5 Social Work Jobs in Ethnicity and Race
- Health Equity Coordinator
- Probations Officer
- Race Relations Officer
- Director of Diversity
- Program Coordinator
It's easy to find social work jobs in ethnicity and race. Social work is a field dedicated to social justice and equality for everyone, so social work organizations prioritize diversity and fairness. You can also use your social work training to address race and ethnicity issues in government offices, healthcare systems and the criminal justice system. Here are five possible ways to use your education to work for a more equitable world.
1. Health Equity Coordinator
According to NPR, African-American infants are twice as likely to die during their first year of life as white infants. Ethnic and racial minorities face many health disparities throughout their life; however, a health equity coordinator pushes back against those medical differences. A social worker with a Master's of Social Work (MSW) focusing on clinical social work is the perfect candidate for this field. You'll help clinical staff understand how social issues affect patient outcomes and how medical practices can promote health for everyone.
2. Probations Officer (PO)
Working as a probations officer is like being a social worker for people in the criminal justice system. Because of systematic racism, former prisoners are disproportionately likely to be Hispanic or African-American. As a PO, you can use your social work skills to help your clients transition to a better place in life. You'll need to combine case management skills to keep track of your parolees with strength-based counseling to support everyone under your supervision. A strong dose of resiliency is also important to prevent burn out.
3. Race Relations Officer
Another criminal justice job that's a good fit for social workers who care about racial issues is race relations officer. Police departments are slowly realizing they need to improve their relationships with communities of color. You can use your social work skills to train officers on cultural competence. You'll also be on call for racially sensitive issues that need a calm negotiator. This is a great career path if you want to combine macro-level advocacy within a government agent with client services and work as a trainer.
4. Director of Diversity
Large institutions understand the importance of diversity. They want employees from all backgrounds to feel comfortable and productive at work. You can make that a reality as a diversity officer, diversity executive or director of diversity. You'll promote a welcoming workplace, create strategies for reaching diverse applicants and help current employees improve their understanding of race relations. You'll need at least an MSW for this role, and you'll be more competitive with a dual degree JD/MSW or MBA/MSW.
5. Program Coordinator
What kind of jobs are available with a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW)? Many non-profit organizations need program managers who can coordinate grants, motivate volunteers and promote the organization's values. Completing your BSW will give you valuable hands-on experience in the non-profit world if you choose the right practicum. This will make you a strong applicant for program management positions. You can focus your job search on non-profits that promote positive race relations or help minority groups overcome obstacles.
Related Resource: The 14 Most Affordable Accredited MSW Programs in the North East 2018
As you can see, a bachelor's or master's degree in social work gives you many options. When you've finished your education, you'll have your pick of social work careers in ethnicity and race.