What is Social Work?
Social work is a mental health profession that exists to assist other people through life's most difficult challenges. Social workers help individuals, groups, and communities function successfully in the social arena, dealing with a vast array of obstacles. If you have questions about social work that aren't addressed in our articles, ask us on our Facebook wall.
The Social Work Profession
Social work is comprised of a number of specialties, including:
- Mental health therapy
- Disaster relief
- Military and veterans' service
- Community and rural health
- Child abuse and neglect
- Adoption and foster care
- Homeless family assistance
- Domestic violence
- Parent education
- Eating disorders
- Addiction prevention and treatment
- Outpatient training
- Housing assistance
- Employment services
Because of the great diversity of social work, a social worker's duties are not set in stone. While some work the traditional 40-hour week in an office environment, others travel to rural communities, meet with clients and service providers, attend or hold meetings, or handle emergency situations.
Social Work Challenges
There are a number of challenges involved in social work. Social workers must help people cope with and solve difficult issues in their everyday lives, but they must also help people – and communities – deal with the biggest and most damaging problems in modern society. Social workers are routinely faced with situations caused by poverty, discrimination, abuse, addiction, physical illness, divorce, loss, unemployment, educational problems, disability and mental illness. Social work requires a deep-seated knowledge of human development and behavior; of social, economic, and cultural institutions; and of the interaction of all these factors.
Many social workers are also responsible for conducting research, advocating for improved services, and becoming involved in the planning and policy development of social improvement. Social workers must have a sympathetic understanding of the human condition and be able to face challenges head-on with compassion and civility.
Social Work Education
Social workers are highly qualified individuals who have either a bachelor's or a master's degree in social work. Entry-level social workers need to have a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, or a related field. Supervisors, researchers, and teachers in social work usually hold a doctorate in social work.
The Council on Social Work Education is the main accrediting body of baccalaureate and master's social work programs. In 2009, there were 468 accredited baccalaureate social work programs and 198 accredited master's social work programs.
Licensure and Certification
In addition to the post-secondary education requirement, social workers also need to fulfill licensing, certification, and registration requirements, as determined by each state. The Association of Social Work Boards regulates the 170-question multiple-choice exam, and provides information on social work licensing across the United States. There are four categories of social work licensure exams: Bachelor's, Master's, Advanced Generalist, and Clinical. Not every state uses all four categories, so applicants should check with their individual state board to determine which exams are most appropriate for them.
Social Workers in the United States
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , social workers held roughly 642,000 jobs in 2008. About 54 percent were in healthcare-related industries, while 31 percent were employed by government agencies. However, professional social workers are found in every facet of community life, from schools and hospitals to elected offices and corporations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for social workers will increase by 16 percent by 2018, making social work one of the fastest growing industries in the United States.
According to the National Association of Social Workers, professional social workers are the nation's largest group of mental health services providers. If you are looking for a profession that involves helping individuals and communities, and making a positive difference in the lives of others, a career in social work could be the right choice for you.
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Article Resources:
Association of Social Work Boards
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Council on Social Work Education
National Association of Social Workers