Social workers with either a bachelor's degree or master's degree can provide direct care to clients. Examples are taking clients to appointments, helping them fill out employment applications, assisting them with signing up for food stamps and many other important activities. The work setting determines the services provided. For example, medical social workers ensure hospital patients receive adequate medical care and any necessary services continue after discharge, while social workers who work for child protective services investigate allegations of child abuse.
Master's level social workers can provide mental health therapy for clients in outpatient clinics and inpatient hospitals. Many facilities also require licensure to be employed as a therapist. Therapists apply a variety of psychotherapy theories to treat mental illnesses, family dysfunction, stress and marital discord. They also document services through intake assessments, session notes, treatment plans and discharge summaries.
Master's level social workers also may provide supervision to bachelor's level social workers. The higher degreed professionals meet regularly with bachelor's level social workers and other subordinate staff to review cases and provide feedback and recommendations. Supervisors may also be required to sign off on bachelor's level employees' documentation. Supervisors also serve clients as therapists or direct care social workers.
Master's level social workers may also serve administrative roles, including as clinic directors who manage a single clinic or office, clinical managers who supervise clinic directors and coordinate services among clinics, or executive directors who preside over an agency. Administrators typically don't serve clients, but attend meetings with staff, other agencies or boards of directors and make decisions regarding agency administration, including hiring of staff, pay increases, and negotiation with funding sources such as insurance companies or grant programs.