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Healthcare Social Workers

The short answer

Parts of this job are expected to change. AI can already assist with some of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 2,958 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the middle fifth for how much AI could touch it—right around the middle.

How much AI could touch this job

Middleband 3 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about half of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the middle fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.

AI can help with or automate about 65% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Collaborate with other professionals to evaluate patients' medical or physical condition and to assess client needs.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Refer patient, client, or family to community resources to assist in recovery from mental or physical illness and to provide access to services such as financial assistance, legal aid, housing, job placement or education.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  3. Utilize consultation data and social work experience to plan and coordinate client or patient care and rehabilitation, following through to ensure service efficacy.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  4. Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress according to measurable goals described in treatment and care plan.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  5. Identify environmental impediments to client or patient progress through interviews and review of patient records.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Advocate for clients or patients to resolve crises.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Educate clients about end-of-life symptoms and options to assist them in making informed decisions.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Investigate child abuse or neglect cases and take authorized protective action when necessary.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Counsel clients and patients in individual and group sessions to help them overcome dependencies, recover from illness, and adjust to life.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Organize support groups or counsel family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, and supporting the client or patient.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

    Very similar work
    +9% pay1,883 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays about 9% more—$81,604 vs your $75,113 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a master's degree, plus internship/residency.

    Getting ready typically takes more than four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Therapy and Counseling
    • Psychology
    • Social Perceptiveness
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Oral Expression

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

    Similar work
    +57% pay598 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 57% more—$117,602 vs your $75,113 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires a doctoral or professional degree, plus internship/residency.

    Getting ready typically takes more than four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Therapy and Counseling
    • Psychology
    • Social Perceptiveness
    • English Language
    • Oral Comprehension

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Registered Nurses

    Similar work
    +50% pay14,445 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 50% more—$112,504 vs your $75,113 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a bachelor's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes two to four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Psychology
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • English Language
    • Therapy and Counseling
    • Oral Comprehension

    New skills to build

    • Medicine and Dentistry
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Mathematics
    • Arm-Hand Steadiness
  • Occupational Therapists

    Somewhat similar work
    +32% pay877 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 32% more—$99,085 vs your $75,113 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a master's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes more than four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Psychology
    • Therapy and Counseling
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • English Language
    • Oral Expression

    New skills to build

    • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    • Instructing
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants

    Somewhat similar work
    slightly less pay521 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays slightly less—$70,270 vs your $75,113 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires an associate's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Psychology
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Therapy and Counseling
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Oral Expression

    New skills to build

    • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    • Static Strength
    • Manual Dexterity
    • Extent Flexibility
    • Multilimb Coordination
  • Social and Community Service Managers

    Somewhat similar work
    +30% pay2,105 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 30% more—$97,590 vs your $75,113 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a bachelor's degree, with less than 5 years of experience.

    Getting ready typically takes two to four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • English Language
    • Psychology
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Oral Expression

    New skills to build

    • Administration and Management
    • Mathematics
    • Personnel and Human Resources
    • Management of Personnel Resources
    • Systems Analysis