Case Manager vs Social Worker: Understanding the Differences With a Master of Social Work Online
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There are important distinctions between being a social worker and being case manager. While both are important positions that aim to help people manage with life’s issues, social workers provide care while case managers most coordinate care. As Indeed notes, case management and social worker roles “differ based on the particular services they provide to their clients.” Before professionals with an interest in social work make plans for their future, they should first understand the differences.
For those who want to pursue a social work career, the Sacred Heart University (SHU) online Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers a foundational understanding of what social workers do and how students can thrive in various social work roles. The program is built on the tenets of social work, the Catholic intellectual tradition and a belief in experiential learning — all of which prepare graduates by imparting knowledge of advanced topics in the field.
Social Worker vs Case Manager – What’s the Difference?
Anyone who has considered pursuing a job in social work has probably had to weigh the differences between career paths, including that of social worker and case manager. As Chron notes: “One area of confusion for many people is the difference between a social worker and a case manager. While these professions can have some overlapping duties, they differ in significant ways, including job focus, skill level, education and licensing.”
Social workers, as defined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), help people in their care both prevent and cope with problems in their lives. The BLS explains, “Social workers are employed in a variety of settings, including child welfare and human service agencies, healthcare providers, and schools.” In addition, the outlook for the profession’s growth over the next several years is high, and overall employment for social workers is expected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033.
Case managers are responsible for coordinating care for clients in their care. Chron elaborates: “Case managers work with agencies and institutions to ensure that clients get the care they need.” This can involve a variety of different tasks. For example, Chron states that a case manager “may perform intake interviews to get a better understanding of a client’s needs, and then assist a client in connecting with needed services.” Case managers also work closely with other service providers and connect them to other services as needed.
Who Is Best Suited for Social Work and Case Management?
A career as a social worker is built around helping others handle issues in their lives, “including psychological, financial, health, relationship, and substance abuse problems,” according to Verywell Mind. It is a role for anyone looking for work that is both challenging and rewarding.
Working as a social worker is also a good fit for people willing to devote time to furthering their education. While the exact educational requirements will depend on one’s specialty, entry-level social worker jobs require a bachelor’s degree. Earning a master’s degree in social work also allows you to access more expansive career options.
Becoming a case manager requires a significant investment in time and education. Before you can enter the profession, you need both extensive training and experience. Case managers often start our as social workers. In some cases, prospective case managers may work first as social workers, which is a common first step. “As an entry-level social worker, the new employee will handle cases under the supervision of a case manager as they continue learning the skills necessary for their career to progress,” states Indeed.
How to Expand Your Social Work Career
Understanding the distinctions between social workers and case managers allows professionals to achieve their specific career goals. Sacred Heart University’s online MSW program offers opportunities to expand your knowledge of social work through courses such as Human Behavior and the Social Environment I and II, Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis, and Trauma-Informed Practice. For social work professionals looking to progress their careers and maximize their community impact, an investment in education might be exactly the right move.