Social Workers and their impact on Society

Have you ever wondered about the individuals who are making a real difference in our society? Among them are social workers, who work tirelessly to help those in need, often in challenging circumstances. Social workers are passionate professionals who are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families. In this blog, we'll explore the world of social work, what it entails, and the impact that social workers have on society. But first, let's start with the basics:

 

What is social work, and who is a social worker?

According to the international federation of Social Workers, IFSW, “Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance well-being”.

Social workers are trained professionals who help vulnerable populations overcome challenges and promote social welfare. They advocate for social and economic justice, providing meaningful guidance and support in various settings.

What does a social worker do?

A social worker’s job involves identifying individuals and communities in need of help. They assess their clients’ needs, situations, and support networks to determine their goals and develop a plan of action. Social workers provide counseling and support to help clients adjust to changes and challenges in their lives. They also monitor their clients’ progress and make necessary adjustments to their plans. Responding to crises and advocating for their clients’ rights is also a crucial part of their role. Social workers collaborate with other professionals, such as doctors, teachers, and lawyers, to provide comprehensive support to their clients. Social workers are needed at the state, federal, and local levels, working through a diverse population from infants to elderly from small towns to big cities

Social work relies on breaking cycle of trauma by encouraging individuals to move past their problems and transforming their environment through helpful support groups. Social workers may be community organizers or community builders. They can work in various specialties.

How to become a social worker?
Social work is a diverse field with many different specializations. Becoming a social worker requires dedication, empathy, and a passion for helping others. To pursue a career in social work, several educational requirements and practical steps need to be taken.

1. Education requirements for a social worker

i. Bachelors degree:
A bachelor's degree in social work (BSW), sociology, psychology, or a degree in public health is the first step in becoming a social worker. Aspiring pupils should participate in social services, case works, rehabilitation programs, etc to get more exposure in the fields. With a bachelor's degree and relevant experience, one can easily get an entry-level social worker job.

ii. Internships:
Some institutes require an internship as a part of education requirements. Internships can be undertaken at social service organizations, schools, rehabilitation centers, government institutions, etc. Internships provide more hands-on training to individuals and also meet the requirements for a social worker license.

iii. Social work specialization:
Selecting a social work specialty can help individuals upgrade their knowledge and stand out in the job market. Specialty can include additional coursework or internships or even a master's degree in a specific field. Specialization in the social work field includes the following:

a. Child or family social worker

b. School social worker

c. Medical or clinical social worker

d. Mental health social worker

e. Substance abuse or Rehab social worker

f. Community health worker

g. Environment health social worker

 

iv. Master's degree:
Some clinical field workers like mental health social worker, medical or clinical social worker require a masters degree or MSW  along with the license to be eligible for clinical practice. Further, a masters degree opens up more career opportunities, providing more exposure to fieldwork.

 

2. Social worker license
Just as any other professional, social workers also need to be recognized by a regulatory authority for practice. Every state’s regulatory board has different requirements for license. For non-clinical social work, some states provide a license after bachelors degree. Licensing requires completion of an accredited programs and a board exam.
Candidates who want to become licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) need a master’s degree and completion of certain hours of supervised training. Further, candidates also have to sit in a board exam, depending on the regulatory body’s requirements.
License once obtained has to be renewed every 2 years or so along with participation in continuing medical education programs.  

3. What difference does a social worker license make?
A license ensures clients’ and public safety from unsafe or poorly trained providers. Most employers or health insurance providers prefer a licensed professional who adheres to a code of ethics and conducts.
Recognition in the form of a license allows the workers to provide independent and more diverse services to their patients.  A Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) is allowed to diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders independent of a supervisor. They can work with a client for developing strategies to cope with a difficult situation or refer a client to other resources or services.
Apart from developing diagnoses and treatment plans, licensed clinical social workers may also adjust the treatment plan if deemed necessary based on the client’s progress.   

 Career path for social worker:

A career in social work is both demanding and rewarding. According to the US Bureau of labor statistics, the employment rate of social workers is expected to grow by 12%  from year 2020 to 2030. Licensed clinical social worker may also be well-positioned based on their skills and expertise. Field of social work offers a wide range of career options.

1. Child or family social worker
They work for family services, individually or with community non-profit organizations. They help people find housing or other services e.g. childcare, locate foster care facilities, and reunite families. Some also help with adoption.
These social workers also intervene when the children are in danger of any physical or emotional abuse.

2.  School social worker
They work with school administration, teachers, or even parents to help improve children’s academic performance. School social workers also ensure a safe environment for children, helping them with certain issues like aggressive or attention deficit behavior and bullying. They can also work under the title of child welfare counselor.

3. Medical or clinical social worker
Healthcare social workers can be found in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, or even in hospice centers. These are licensed clinical social workers. A medical or clinical social worker’s job is to help client understand their diagnosis and implement the treatment advised to them. They help their client in making healthcare decisions, adjust their lifestyle and find an appropriate support group. They also help doctors understand the effect of diseases on clients’ mental and emotional health.

4. Mental health social worker
Due to the efforts of mental health social workers, patients now receive a far more humane treatment of certain mental illnesses rather than being thrown in asylums. They are also licensed clinical social workers, working in hospitals, nursing homes, or rehabilitation centers. Mental health social workers help clients by providing information on services such as support groups.

5. Substance abuse or rehab social worker
These professionals help people seek treatment for substance abuse, helping them achieve and maintain sobriety. They work in rehabilitation centers and hospitals. They also help their clients find support groups.

6. Government services social worker
Social workers can work with government bodies in formulating policies and developing programs for awareness of general public on certain social issues. They also work on improving health care, criminal justice, and child welfare issues. Many can work as advocates with the government, pushing it to change harmful laws.

What impact have social workers had in the past?

Major social work welfare initiatives were taken at the time of the 1st World War. Welfare workers then played an important role in ensuring human and civil rights of general public, more importantly slaves. Social workers worked hard on ending race and gender-based discrimination ensuring everyone has access to needed services and opportunities.  

Social workers were the key players in reforming the labor laws and establishing programs for unemployment insurance and disability pay.

From leaving people with mental illnesses in asylum to ensuring adequate medical and psychosocial treatment, healthcare social workers have played a pivotal role. The efforts of medical social workers have made health services more approachable for the common man.

Conclusion
Social workers have played a vital role in society by advocating for the most vulnerable members of the community. From providing services to shaping policies and programs, they have made a difference every day. They have helped people reconnect with their societal institutions. As society continues to face more complex issues, social worker services are required more than ever. Their contribution towards bringing positive change and building a more just society for all can never be understated.