When you think of social work, does your mind go directly to working with child protection services? This is one of the sectors where social workers have been making a difference for decades. Different types of social workers can be found in various settings, including hospitals, schools, the military, prisons, and other private and public agencies.
Social workers can impact the community in several ways. They advocate for vulnerable populations while promoting social justice. They also provide support to communities, families, and individuals. Here are the four main types of social workers and their impact on the community.
School, Family, and Child Social Work
For child, family, and school social workers, their daily activities include providing counselling and support on various family-related topics. These topics range from connecting families and kids with resources and support networks to mental health and child abuse. In schools, social workers support students by addressing teenage pregnancy, behavioural issues, and truancy. They can also help families that have gone through a sudden illness or have lost a family member.
Social workers help arrange adoptions/find adoption homes for kids in need. They assess the kid’s safety and well-being, including identifying signs of neglect or abuse. To become a School, family, and child social worker, you must enrol in an online BSW social work program and earn your degree. To work in schools, you must get state credentials, which you can get by finishing the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in the SSW (School Social Work) program.
Social Workers in Medicine and Healthcare
Anyone who has gone through a health crisis understands the fiscal, emotional, and physical stress it causes. Social workers in this sector are trained to assist individuals experiencing various forms of hardship. They are equipped to aid patients and their families through terminal, acute, or chronic illnesses. They investigate child neglect/abuse and make referrals to other medical services. Healthcare social workers ensure patients have access to the best resources.
Military Social Workers
These social workers assist soldiers and veterans dealing with various mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Some of their primary roles include therapeutic intervention and counselling. They also provide resource coordination and case management, support, and advocacy to retired soldiers.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Social Workers
This career is perfect for individuals who love helping people with mental issues or those dealing with substance/drug abuse. These social workers offer group or individual psychotherapy, as well as crisis management services. They also allow the family members of these individuals to support them. Additionally, these social workers refer individuals to various resources, including outpatient treatment and housing. They collaborate with nurses, counsellors, and physicians, so having a background in psychology and medicine is crucial.
Endnote
There are several social work careers that anyone can join based on their speciality. However, a considerable percentage of employers require a social work degree to work in this field. To take part in more advanced jobs like offering psychotherapy treatment or diagnosing a mental health issue, you may need to get a master’s degree.
