Social workers help disadvantaged members of society access social services. They may work in government agencies, provide direct interventions, or offer counseling services. A bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field is required, and advanced degrees are often preferred. Social workers also act as advocates and policy advisers, and need to be knowledgeable about social service programs. They work in office environments and require networking skills.
A social worker is someone who works with disadvantaged members of society to help them access social services that may be beneficial. Also known as social workers, social workers can be found working in a wide variety of settings, from government agencies that set policy to offices that provide direct interventions to people in need. The pay for this type of work tends to be on the lower end of the scale, with people choosing to work in this field because they want to make a difference in other people’s lives.
To be employed as a social worker, someone must have a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, at a minimum. In many areas, people are expected to have advanced degrees, with a Master of Social Work (MSW) being especially helpful. Job seekers may also be required to take the civil service exam, as social work is usually a government position and on-the-job experience may be considered an additional qualification.
Some social workers provide counseling services to members of the public. They help people in need navigate the social services system to find out which programs they qualify for and how to apply. Other social workers may be assigned to work with people in need. A child welfare worker, for example, monitors low-income children, assessing their home environment and determining what kind of assistance they may need. The social worker can also determine when a child needs to be removed from a setting and placed in protective custody.
Members of the social services community can also interact with members of the broader community and work with private organizations that support social services and provide assistance to disadvantaged people. They can also act as policy advisers, offering recommendations to civic leaders and legislators. Social workers also act as advocates, helping their clients deal with situations that can be challenging, such as negotiating a reduction in the hospital bill or finding a place to live in an area where landlords are notorious for discriminating against beneficiaries of social services.
Social workers are extremely knowledgeable about the social service programs available in their areas, and are often required to attend continuing education courses to ensure they are up to date with the latest information in the field. They tend to work in office environments and need to have skills in networking with others in the social services field to help their clients. A good social worker is compassionate, understanding and knowledgeable, and has a service-oriented personal ethic.
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