Are social workers in demand?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job demand for social workers is expected to increase by 16 percent between 2016 and 2026. The growth will be particularly strong because of increased demand for healthcare related to the aging population, and jobs social workers in health care related practices, such as psychiatric and gerontological social work, are projected to increase by 20 percent. Due to increased awareness about substance abuse as well as a growing emphasis on treatment programs for drug offenders, the BLS also expects strong demand for mental health and substance abuse counselors.