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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 21-1023 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
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.
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Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
OJT: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Tasks: Counsel clients in individual or group sessions to assist them in dealing with substance abuse, mental or physical illness, poverty, unemployment, or physical abuse. Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress with respect to treatment goals. Interview clients, review records, conduct assessments, or confer with other professionals to evaluate the mental or physical condition of clients or patients. Collaborate with counselors, physicians, or nurses to plan or coordinate treatment, drawing on social work experience and patient needs. Counsel or aid family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, or supporting the client or patient. Refer patient, client, or family to community resources for housing or treatment to assist in recovery from mental or physical illness, following through to ensure service efficacy. Modify treatment plans according to changes in client status. Educate clients or community members about mental or physical illness, abuse, medication, or available community resources. Assist clients in adhering to treatment plans, such as setting up appointments, arranging for transportation to appointments, or providing support. Increase social work knowledge by reviewing current literature, conducting social research, or attending seminars, training workshops, or classes.
License: License not required.
Outlook: Good
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $13.29   Entry $27,636.00
Mean $18.95   Mean $39,415.00
Experience $21.78 Experience $45,310.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
1,2901,5001601.51
Related Occupations: Postsecondary Institutions With Programs:
Adult Basic and Secondary Education and Literacy Teachers and Instructors
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Genetic Counselors
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Speech-Language Pathologists
Training and Development Specialists
No postsecondary schools reported programs.
Occupational Videos
21-1023.00 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers