Macro social work – programs and careers

Introduction to macro social work

Social workers are problem solvers who help people find solutions to life challenges. The field of social work is broad, making it useful to divide into 3 levels of social work interventions: micro, mezzo, and macro. Micro social workers provide one-on-one services to clients, which may include clinical services such as psychotherapy. Mezzo social workers work with groups of people, including communities or organizations. Macro social workers take the widest lens by focusing on institutional and systemic social problems.

What does a macro social worker do?

Macro social workers think about big picture issues. They may work at government agencies, think tanks, advocacy groups, or non-profit organizations. Some roles for a macro social worker include research, community education, advocacy, policy analysis, administration, and organizational development. Macro social workers are found working on most of our society’s most pressing issues such as healthcare access, homelessness, suicide, mental health crises, substance abuse, and racism or structural inequalities. While macro social workers do not provide direct individual services, they have the potential to impact hundreds or thousands of people due to the large scope of their work.

Becoming a macro social worker does not mean that you will be pigeon-holed into one type of work.

Becoming a macro social worker does not mean that you will be pigeon-holed into one type of work. Indeed, macro social workers often work in a mezzo or micro capacity during their careers. For example, a macro social worker doing research on opioid overdose prevention might implement a community-based needle exchange program (mezzo). Macro social workers learn a broad set of skills during their training that prepare them to work in several capacities.

Skills and traits needed to succeed in macro social work

The nature of social work means that the field draws people with a deep compassion for social inequities and injustices. Unlike micro or mezzo social workers, macro social workers do not necessarily work directly with people. To succeed in their work, they draw upon the following skills and traits:

What education is needed to do macro social work?

Bachelor’s of social work (BSW)

Typically, social workers need at least a bachelor’s degree. There are 2 main types of degree programs: bachelor’s of social work (BSW) and bachelor of arts in social work (BASW). Both programs focus on theories of social work, including methods of addressing societal problems. Some bachelor’s degree programs include internships or other applied experiences to gain practical skills.

Bachelor’s degree programs typically prepare their graduates for entry level positions. Often, these types of positions involve working with other social workers with master’s degrees or doctoral degrees. Rather than designing your own programs and interventions, you may focus on implementing other people’s work. For example, a bachelor’s degree social work position might involve working at a state prison to involve inmates in a new educational program.

Master’s of social work (MSW)

A master’s degree of social work (MSW) is a common choice for macro social workers. This type of degree provides advanced education in theory, methods, and implementation of social service initiatives. Before committing to an MSW program, ask questions to determine whether it focuses on macro social work. Clinical social work programs often prepare people to become micro or mezzo social workers and may not be appropriate for those seeking to become a macro social worker.

A master’s degree in social work prepares you to work independently to develop and implement programs or policies. For example, a master’s level social worker may be a community organizer, policy analyst, or program development officer for a nonprofit.

Doctorate of social work (DSW)

Social workers who decide to earn a doctoral degree, often base this decision on wanting to advance their careers within the macro sphere. There are 2 types of doctoral degrees: a doctorate of social work (DSW) and a Ph.D. The DSW degree is typically a practice-oriented degree, meaning you may learn advanced clinical skills. Macro social workers may be more likely to earn a Ph.D., which is more research oriented. A Ph.D. in social work will focus heavily on methodology, theory, and research.

A doctorate degree prepares you to work in higher positions within an organization than a bachelor’s or master’s degree. This may correspond to greater responsibilities or leadership roles. For example, someone with a doctoral degree may work for a state government to change legislation related to physician-assisted suicide.

Do you need a license or certification to become a macro social worker?

Most macro social workers do not provide clinical services such as psychotherapy. Thus, they do not need a license to practice. Aside from successful completion of a degree program, there is no standard licensure or certification process for macro social workers.

People who are predominantly micro or mezzo social workers may do some macro social work.

However, some social workers prefer not to limit themselves to solely macro-level work. People who are predominantly micro or mezzo social workers may do some macro social work. Similarly, macro social workers may maintain a small private practice on the side or perform other clinical services. The versatility of the social work degree is part of what makes it so attractive.

For macro social workers who do intend to work directly with clients, there are 4 main types of licenses:

Licensed bachelor social worker (LBSW)

To obtain this licensure, first complete a bachelor’s degree in social work, followed by 2 years of supervised experience, and then pass the ASWB bachelor’s exam.

Licensed master social worker (LMSW)

This license requires the completion of an accredited MSW program and passing the LMSW exam.

Advanced generalist

An advanced generalist license is similar to an LMSW license except that it requires 2 years of relevant experience supervised by a master’s or doctoral-level social worker. You also need to pass the ASWB advanced generalist exam.

Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)

This license requires the completion of a master’s degree in clinical social work. After 2 years of postgraduate supervised clinical service and passing the ASWB clinical exam, you are eligible to become an LCSW.

Typical careers in macro social work

Macro social workers work to solve society’s most challenging programs. The level of autonomy and responsibility differs depending on the type of degree you earn. For example, someone with a bachelor’s degree might help with day-to-day operations of a community-based activity program. A person with an MSW may develop different programs, such as creating a new relapse prevention program in consultation with administrators, current substance users, and the state department of health. Finally, someone with a doctorate degree might teach at the university level or advocate for public policies at a think tank or within state government.

Following are some common careers for macro social workers:

Conclusion

Social workers take a solutions-focused approach to society’s problems. They work to empower members of communities to improve their quality of life. Macro social workers operate at the most zoomed out level of social work. They work on systemic or institutional issues that affect large groups of people.

Unlike micro social workers, who provide direct one-on-one services to clients, macro social workers often work on broader policies or concepts.

Unlike micro social workers, who provide direct one-on-one services to clients, macro social workers often work on broader policies or concepts. However, the nature of their work means that they have the potential to make a large impact on the people they serve.

The takeaway message here is that the versatility of social work as a profession makes it possible for you to move between macro, mezzo, and micro social work at different stages of your career which allows for greater choice in the work you decide to do.