Career Profile
Mental Health & Substance Abuse Social Workers
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems through a variety of treatments.
General Information
Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.
Important Work Activities
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
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Mental Health & Substance Abuse Social Workers
Occupational Outlook
For the Rural Capital Area
Job Opportunities
Over the next five years, an average of 24 openings per year are projected for Mental Health & Substance Abuse Social Workers.
Employment Change
Employment for Mental Health & Substance Abuse Social Workers is forecasted to increase on par with the regional average by 18.4% between 2023 and 2028.
Earnings Potential
An average worker in this occupation is paid $18.51/hour. Entry level workers are paid $16.18, while experienced workers are paid $22.52. The median wage is comparable to average regional wages across occupations.
Local Employment Opportunities
There are 171 Mental Health & Substance Abuse Social Workers in the RCA region. By 2028 this number could reach 203.
Top Employing Industries, Locally
The top industries employing Mental Health & Substance Abuse Social Workers are Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities, Outpatient Care Centers, and Individual and Family Services.
Knowledge Areas
The top most significant knowledge categories for Mental Health & Substance Abuse Social Workers include Therapy and Counseling, Psychology, and English Language.
Educational Attainment Patterns
The most common level of education for Mental Health & Substance Abuse Social Workers is Postgraduate degree. 100% of people employed in these roles have some form of college degree.