Social workers are a group of professionals who help their clients cope with issues like poverty, homelessness and family conflict. They may work in the private sector, government or nonprofits. They usually specialize in one of over 40 practice areas, including disaster relief, child welfare services and gerontology. Some also serve in supervisory, administrative, research, teaching or policy positions. They often serve in conjunction with other allied health professionals, such as nurses, physical therapists and speech-language therapists.
social worker Corinda is a person who has the job of helping families and individuals in their community to deal with problems, especially those involving family abuse or substance misuse. They also help with housing, food, employment and other societal needs. The job can be rewarding and emotionally draining, and it’s important for social workers to understand their client’s situation.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of professional social workers is expected to grow by 12% between 2020 and 2030. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. This is due to a growing elderly population and a shift toward more mental health treatment programs. Those with a Master’s degree in social work can choose to be clinical or non-clinical. The latter option involves a focus on advocacy, community resource development and education.
Clinical social workers use a variety of psychological modalities in their work, including cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy. They are trained to recognize and address the underlying causes of their clients’ behavior, including childhood trauma, family relationships and cultural attitudes. They work with their clients to develop a plan of action, which may include family counseling, community support and educational programs, job search assistance and drug addiction treatment.
Social workers are also often found in the fields of medical and public health, where they assist patients with finding resources for their care. They can be especially helpful for families of children with disabilities, and they can provide valuable information about the different government agencies that offer support.
Many social workers have been involved in activism and civic engagement, and many hold elective office, from school boards to city councils, state legislatures and Congress. They may also be involved in legislative and policy making, promoting legislation that supports social change and creating community initiatives to improve quality of life for their clients.
There are three levels of social work practice: micro, mezzo and macro. Social workers at the mezzo level work with groups of people, such as in a school, prison or hospital. They may also provide individual or family therapy. In the case of hospitals, they may assist with rehabilitation and recovery from substance abuse.
Those who choose to become a social worker often find it rewarding and challenging, but the pay is not as high as some other careers. If you are interested in becoming a social worker, start by researching your local opportunities and deciding whether this is the right career path for you. Then, get ready to work for your community.