Deciding what populations and types of clients with whom I want to work with, in the field of social work, is one of the most important decisions ever, regarding my career. From as early as childhood, I have always known that I want to work with children in whatever career I chose. Starting my career as a social worker and working with children and families is where I feel as though I belong. I would be the least comfortable working as a criminal justice social worker. Geriatric social work is another population that I would feel least comfortable working with. Homework 2
Deciding what populations and types of clients with whom I want to work with, in the field of social work, is one of the most important decisions ever, regarding my career. From as early as childhood, I have always known that I want to work with children in whatever career path I embarked on. After deciding education and teaching was not the career I wanted to choose as my forever career, I always envisioned myself being a child and family social worker. I feel so comfortable with this population because I have always felt a need to want to improve the quality of life for families and children. I did not have the best childhood-due to experiencing homelessness, addictions and having to mature at an early age, but I knew the warm feeling that I received when my family was together and thriving was the best. According to the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Work (NASW), “the primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppresses, and living in poverty” (NASW 2010). Children are one of the most vulnerable and helpless beings in the world, so they need someone to fight for them. This is the population is where I feel I can help to enhance the social functioning of children and families the most.
References: National Association of Social Work (2010). Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Work. Retrieved from http:// www.naswdc.org/pubs/code/default.asp (2010) Family. 2013. In Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved June 5, 2013, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/family