- Make a difference: Social workers can make a real difference in the lives of people by helping them to improve their social, emotional, and economic well-being. They can do this by working with individuals, families, and communities to address a wide range of challenges, such as poverty, homelessness, mental health issues, and addiction.
- Variety of career options: There are many different career options available to social workers. They can work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, schools, and private practice. They can also work in a variety of settings, such as health departments, hospitals, clinics, and community centers.
- Education Pathway: Most social workers in public health settings either work in clinical settings or are community based, focused on connecting families to local resources. For clinical settings, Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) are required to have a master’s of social work and state licensure. While care managers who work outside of clinical settings, are required to at least have a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW).
- Opportunities for growth and advancement: With the right skills and experience, social workers can move into leadership positions or specialize in a particular area of social work, such as mental health and clinical social work, and care management.
- Work-life balance: Social workers typically work regular hours, with some overtime required. This can be a good option for people who want a good work-life balance.
“I enjoy providing the resources necessary to help individuals better manage their health. It is my wish to empower every person that I come in contact with, as a social worker we must ensure each individual has access to great healthcare and is provided excellent services.”
Zionna Wood, Social Worker
Here are some of the tasks that social workers do:
- Provide counseling and support to individuals and families
- Advocate for clients’ rights
- Help clients access resources and services
- Conduct assessments and interventions
- Develop and implement social service programs
- Conduct research on social issues
If you are interested in a career that combines helping others, social justice, and community service, then a social work career may be a good fit for you. It is a rewarding career that allows you to make a real difference in the lives of people.
Here are some of the skills that are essential for social workers:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Knowledge of social work theory and practice
- Ability to understand and address social issues
- Ability to work with diverse populations
