At Pacific Oaks College, we understand the power of a social work degree to create change and improve lives. While many assume licensure is required to pursue a social work career, numerous fulfilling roles are available to those without a license. Here’s a closer look at the different career options, the qualifications needed to excel in these roles, and how they align with today’s job market.
Certification vs. Licensure: Key Differences
Understanding the distinctions between certification and licensure can help you navigate your career path in social work:
- Certification: This is often an optional step demonstrating your specialized expertise in particular areas. It can be a great way to stand out to employers.
- Licensure: A requirement in certain states, licensure grants official permission to perform specific duties within the profession.
The following careers offer pathways to apply your social work education without needing state licensure.
6 Career Paths for Social Work Graduates Without a License
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Behavioral Management Aide
A behavioral management aide works closely with individuals or children with behavioral challenges to implement strategies to promote positive behavior. These professionals often serve in educational settings, community centers, or medical institutions.
- Job Functions: Implement behavioral strategies and assist clients in meeting social norms
- Degree Type: An Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in behavioral studies or a related discipline is typically required.
- Recommended Certifications: RBT (Registered Behavior Technician), CPR, CDA (Child Development Associate).
- Salary: According to Ziprecruiter.com*, the average annual salary for a Behavioral Management Aide is $41,000 (it can range from $30,000 to $60,000).
- Career Outlook: Expected to grow by 18% by 2030 as awareness of mental health and development support increases.
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Case Management Aide
Case Management Aides play a pivotal role in social work by assisting licensed professionals with administrative tasks, managing case files, and connecting clients to resources. They help ensure that social workers can focus on direct client support:
- Job Functions: Provide admin assistance, manage client documentation, and coordinate service access.
- Degree Type: An associate degree is typically required, but a bachelor’s in social work is preferred. Bilingual candidates stand out in this field.
- Salary: The average salary is $50,000 annually, according to Salary.com.
- Career Outlook: Case management roles are abundant in social work, with the National Association of Social Workers noting that many non-licensed positions fall under this category.
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Community Outreach Worker
Community outreach workers bridge the gap between social services and the communities they serve. These workers inform residents about programs and help people access essential resources in underserved areas.
- Job Function: Educate communities about available social services and facilitate connections to necessary resources.
- Degree Type: A degree in social work, sociology, or a related field is often required.
- Salary: According to Glassdoor, the average salary stands at around $42,000 per year.
- Career Outlook: Demand for outreach workers is projected to grow by 11% by 2031 as social support becomes increasingly vital in urban and rural communities (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
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Community Outreach Worker
Community outreach workers bridge the gap between social services and the communities they serve. These workers inform residents about programs and help people access essential resources in underserved areas.
- Job Functions: Educate communities about available social services and facilitate connections to necessary resources.
- Degree Type: A degree in social work, sociology, or a related field is often required.
- Salary: The average salary stands at $42,000 per year, according to Glassdoor.
- Career Outlook: Demand for outreach workers is projected to grow by 11% by 2031 as social support becomes increasingly vital in urban and rural communities (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
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Juvenile Court Liason
Juvenile court liaisons work directly with young people in the legal system, offering guidance and connecting them to services that promote rehabilitation and positive change.
- Job Functions: Support juveniles throughout legal processes and connect them to rehabilitation services.
- Degree Type: An associate degree is a common minimum requirement, but a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work can boost job prospects.
- Salary: Salaries average around $48,000 annually, ranging from $37,000 to $70,000, according to ZipRecruiter.
- Career Outlook: With 62% of juveniles experiencing improved outcomes when supported by a liaison, this role is crucial to shaping futures.
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Rehabilitation Caseworker
Rehabilitation caseworkers help individuals recovering from substance abuse or reentering society after incarceration. These professionals develop comprehensive recovery plans and guide clients through the rehabilitation process.
- Job Functions: Create and manage rehabilitation strategies and support client reintegration into society.
- Degree Type: A bachelor’s degree is typically required, though a master’s degree increases job opportunities.
- Salary: According to Salary.com, rehabilitation caseworkers earn an average salary of $48,000 annually, ranging from $41,000 to $58,000.
- Career Outlook: With 1 in 12 adults in the U.S. needing substance abuse treatment (SAMHSA), the demand for rehabilitation caseworkers is likely to rise.
A social work degree offers numerous paths to making a meaningful difference in communities, even without pursuing licensure. Whether you aspire to become a behavioral management aide, case management aide, or eligibility worker, there are plenty of options to apply your knowledge and skills in impactful ways.
Explore Further Education
Pacific Oaks College offers flexible online programs designed for working professionals. Whether pursuing a Bachelor’s in Social Work or aiming for a Master of Social Work (MSW), we prepare you for a fulfilling career—whether you choose a licensed or non-licensed path.
Why Pacific Oaks College?
- Flexible online learning options for professionals.
- Hands-on experience to prepare you for real-world challenges.
- Comprehensive support for both licensure and non-licensure career paths.
