Social Work Career
Occupation of a Social Worker Kimberly Whitfield HHS497: Health & Human Services Daniel Villa July 12, 2012
Table of Contents
* Introduction to Social Workers * Careers * What a Social Worker Does * Education Requirements * Work Settings * Culturally competent work with diverse populations * Career development * Future alternatives * Conclusion * References
Introduction to the life of a Social Worker;
Social work is a profession devoted to helping people function the best they can in their environment. This can mean providing direct services or therapy directly to people. It also can mean working for change to improve social conditions. The phrase "in their environment" points to a distinguishing characteristic of social work, one that sets it apart from other helping professions. Social workers help clients deal not only with how they feel about a situation but also with what they can do about it.
Many social workers work for social change as well. The victim of an assault benefits not only from therapy but also from efforts to curb neighborhood crime. If a client is under stress because illness has devastated the family finances benefits from efforts to reform the nation’s health care system.
Social workers spend time within an office or residential facility. These workers may also travel to visit clients, attend meetings or meet with service providers. Full-time social workers work the typical 40-hour work week and may work evenings to attend community meetings, meet with clients and handle emergencies.
A person looking for a career with meaning, action, diversity, satisfaction, and an abundance of options, should consider social work. Social workers are people who
Table of Contents
* Introduction to Social Workers * Careers * What a Social Worker Does * Education Requirements * Work Settings * Culturally competent work with diverse populations * Career development * Future alternatives * Conclusion * References
Introduction to the life of a Social Worker;
Social work is a profession devoted to helping people function the best they can in their environment. This can mean providing direct services or therapy directly to people. It also can mean working for change to improve social conditions. The phrase "in their environment" points to a distinguishing characteristic of social work, one that sets it apart from other helping professions. Social workers help clients deal not only with how they feel about a situation but also with what they can do about it.
Many social workers work for social change as well. The victim of an assault benefits not only from therapy but also from efforts to curb neighborhood crime. If a client is under stress because illness has devastated the family finances benefits from efforts to reform the nation’s health care system.
Social workers spend time within an office or residential facility. These workers may also travel to visit clients, attend meetings or meet with service providers. Full-time social workers work the typical 40-hour work week and may work evenings to attend community meetings, meet with clients and handle emergencies.
A person looking for a career with meaning, action, diversity, satisfaction, and an abundance of options, should consider social work. Social workers are people who
References: Brewer, M. (n.d.). Mississippi Hospital Association. Retrieved July 13, 2012, from Health Careers Center2004: http://www.mshealthcareers.com/careers/socialworker.htm Burger, W. R. (2008). Human Services in Comtemporary America 8th Edition, . New York: Brooks/Cole. Careers, N. (2006, September). NHS Careers. Retrieved July 13, 2012, from NHS Carrers Social Work: http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/details/default.aspx?id=519 CollegeBoard.org. (2012). Career: Child, Family, and School Social Workers. Big Future . Prospects. (2011, November). Social worker : Job description. Retrieved July 13, 2012, from AGCAS & Graduate Prospects Ltd : http://www.prospects.ac.uk/social_worker_job_description.htm Statistics, B. O. (2009, December 17). Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition. Retrieved July 12, 2012, from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Community-and-Social-Service/Social-workers.htm Workers, N. A. (2006). Indicators for Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice. Retrieved July 13, 2012, from National Association of Social Workers: http://www.naswdc.org/diversity/intl/012606.asp