What is social work? What do you do? How do you take away peoples’ children?
These are all questions that social workers get asked when they introduce themselves and their career to people who don’t understand what Social Workers do.
Very basically social work is a profession that focuses on helping people in need. Social workers work with individuals, families, groups, and communities to address a wide range of issues, including poverty, homelessness, mental health, addiction, and child abuse. They also advocate for social change and work to improve the lives of people who are marginalized or oppressed.
Social workers are trained to assess client needs, develop and implement treatment plans, and provide support and resources. They may also work to educate the public about social issues and advocate for policies that promote social justice.
Social work is a rewarding and challenging profession that requires a strong commitment to helping others. Social workers make a difference in the lives of the people they serve and play an important role in creating a more just and equitable society.
Social workers work in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Mental health clinics
- Social service agencies
- Government agencies
- Private practice
In these settings social workers:
- Assess client needs and develop treatment plans
- Provide support and resources to clients
- Advocate for social change
- Work to improve the lives of people who are marginalized or oppressed
- Educate the public about social issues
- Advocate for policies that promote social justice
People get into social work for a variety of reasons, and with a social work degree you can do so many things (just look above!). As a social worker you learn about peoples most intimate lives, desires, and drives. You will find each person’s experience is valid and important, just like each social workers drive and inspiration for the profession.