Gerontologists study the effects of aging. They work closely with the elderly community. They may be classified as gerontological social workers, or by the general term social workers, assisting the department of social work services at most agencies. As social workers, they help to improve the lives of elderly citizens coping with family problems, long-term illnesses, disability issues, unemployment, psychological abnormalities, and housing displacements. They provide assistance to elderly citizens through advocacy and community outreach efforts. They are required to have a bachelor’s degree and a state license in their field of expertise. Check out the programs below which offer free information:
B.S. in Human Services – Gerontology by Kaplan University
Master of Health Administration / Gerontology by University of Phoenix
BA/Gerontology by Ashford University
Gerontological social workers have a greater chance of finding job prospects. The field is expected to grow as more and more people are living beyond the age of 65 and well into their eighties. Employment is expected to increase by sixteen percent in the next ten years as the population grows older and the elderly citizens require extensive social services.
Gerontology Job Responsibilities
Gerontological social workers develop group activities for the elderly community at many long-term care facilities. They also create and manage support groups. They serve as case study managers to help community participants with basic needs such as housing and healthcare. They also monitor the long-term physical needs and mental health of their clients. They coordinate transportation and outdoor physical activities.
Gerontological social workers typically work in hospitals and nursing facilities. They work with their local and civic government to advocate on behalf of their clients, monitoring legislation and lobbying for extra grant funding. They conduct life skills classes. They intervene in major crises affecting the elderly such as drug abuse and rehabilitation.
Gerontological social workers work as researchers and planners. They draft policies and procedures manuals. They evaluate community programs for the elderly. They respond to regulatory violations. They write grant proposals to raise funding.
Gerontological social workers typically work a forty-hour week that includes traveling to meet with clients and affiliate providers. They conduct meetings, manage a group of social workers and caseloads, monitor community meetings, and coordinate volunteer programs. They often are expected to work overtime to include weekends.
Gerontology Training and Education Requirements
Gerontological social workers are required to have a bachelor’s degree in the occupation. They are also required to be licensed in some specialties. They may complete a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW), enrolling in such popular majors as sociology, elderly and the community, mental health, and psychology. With a BSW, graduates prepare for case work and residential counseling. They train to work with diverse populations and provide social services counseling for at-risk clients. They must be supervised in the field.
To advance to management positions, gerontological social workers must have a master’s degree (MSW). The master’s degree in social work prepares graduates for clinical work in public health settings; and supervisory and administrative work in local hospitals and community agencies. Graduates train to evaluate clinical procedures, to supervise personnel and employee programs, and manage a significant number of cases. They enroll in a two-year MSW program and complete an internship. At this level, students have the option of taking additional courses in political science and economics to supplement their studies. To work more with mental and psychological health, students may also take biology and advanced psychology coursework.
To become recognized researchers and scholars of the field, gerontological social workers may complete a doctorate in social work (DSW/Ph.D.).
Gerontological social workers must be objective and empathetic to the needs of the community members they serve. They manage their responsibilities by working well with other social work personnel.
Gerontology Salary and Wages
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for gerontological social workers was $39,530 in May 2008, with the top ten percent earning more than $66,000 in the same year. These are gerontological social workers who worked in the field of child and family services of their local agencies. Social workers who were employed in local government earned $46,650, less than those who worked for the state ($39,600). Those who worked for local schools earned more than those who worked for the government ($53,860). Social workers who were residential counselors earned $34,270.
Gerontological social workers who worked in the medical profession only earned slightly more than their counterparts, with the median annual wage set at $46,650 and the top ten percent earning a minimum of $69,090. Those who worked in nursing care earned $41,080, which is less than those who worked in local government hospitals ($44,140). Social workers who provided home health services earned $46,930, which is less than those who worked for medical hospitals ($51,470).
Gerontological social workers who worked in the mental health and rehabilitation field earned significantly less than their counterparts. The median annual wage for social workers who worked in the field of substance abuse was $37,210, with the highest ten percent earning in excess of $61,000. Social workers who worked in outpatient centers earned $36,660. The substance abuse and rehabilitation agencies employed more social workers than all of the other specialties combined.
Gerontology Certifications
Gerontological social workers must be licensed according to their state regulations.
They may advance to the role of supervisor or administrator. They may also become the executive director of an agency or department. As administrators, they help to develop policies, formulate legislative agendas, and advocate on behalf of the field and the local agency.
Gerontology Professional Associations
Gerontological social workers may join The National Association of Social Workers (NASW). The NASW provides professional development standards and establish policy for the field of social work. Membership benefits include local chapter networking and partnership discounts to help with office management and transportation costs. Members who have completed a master’s degree in social work or a doctorate may join the NASW for $190. Members with a bachelor’s degree may join for $125. All degrees must be completed through an accredited program in social work.
Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree social work program may join for $48. Doctoral students may join for $143. Students can only retain this classification for approximately four years and they must provide a school-affiliated identification card as proof of their student status. Discounts are available for student members based upon years of membership.
Gerontological social workers who work in the field and who have a degree in social work may join the NASW as an Associate Member for $151. They must work within an accredited agency and not work for themselves. They may vote in NASW elections for five years.
Gerontological social workers may also join The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The CSWE accredits and recognizes institutional degree offerings in the field of social work. It is a not-for-profit association, recognized as an accrediting agency by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Membership benefits include annual meetings, leadership development seminars, and volunteer and community outreach opportunities. Annual dues are based on the total number of graduates in each major within the field.
Gerontological social workers may also seek membership with the Center for Clinical Social Work. The Center is an advocacy group for sufferers of psychological and social problems. The Center primarily supports the interests of clinical social workers. Membership benefits include advocacy, education training resources, legal planning, and leadership development.
