Social Work

​
​ Social work is a health care-based profession that helps people, communities and
organizations overcome personal, economic and social challenges. Social justice, human rights
and collective responsibility are all central to the mission of social work, which is to promote
social development and enhance the well-being of individuals, families and communities.
According to the International Federation of Social Workers

“Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes

This approach means that a social worker has many tools, skills and resources to support
people in need, including but not limited to:
●​ Helping the person navigate the legal system to resolve a legal issue
●​ Communicating with other health care professionals, such as school counselors or
primary care physicians, on the person’s behalf
●​ Connecting people to organizations in the community for additional services or
assistance: for example, helping someone get assistance to pay their rent
●​ Advocating for social justice and change with nonprofit organizations, legislatures and
other governmental bodies
●​ Providing individual or family counseling services
●​ Diagnosing and treating the person for behavioral, emotional or mental health issues—if
you’re a licensed clinical social worker

Social workers help individuals, families and communities improve their quality of life.
They work with diverse populations, particularly those who are vulnerable, disadvantaged or
poverty-stricken. Social workers are advocates who raise awareness for populations such as
children, older adults and people with medical conditions.
Social workers may help people break the cycle of generational violence or overcome
addiction. Depending on their specialization, social workers may help people through the most
difficult or traumatic periods in their lives. Uplifting people in need is the driving force behind
social work.
There are seven key principles of social work developed by professor Felix Biestek. The
principles that Biestek identified address common questions of ethics in social work.
 1.​ Acceptance: This is a core principle of social work because it requires that a social
worker accepts their client as is. As Biestek noted: “Acceptance does not mean approval.
The object of acceptance is not ‘the good’ but ’the real.’” Once a client feels this
acceptance, it will be easier to open up to the social worker.
2.​ Individualization: This principle that every person is unique keeps social workers from
generalizing and making assumptions based on past clients or groups of people.
3.​ Self-determination: Clients have the right to make their own decisions. The social worker
should not impose their choices on a client or pressure them to come to a certain decision.
4.​ Non-judgmental attitude: A social worker is to remain unbiased, recognize that each
human being has dignity and worth and is neither good nor bad.
5.​ Confidentiality: Social workers protect their clients by ensuring information shared
remains confidential. This is crucial to develop trust and encourage the client to speak
freely.
6.​ Controlled emotional involvement: While a social worker should be dedicated to their
clients, they must maintain an objective emotional involvement.
7.​ Purposeful expression of feelings: Being a social worker requires a great deal of
emotional intelligence, recognizing the client’s need to freely express their feelings.

Different Types of Social Workers

1.​ Community social workers: These workers strive to heal and fix communities. They
assess problems and work to implement systems that solve them.
2.​ Criminal justice social workers: These social workers advocate for those in the criminal
justice system and their family members. They can connect those charged with crimes
and their families with resources.
3.​ Medical social workers: Health care social workers offer services to patients needing
emotional, financial and other types of support.
4.​ Military and veteran social workers: Working with those serving in the military is another
option for social workers. They counsel clients and support their families. They also help
clients transition to civilian life.
5.​ Child and family social workers: These social workers help children in unstable homes
and those who have undergone trauma. Child Protective Services check in on 3.2 million
children each year to help ensure their well-being.
 Thus, social work serves individuals and communities, helping them heal and grow.
Social workers have an incredible ability to improve the lives of others. The demand for social
workers is sizable, with immense potential for individuals who want to selflessly advocate for
marginalized people and groups. With the appropriate education, the opportunities to inspire
change are endless.