About Social Workers
Social workers try to improve society. Their clients can be as diverse as the homeless to the elderly. However, regardless of their area of practice, their goal is the same to make life better for those who are less fortunate.
Social work as a profession originated in the early twentieth century, as the government initiated more social programs for the overall benefits of society.
Social work no longer only focuses on assistance to the poor segments of society. The profession has evolved to serve the needs of families and individuals in various situations. These can include coordinating medical services for the elderly client to establishing safe housing for a victim of abuse.
Social workers typically practice as part of a team of professionals in meeting their client's needs. They often specialize in one area, which can include:
- General work
- Medical
- Counseling
- Disability
- Families and children
- Gerontology
Since the needs of society are always changing, the need for social workers is constantly growing. The US Labor Department expects the need to continue to grow at least until the year of 2016. This is a result of the growing baby boomer population as they reach retirement age and require more social service intervention.
For individuals considering entering the field of social work, it is important to have a genuine caring attitude for people. However, field work with clients is only part of a social worker's job. Many hours can be spent coordinating services, doing paperwork and meeting with other professionals.
Social workers must complete at least a bachelor's degree post-secondary education program at an accredited college or university in social work. For those who wish to practice as medical social workers, most agencies and hospitals require completion of a master's level program.
Upon completion of these required programs, social work graduates must then take and pass the required exams in order to practice as licensed social workers in their respective states.