW or Counseling programs, 25 paid internships for OU students with Easterseals MORC per year, 10 full-tuition scholarships for OU graduate students per year, and a 10% tuition discount for up to 50 Easterseals MORC employees to attend one of OU's programs. OU students who accept a scholarship and complete required internship hours must work at Easterseals MORC for 3 years after graduation. The purpose of the program is to increase the number of licensed behavioral health professionals in Michigan and in the OU area.

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Name: Section 31o and 31n of State Aid Act

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Prosperity Region: 7
Description: Through 31n and 31o funding of the State Aid Act, eligible districts and ISDs receive funding in reduced amounts over three years until staff is fully funded by districts/ ISDs. The funding supports the hiring of psychologists, social workers, counselors, and nurses providing services to students in schools.

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Name: Barry County CMHA Workforce Retention Initiatives

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Prosperity Region: 4

Description: Barry County CMHA is working to reignite internship programs in partnership with local colleges. Additionally, they offer several staff retention incentives including an adjusted pay scale, longevity payments, and flexible work schedules.

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Initiatives

Career Pathway

Career Pathway

What is the fastest route to become a Master Level Social Worker?

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While not needed to apply to a Master of Social Work program, individuals who complete a bachelor's degree in social work may be eligible for an advanced standing or accelerated program, shortening the time needed to complete a Master's degree.

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Which state agency is responsible for licensing social workers in Michigan?

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The Michigan Department of Education oversees the licensure of school social workers, whereas the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs oversees the licensure of clinical or healthcare social workers. Before receiving their full license, social workers must work under a limited license. For more information about social work licensure, including limited licenses, in Michigan, visit www.nasw-michigan.org/page/MI-Licensure-Process.

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Featured Resources

Social Work Pathway Career Navigator

This guide is intended to be a resource for school counselors and other career professionals interested in helping high school students explore a career in social work.

Resources
News

Latest Social Worker News

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