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 every part of life, 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 how they affect the community.

School, Family, and Child Social Works

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 addressing truancy. They can also help families that have gone through a sudden illness or lost a family member.

Social workers help arrange adoption/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 join the online BSW social work programs and get your degree. To work in schools, you must get state credentials, which you can get by finishing the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in 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 aid people going through various kinds of hardships. 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 provide group or individual psychotherapy and crisis management. They also help the family members of these individuals to support them. On top of that, these social workers refer people to various resources, including outpatient treatment and housing. They collaborate with nurses, counsellors, and physicians, so having some psychology and medical knowledge is crucial.

Endnote

There are several social work careers that anyone can join based on their speciality. However, a huge 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.