If you are considering moving to Arizona or starting a new job or training experience in the state, there are many different things that you need to think about. And if you are considering a job in a field that is healthcare-related, which means that you will work directly with the population of the state, having some understanding of demographics may be useful.
As a social worker, for instance, you can work with members of all levels of the community, from the very young to the very old. The population of Arizona, which stood at just over 6.6 million in 2013, is rising. About 6.5% of the population is under 5 and 15.4% of the population is above 65. These are the two age groups that most frequently have a requirement for social workers. Indeed, the census showed that Arizona is quite typical in makeup as the rest of the country.
Arizona Social Work Certification
In order to be employed in social work in Arizona, you need either a bachelor’s or master’s degree. This will allow you to become registered as a social worker in the state. You have a choice between a four-year bachelor’s degree, a six years master’s degree or an eight years master’s and clinical hours degree. Different schools in the state offer these degree programs, including:
• LBSW (bachelor’s)
• LMSW (master’s)
• LCSW (master’s with 3200 clinical hours)
Some of the most popular schools include:
• Arizona State University, bachelor’s (56 semester hours, GPA of 2.0) and master’s degrees (part time, full time and accelerated). Accredited by CSWE and NCA. With four campuses throughout the state.
• Northern Arizona University, bachelor’s degree. Takes 120 credit hours to complete. Accredited by CSWA and NCA.
• Mesa Community College. Requires an honor’s project for completion. Highly popular program with residents.
Employment Opportunities for Social Workers in Arizona
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted that there will be a 19% increase in requirements for social workers between now and 2022. This is due to the fact that children are having increasingly complex legal needs, and due to the fact that the population is aging. Additionally, as substance abuse is becoming less of a criminal act and more of something that people are sent to treatment for, the face of the workforce is changing as well. This does also demonstrate that the best opportunities are in substance abuse work.
Social workers are divided into three categories:
1. Those who work with schools, families and children.
2. Those who work in the healthcare industry.
3. Those who work in substance abuse.
Nationally, the average salary for a social worker is $48,370. At the last count in Arizona, there were between 3,790 and 6,010 social workers in the state. The location quotient is between 0.80 and 1.25. The annual salary average is on par with the national average. Employment is particular good in the Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale metropolitan area.
Employers of Social Workers in Arizona
Some organizations in Arizona that look for social workers include:
The Mayo Clinic
Address: Scottsdale Campus
Telephone: (77)6-0440
Website
The Mayo Clinic is all about improving patient outcomes and needs. It is a highly professional organization where teamwork is highly valued. The organization reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center
Address: Scottsdale, AZ
Telephone: 877-898-6569
Website
The Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center is one of the highest rated medical centers in the state. Working here allows you to truly meet all the diverse needs of the community.
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
Address: Scottsdale, AZ
Telephone: 480.362.7400
Website
The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community is a fully sovereign tribe within the metropolitan area of Phoenix. It is a large community made up of two Native American tribes, being the Pima and the Maricopa.
Arizona Social Work Scholarships, Fellowships and Grants
Scholarships from:
- The National Institutes of Health, for those who have at least a 3.5 GPA and are in the top 5% of their class.
- The NABSW, which is for those who want to focus on issues that affect African-American communities in particular.
- The Association on American Indian Affairs, which is designed for students who are enrolled in a tribe in continental US and Alaska.
Fellowships and Grants from:
- The Morris K. Udall Foundation, which anyone can apply for but is mainly offered to Native American students.
- The Doris Duke Fellowship for the Promotion of Child Well-Being: Seeking Innovations to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect, which is a national fellowship.
