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FACTOIDS:
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• In 1889, Jane Addams, an American social worker, cofounded Hull House in Chicago, one of the first community centers for the neighborhood poor.
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• After 1930, the federal government entered the field of social work on a large scale to cope with the effects of the Great Depression.
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• Despite popular belief, most child labor isn't done in sweatshops. It's most common in street vending, farmwork and household chores.
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- Social workers help people function in their environments, deal with their relationships, and solve personal and family problems. They assist families that have serious domestic conflicts, including those involving child or spousal abuse.
- Clients who face life-threatening diseases or social problems are also of concern to the social worker. These problems may include inadequate housing, unemployment, lack of job skills, financial distress, serious illness or disability, substance abuse, unwanted pregnancy or antisocial behavior.
- Through direct counseling, social workers help clients identify their concerns, consider effective solutions and find reliable resources. They consult and counsel clients and arrange for services that can help them. They then follow up to assure services are helpful and that clients are making proper use of the services offered.
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- In order to perform well as a social worker, one must be able to handle pressure, be objective and make sure to keep sensitive information confidential.
- Additionally, a social worker needs to be organized, goal-oriented, good at reporting, persistent, proactive, a good listener communicator.
- Social workers should also be emotionally mature, and they must be able to handle responsibility, work independently, and maintain good working relationships with clients and coworkers.
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- A bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) is the most common minimum requirement to qualify for a job as a social worker. However, majors in psychology, sociology and related fields may qualify for some entry-level work, but keep in mind that advanced degrees have become the standard for many positions, including work at health and mental health settings, public agencies, and supervisory, administrative and staff training.
- All states and the District of Columbia have licensing, certification or registration requirements regarding social work practice and the use of professional titles.
- The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) offers voluntary credentials. The Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) is granted to all social workers who have met established eligibility criteria. Social workers practicing in school settings may qualify for the School Social Work Specialist (SSWS) credential. Clinical social workers may earn either the Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW) or the more advanced Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW).
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- Employment of social workers is expected to increase at least 36 percent or more for all occupations through 2008. Social workers will be in large demand for health and other social services required by the aging Baby Boom generation. They will also be needed for the continuing concern about crime, juvenile delinquency, families in crisis and more.
- The number of social workers in hospitals and many larger, long-term care facilities will increase in response to need to ensure that the necessary medical and social services are in place when individuals leave the facility.
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Sources: Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics; Encyclopedia.com; The Columbia Encyclopedia; United Nations Children's Fund
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